The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Meet the teacher: Mary Kilber
Kilber strives to reach every child
PUBLISHED: March 27, 2008
Name: Mary Kliber
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Age: 35
Family: One superhero husband, William; one black Labrador, Cooper; and two old kitties, Ralphie and Maggie.
Education: Master's degree in teaching from the University of Michigan.
Native of: Southeastern Michigan.
Teaching experience: This is my fifth year of teaching.
School you teach at: Symons Elementary School in Milan.
Grade/subject you teach: Third grade.
Favorite subject in school: Math and reading.
Least favorite subject in school: Grammar.
Something people would be surprised to know about you: I like to trap and skeet shoot, and can take apart and put back together a shotgun.
Most influential person in your life: My parents first and foremost, but also a plethora of wonderful writers who I have spent my life reading and learning from.
Quote to live by: "Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire."
What do you like most about teaching?
Every day is full of surprises, never a dull moment and sharing the growing years with kids.
What do you like least about teaching?
The paperwork.
What is the most challenging part about teaching?
Making sure you reach every child in every subject and urge them forward.
What are some of the goals you set for students?
I hope for them to be self-sufficient, to aspire to great things and to believe in their abilities.
How do you handle a disruptive student?
I try to address the issue in private when possible. This hopefully prevents a disruption to the lesson, allows for private reconciliation and doesn't reinforce negative attention.
How do you handle a student who doesn't focus well?
I try to determine what could be a distraction and remove it when possible, and talk with the student about what they feel helps.
What do you tell parents about being involved in their children's education?
I can't emphasize talking to children enough. Many students have so much to say but little time to communicate their hopes, desires and feelings.
Are students feeling more pressure to succeed today?
I do think there is more pressure on today's students in terms of academics, but this preparation for our future work force is necessary. From generation to generation, pressures change. Students now will need to be able to adapt to fast changing technology.
Walk us through a typical day for you?
I rise around 5:30 a.m., leave the house about 7 a.m., arrive at school at 7:30, teach from 9 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., work after school until 5 or 5:30 p.m., arrive home about 6 p.m., walk my dog Cooper, make dinner, do paperwork, watch one of my favorite TV shows, read one my many books, talk with my husband when he arrives home, head to bed around 10:30 or 11 p.m. — lather, rinse, repeat.
How has your job changed over the years?
The use and implementation of technology is huge change in my short teaching career. I began my career in another district and in coming to Milan was exposed to technology I had never even seen before. Once you find the time to learn the software, you realize that you are a part of a revolution in teaching.
What do you like most about teaching in Milan?
It is a small, family-centered, tight-knit community and yet open to new-comers.
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