Teacher Appreciation Week Spotlight: Haley Howard
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, UA Little Rock is highlighting current and future educators. Haley Howard will graduate this semester with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Middle Childhood Education with plans to become a full-time educator in the fall.
Tell us about your plans post-graduation.
My plans post-graduation are to teach 8th grade mathematics at Bauxite Middle School, as well as be the head junior high volleyball coach and assistant coach for high school softball.
Tell me a little about your day-to-day activities as someone who is about to graduate college.
Busy! Seriously, so much going on constantly. While I did just finish up my internship at Bauxite, I also was an intern coach for 7th grade volleyball there. I am currently interning with softball as well, so my afternoons are full of games for the most part during the week.
With that, I coach club volleyball at Elite Volleyball Academy in Bryant, and we just finished up that season. I love spending time with my husband Landon and dog Cache—going on walks, watching a good movie, etc. Now that we are experiencing some warmer weather, I will be spending a lot of time out in the sun.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Becoming a teacher has truly always been the future I had in mind for myself. Being an educator allows me to play a vital role in so many lives. Knowing I can be a positive influence and leader for those in my classroom is something I hold tight to. Being the reason kids enjoy math, allowing them a comfortable and loving place to learn, and watching them grow in their education and become strong young adults is something I will never take for granted. I was blessed to have many influential teachers throughout my learning, and my desire is to be the same for my students.
What are you looking forward to most as a teacher?
The biggest thing I am looking forward to as a teacher is getting to experience growth with students and their individual learning. Seeing the light bulb turn on when it all seems to come together are moments that remind me why I do what I do.
Do you have any advice for someone who is looking into joining the field of teaching?
Go for it! It’s such a rewarding career. Just like any, there are hard days, but you are constantly reminded why you are doing what you do.
How has your experience at UA Little Rock shaped your journey in becoming a teacher?
WOW! This program has been amazing to me. I want to point out a few who have played such a huge role in my education at UA Little Rock: Dr. Pinneo, Professor Mashburn, and Professor Langley. They are amazing at what they do to say the least. They have made my journey through this program feel so relaxed because of their strong organization and communication they have shown throughout the program.
Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that you use/plan to use in the classroom?
“It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.” Each student is in control of their own education, and we must focus on ourselves and not others. You never want to find yourself comparing someone else to yourself.