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Can you tell us about yourself?
“Hi, my name is Lori Hagee. I am a 4th grade teacher at Neil Armstrong Elementary School, located in Morrisville, IN just a few miles southwest of Indianapolis. Morrisville is better known as the home of the Indiana state flag. I am currently in my 19th year of teaching in the Morrisville school system and I have taught the last 18 years at Neil Armstrong”
Why did you start a career in education?
“I did not begin my career in education until 10 years after I graduated college. Immediately after graduating I went to work for an insurance company. Towards the end of those 10 years, I found myself in a position where I was training adults at a call center. It was during that time that I realized my calling was working with children and not adults. I also had 2 young sons who were approaching school age and I wanted to have a schedule that mirrored theirs.”
If you could have any other job what would it be and why?
“My sweet grandmother taught me how to bake at a very young age, so 40 plus years later I found myself enjoying making homemade cakes, cookies, pies and brownies for family, friends and co-workers. Maybe someday when I retire, I’ll become a baker.”
How are kids different now than 30 years ago?
“I believe today’s students have a lot more distractions and face more challenges in today’s world than students of 30 years ago.”
How is teaching different now than 30 years ago?
“So, how has teaching changed? The biggest change in teaching is with technology and testing. More schools are going 1:1 and there seems to be more standardize testing than ever before.”
What would you tell someone who wants to become a teacher?
“So, what would I say to someone who is thinking about becoming a teacher? Do your research. Observe teachers at different types of schools rather it be public, private, charter, urban, suburban, and rural settings. Talk to current educators; talk to former educators but ultimately form your opinion and follow your heart.”
What is one thing you would change to help kids learn better?
“I believe students would learn better if I could eliminate the hours and hours of standardize testing that occurs each year. Teaching to a test accomplishes nothing and is not teaching. Thank you.”