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Can you tell us about yourself? 

 "Hi, my name is Heather Gallagher and I am a 7th and 8th grade ELL teacher at Fremont Middle School here in Fremont, NE. This is my 8th year actually teaching. The whole time I have been teaching English Language Learners."

Why did you start a career in education?

"Why did I start my career in education? Well, I started teaching because every since I was little, I know its clique, I have actually wanted to be a teacher and after almost 10 years I am definitely certain this is my calling especially in the specific area that I teach."

If you could have any other job what would it be and why?

"I could have have any other job, I would probably want to something that is helping families or children. Probably something with social would be what I wanted to do."

How are kids different now than 30 years ago?

"How are kids different now than 30 years ago? Well, this one is kind of hard because I am only 31 years old myself but I think there's obviously more technology even since when I was a kid and so that's a huge change. I know there are lots of little things too like things that are taught that are no longer taught anymore. There are a lot of behaviors things too but I think the biggest thing is probably the technology."

How is teaching different now than 30 years ago?

 "How is teaching different now than 30 years ago? This is something that I really cannot answer. Just thinking about when I was in school though, I would say that most of the teaching that I see taking place in my building takes place online or on a computer which is definitely different from when I was in school and probably way different than 30 years ago. I would say that's probably the biggest thing is again that technology and students doing lots of things with computers. I mean there are some classes that they don't even have textbooks. Its online. So, that's a huge difference, I think."

What would you tell someone who wants to become a teacher?

"What would you tell someone right now if they were thinking of becoming a teacher? I would tell them that this is truly a rewarding job and if they are passionate about helping youth then this is definitely the perfect career field and even though sometimes things maybe difficult; it really truly is rewarding."

What is one thing you would change to help kids learn better?

"What is one think you would change to help kids learn better? So, as much as I love technology, I think somethings still need to be taught the old fashioned way. For example, I think writing is a great example with so much relying on texting and typing students just have a really hard time with writing in general and I think texting and typing kind of hinders that. Handwriting is atrocious a lot of times and I think writing is just a lost art. Kids just don't want to write anymore and I'm not even sure typing is always the best answer because a lot of students just don't know how to type either. I think not having everything be technology focused would be good for students and at the same time I think a lot of hands on things are good for students for helping them learn. Anyway, I hope that answered all the questions, Thank you!"