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Can you tell us about yourself?
"Hello. My name is Jennifer Fuller and I work at Coolidge Elementary School in Lansing, Illinois. I am the learning resource director, which means I'm in charge of the library as well as the technology for the school. Um, I have been at the school for 18 years, 16 of those years. I taught fourth grade and the last two I have been in the library. So I'm back at school to be the library again."
Why did you start a career in education?
"I've always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was little "
How are kids and teaching different now than 30 years ago?
"Things have definitely changed since I started. First of all, the kids are different. You can't teach the way you once were able to. Um, they don't even learn the same way anymore. Taking many classes over the years that tell you that their brains are wired differently. So, um, that's a little bit about why I think they're a little bit different, but it's still fun. You have to reach them in different ways. So that's why I love this job because I am able to use computers to help them learn as well as use different maker space ideas and STEM projects."
If you could have any other job what would it be and why?
"And I was not a teacher, I would be a crafter. I love crafting. I just think it's something fun to do."
What would you tell someone who wants to become a teacher?
"If somebody wanted to be a teacher, I'd probably tell them to think twice because there is a lot more to it than they realize and it's not the job that they think it is anymore."
What is one thing you would change to help kids learn better?
"If I could involve the kids and parents more, I think that would totally change the way that the school is put together. So thank you for watching. Have a good day."