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Can you tell us about yourself? 

"My name is Lesley Keel and I teach at Southern Nash Middle School. I am a STEM teacher in Spring Hope, NC. This is my 4th year teaching." 

Why did you start a career in education?

"Why did I start a career in education? I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students. Middle school is such an impressional age where they really look up to you as a teacher for much more than just an education. They often seek advice, life skills, and help on important life decisions. Some students have no one supporting them at home or in life. I want to be that person to help cheer them on, help them, and encourage them to do their very best." 

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

"If I could have any other job it would be a Christian sports camp. I would start a Christian sports camp. I think it would be an awesome experience that would connect kids to Jesus Christ while playing sports and having fun." 

How are kids different now than 30 years ago?

"Kids different now than 30 year ago, I think they are a lot different. Social media and technology has really impacted them in how they learn. Kids are much more easily distracted. They can't stay focused for long and often expect to just be handed things and not work for them. I think laziness is much more normal than it ever was in years past."

How is teaching different now than 30 years ago?

"How is teaching different than 30 year ago, learning is done a lot more on the computers. Like I said, they are expected to be handed things versus the teacher just standing up and lecturing than 30 years ago. I think most students on the computer or activities using the computer."

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

"What would you tell someone right now that was interested in teaching or considering it, do it. There is no greater profession than the rewarding teaching is. It's hard but it is so worth it."

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

"What is one thing you would change to help kids learn better? I would have less testing. Students feel so pressured these days on standardized tests and just the weight of the importance on it. I would do a lot less testing. I believe students would learn better. They would perform better just in classroom everyday things without the teacher simply teaching to the test. That's so often that happens. Thank you."