The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Meet the teacher: Dan Adams
Adams utilizing technology
PUBLISHED: March 20, 2008
Name: Dan Adams
Advertisement
Age: 44
Family: Awesome wife, Teresa; and two amazing sons, Tyler, 10, and Blake, 8. I am one of six children, and I love being in a big family.
Education: Katz Elementary School in Munith, Stockbridge Middle School and high school, Jackson Community College, bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in elementary education and master's in language arts from EMU.
Native of: Michigan
Teaching Experience: 22 years
School you teach: Symons Elementary School
Grade/subject you teach: Fourth grade
Favorite subject in school: Math
Least favorite subject in school: Literature
Something people would be surprised to know about you: As much as I love teaching, I really wanted to replace Bob Barker as the host of "The Price Is Right."
Most influential people in your life: My parents and my fifth-grade teacher, Marilyn Potter.
Quote to live by: It's not a quote I live by, but one of my favorite quotes is: "My momma didn't raise no fool!" When my mother passed away several years ago, two of my students made me a touching card using the quote. The outside of the card said, "Your mom is an angel in heaven now, but don't ever forget..." and the inside said, "Your momma didn't raise no fool!"
What do you like most about teaching?
It's hard to pick one thing that I like the most. I absolutely love reading aloud to my class. I love working with kids and helping them learn. I love the fact that I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my students. I also like the fact that teaching keeps you young and brings out the "kid" in you.
What do you like least about teaching?
Grading papers and paperwork.
What is the most challenging part about teaching?
The most challenging part of teaching is meeting the needs of all students because they have such a wide range of skills and abilities.
What are some of the goals you set for students?
Respect others, work hard, do your best and always follow your dreams.
How do you handle a disruptive student?
It depends on the situation. I usually try to involve parents so we can all work together to improve the situation.
How do you handle a student who doesn't focus well?
I try to make lessons fun, engaging and hands-on so that these students are drawn into the lesson. I also try to balance out written work with active lessons so that students can focus on written assignments when they are required.
What do you tell parents about being involved in their children's education?
Read aloud to your child starting the day they are born -- some people even start before birth. Research shows that reading aloud to children is the single most important thing that we can do to improve reading achievement. Reading is the most important subject because it's used in all of the other subjects.
Are students feeling more pressure to succeed today?
Yes. Unfortunately, the huge emphasis on test scores has pressured educators and this pressure is being passed on to the students.
Walk us through a typical day for you?
I usually wake up around 6 a.m. I arrive at school between 7 and 7:30. Before students arrive, I enter grades in a computerized grade book and prepare materials for the day. Students arrive at 9 a.m., and I always like to be at the door to greet them.
I teach math and writing in the morning. After that, students go to their special classes (art, music, physical education, etcetera), recess, and then lunch.
I teach language arts and science in the afternoon. After science, I end the day by reading aloud to the class. Right now, I am reading a great book by Kate DiCamillo, "The Tale Of Despereaux."
Dismissal is around 3:45. I like to be at the door to say, "Goodbye," to each student, and I teach them to make eye contact as they leave.
After school, I enter more grades, make parent phone calls, and try to do some general housekeeping. I am usually home by 5:30 for dinner. After dinner, I enjoy spending time with my family. After my sons are in bed, I usually watch "On the Record with Greta VanSusteren" and grade papers. I'm in bed by 11:30.
How has your job changed over the years?
I am using more and more technology every day. New technology has helped me teach and helped my students learn. We had purple dittos when I started teaching, so I am very grateful for our two magical copy machines.
What do you like most about teaching in Milan?
I feel blessed to work with a staff that is like my second family.
Not all stories are guaranteed to appear
online. The Web edition contains a reasonable
sampling of the print edition stories.
For the most complete news coverage, we invite you to
subscribe
to the print edition of the paper.
Expanded
Web
Coverage
Staff Blog, "Inside The Newsroom"
TOP JOBS
