Bronco Spotlight: Faith Lambert
Bachelor of Science in child and family development, 2018
Teacher at Head Start for Kent County
I am a preschool teacher. I start my morning preparing quietly while waiting for busses to arrive. Once the kids come in, it's my job to lead 'rug time'. This is where we learn about the alphabet, numbers, read books, and have dance parties. We also enjoy breakfast and lunch together. We get recess time outside, and the kids lay down for a nap. While they nap, I spend time on documentation for report cards, lesson planning, responding to parent emails and voicemails, and printing or copying papers. At the end of the day, I put the kids on the bus, and have time before I clock out to prepare for the next day. Through Head Start, all our school supplies are provided, so I do not have to spend any of my own money if I don't want to. I do have a goal of becoming a coach someday. That would mean I help teachers become the best they can be, and help them set up their classroom for success. I can do this with my current degree. If I can, I would love to be an infant/toddler coach as that's my sweet spot age!
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The most rewarding part is watching kids learn and realizing, I taught them that. I had a kid just last week already know his name starts with a 'D'. I was so proud of him! Watching kids understand how to walk in line, sit at 'rug time', and understand how to act in a classroom makes the job worth it! The most challenging part is the parents who obsessively check in, or tell me how to do my job. But we as teachers work together and support each other!
Which of your skills had the biggest impact on your success?
Being able to be a teacher. I know that sounds cliché, but the whole 'those who can do, and those who can't teach' is complete nonsense. You have to know how to teach and be capable of it. You have to be able to be around kids and not go completely crazy. You have to be able to understand that kids lashing out isn't anything personal against you. You have to be able to turn work off when you go home. Separate your personal life from your work life. It's all part of being a teacher. Being able to be goofy and excited with the kids matters so much. Oh, and you have to be a team player. You have to be able to work with other teachers, and have teacher friends. Love your coworkers! They're going nuts too.
What advice do you have for students looking for their career after college?
Don't assume you'll get into your beloved career choice immediately after graduation. The big thing after graduation is supporting yourself financially. Stick to something in your career field after college, but realize your dream job might come later. That's ok! I am currently working in a job that I didn't expect to love, but I do, it's in my career field, and now I can have a goal of getting into my dream job later! Don't think you have to peak at 25. I'm 25 and I definitely haven't peaked! I have a lot to look forward to in the future! Don't be discouraged by what is out there. Just find something you enjoy, use your degree, and realize there's still life to live and dream jobs to find!