This is a must-listen for those who want to get into the mind of a teacher. 

Alicia Quan and Sarah Mondestin interview Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year. Missy shares her journey from aspiring to be a teacher from a young age to becoming a specialist in teaching English as a second language in Rogersville, Tennessee. 

Reflecting on her career, Missy discusses the importance of face-to-face teaching, the integration of technology in education, and the challenges and rewards of being an educator. 

The conversation also explores the role of AI in classrooms, the importance of reducing non-instructional tasks for teachers, and the balance of motherhood and a teaching career. Missy emphasizes the value of interacting directly with students and shares her experiences with mentors, technology, and personal anecdotes about balancing work and family life.

Follow Missy on LinkedIn, Instagram, and her website. 

Chapters

00:15 - Missy's Early Inspiration

01:22 - Missy's Teaching Journey

06:49 - Early Tech in Education

12:32 - First Year Teaching Challenges

15:19 - Tech Tools in Modern Teaching

24:49 - Digital Natives and Tech Integration

25:42 - AI in Education

27:09 - Face-to-Face Teaching vs. Tech

30:15 - The Role of Language in Child Development

31:47 - EdTech Trends and Teacher Workload

35:44 - AI's Impact on Education

43:33 - Balancing Work and Motherhood

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