As a high school student, you probably have more in your life to worry about than your teachers, such as your homework, college plans, or your future. However, teachers provide the essential foundation that elevates students into intelligent communicators and thinkers. Even teachers who have made a “bad” impression can still teach you valuable lessons about humanity that are outside of a textbook. Mrs. Koumoulis, a resident of the school’s second floor, has made it her mission to to hone today’s students into the effective teachers, or teachers who will make it their mission to make a positive difference. As a current Tomorrow’s Teachers cadet, the experiences that I have had both inside and outside of the classroom cannot be replicated in any other class. I collaborated with Mrs. Koumoulis with a list of questions about the class, and I walked out with a better understanding of Mrs. Koumoulis and why she has taken the time to mold today’s senior students into tomorrow’s teachers.

Questions:

What drew you to teaching this class, instead of teaching a more “traditional” class like math or history?

-I believe that I have always been an advocate for education with a desire to bring new programs to school, and I found the curriculum to be very important and relevant to the students who were thinking of this career.

What is your favorite part about teaching this class?

-My favorite part about teaching this class is getting to know the students in the beginning with our self-awareness unit, and I also enjoy reading the end-of-year portfolios because of the impressive insight of how our students become so professional, knowledgeable, and certain about their career goals.

In assignments we have done in the past, you have asked us for our philosophies on education. What is your personal philosophy on education?

-My philosophy always changes through my students’ influence, so my philosophy would be that education must be flexible and teachers must strive to change so what they are teaching is always relevant.

What has been one of your favorite moments that has happened this year in our Tomorrow’s Teachers class?

-One of my favorite moments that has happened this year is when I finally saw you all come together as a group with mutual respect and trust.

What do you think you have learned from all of your Tomorrow’s Teachers Cadets, both from this year and in years prior, by teaching this class?

-From my first four years, I learned how bright, articulate, and goal-oriented South students could be. In my fifth year, I learned how students could be socially segregating and possess the inability to do better. However, I learned that you don’t always have a good year in teaching. This year, I feel renewed because I have good students who are going to be good advocates for education, mothers, fathers, and citizens, which makes me feel humble.

What advice would you give to the outgoing seniors, both in your Tomorrow’s Teachers class and in the overall senior class?

-Always be the best that you can be. Enjoy life.
 My fellow Tomorrow’s Teachers cadets believe that they have learned about the challenges that come with being an educator and how to successfully overcome them with hard work, dedication, and passion. Although there have been some difficulties in the class, such as intense projects and our discoveries about the rigid education system, they are all part of education and we managed to persevere with some effort, creativity, and even a little laughter. As the year draws to a close and my fellow cadets take their wisdom to their respective colleges, I can only hope that next year Tomorrow’s Teachers class will be filled with students who are just as bright, dedicated, and passionate as the friends I have in this class today. If teaching is a profession that has caught your eye, do not miss out on this opportunity. While you will learn valuable lessons about academics and teaching, you will also get hands-on experience and the feeling of accomplishment as you achieve your goals. This class is truly one of a kind, and you will learn so much about education, your peers, and yourself as you take this unique journey.