This week's Teacher of the Week is a very motivated and excited teacher who loves going to work every day. She shares her joy of teaching with her littles and sees how much they grow and learn when they are with her. She wants to make a difference in the lives of children in even just tiny ways. Erica loves teaching so much, even when things get tough.  She can’t wait to go to work every day, and she knows that love will never change.

What is your greatest teaching moment?

Wow.  Hmm, I don’t think there is just one.  Certain days (must be noted that I’m sappy), small things my students do can bring tears of joy to my eyes.  Just this week, another one of my students started to read, and I couldn’t contain how proud of was.  I don’t know who was beaming with pride more, me or my student.  One of the coolest parts of teaching is when they achieve something new, and I get the luxury of experiencing those moments all the time.  Besides, I don’t know many other jobs where you can get 50+ hugs per day!  On my saddest day, the kids walk through the door, and I don’t even remember why I was upset.  It’s a joy to be a teacher.

What is your advice for teachers who are just starting out?

Don’t ever forget that every child in your class is someone’s whole world.  There will be times where you feel both exhausted and overwhelmed, but I promise you, when you keep your heart on what matters, the children, you will keep a bright smile on your face despite the small blips in the road.  Oh, and also download Bloomz… You’ll be in great shape.  I sure wish I had the app my first year!

What is your favorite children’s book?

I just love Owen by Kevin Henkes!  He is just the cutest mouse, and the children at my age level are able to connect so much to the story.  I actually like anything Kevin Henkes writes!

What do you love about Bloomz?

I don’t even know where to begin about Bloomz!  It has been such a help in my classroom this year!  I adore both the conferencing scheduler and sign-ups for classroom supplies.  But what I like best of all?  Most definitely being able to instantly send my parents and families videos of their children!  I have received such amazing feedback about this, and especially with teaching Pre-K, it puts the parents at ease!  This time of year though, my favorite videos to send are those of the children reading.  The students love sharing it just as much as I do.

Erica Bristor graduated from Slippery Rock University, and is currently in her 3rd year of teaching. She teaches Pre-K at Hinojosa EC/PK Early Childhood Center in Texas. 

If you'd like to participate in the Teacher of the Week program, please visit our page here and let us know about you; we'd love to hear your story!