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Can you tell us about yourself? 

Hello. My name is Lacy Havard. I am the special education teacher at Dunbar Primary in Lufkin, Texas. This is my second year at Dunbar, but my eighth year teaching is all with Lufkin ISD, Which is something I've always wanted to do. I did. However, let others convince me otherwise I have to go into business whenever I was in my college years.

Why did you start a career in education?

 It’s something I've always wanted to do. I did. However, let others convince me otherwise I have to go into business whenever I was in my college years.

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

So I actually have a degree in business and then went through alternative certification. If I couldn't teach my own preschool, I love working at working with early learners. 

How are kids different now than 30 years ago?

I have never taught students older than second grade. I think the main difference today that versus 30 years ago is the use and dependence on technology. I've taught many children who have lacked social skills because of the overabundance of technology in the home. I think technology is an asset. However, I also think it needs to be closely monitored and used for an age appropriate length of time.

How is teaching different now than 30 years ago?

Teaching Is different now than 30 years ago. For a few reasons. One of the main reasons is the increase of academic rigor and expectations. When I was in kindergarten, it was basically structured play and social-emotional skills with a little bit of academics. Now, children are learning what I learned in first and second grade and kindergarten also feel like schools are more data driven, which is good, but that sometimes causes educators and other staff members to lose focus on the most important people, the children and their needs. 

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

I would tell them that teaching is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. There's no feeling that compares to seeing a child work hard and succeed and being a major part of their success. I would also tell them not to do it just for the days off as a teacher. Um, my mind is constantly wondering, and looking for new ideas to implement and ways to do things better. Even when I'm on vacation. There are also many tasks that must be done on our days off related to the classroom. The main thing I would want them to understand prior to becoming a teacher is that they must do their best to keep the children first. If they cannot keep the children first, they should not consider teaching.

What would you change to help kids learn better?

One thing I would change to kids learning better. If I had the ability, I would make education more developmentally appropriate across the board. Many things educators are expected to teach and students are expected to master. According to the state standards are not necessarily developmentally or age appropriate.