Teachers Getting Schooled in the First Week of Classes

The first week of school in Montgomery County had many students excited about learning. The Kindergarten class at Flowers School had already learned a lot their first few days.

Aliyah learned her colors, Brindon learned the rules about not kicking or hitting other students, and the whole class learned their first teacher – Ms. Amy Williams – loves them like they are her own children.

“Before they care about what you need to teach them, they need to know that you love them,” Williams says. “And that you’re they’re for them. And you are that second mom.”

Williams has taught in the school system for 26 years, and 25 of them have been teaching Kindergarten. She loves getting a chance to be the first ever classes for the youngest students.

“We’re the first teacher they have. So you know what they learn, they learn from you,” she says. “And from parents at home, but a lot of it’s you. And then watching them grow up, and then when they get in fifth grade and seeing how far they’ve come. It’s just very rewarding.”

But Williams has also seen a lot of changes in her time in the classroom. She remembers a time when her Kindergarteners only had to worry about nap time and what game they would play at recess. Now the five-year-olds will be learning to read and write by the time they head to first grade.

“Kindergarten used to be a lot of play. And we still incorporate play into how we learn. But it used to just be if they know they’re ABCs we’re good. Now we’re going to read, we have our standards to cover. So the rigor has increased definitely.”

Williams believes the best way for parents to help their kids retain and remember the lessons she teaches them during the day is to simply get involved.

“The more parents are involved, in the school and at home with their education, the easier it is,” she says. “And I know sometimes parents don’t know how to help, so if they just get with the teacher or there’s easy things they can do. It’s not complicated, it’s just talking with your child usually.”

To get connected with the Alabama Parent Teacher Association, click here.