The Dexter Leader
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Meet the teacher: Brian King
PUBLISHED: March 6, 2008
Name: Brian King
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Age: 48
Family: Bonnie, my wife, teaches second grade in Garden City. I have three sons. Brett is a junior at Michigan State University studying Telecommuni-cation, Brandon is a sophomore at University of Michigan-Dearborn studying Computer and Electrical Engineering and Brad is a sixth-grader and in Garden City Public Schools.
Education: BA from Adrian College in Adrian, with majors in Elementary Education and Physical Education and a minor in Health; a Master's degree in Reading from Eastern Michigan University.
Native of: Midland
Teaching experience: Taught four years in Belleville (Van Buren Public Schools) and 19 years in Dexter.
School where you teach: Wylie Elementary
Grade/subject you teach: Third Grade
A book you would recommend to one of your students?†
"The BFG (Big Friendly Giant)" by Roald Dahl
Favorite subject in school: When I was in school I liked math and reading the best.
Least favorite subject in school: I did not like typing class. I guess I didn't realize I would need these skills for computers later in life.
Something people would be surprised to know about you: I have spent most of my life around baseball. I played, have coached baseball for more than 20 years, have coached as many as three teams (house and travel) at the same time, and I go to Tigers games as often as I can. I watch as many games as I can on TV. I even do winter workouts with my boys each year.
Most influential person in your life: My wife Bonnie has been the most influential person in my life for several reasons:
In college I was in the Physical Education program at Adrian and she talked me into getting my elementary education certificate as a second major. This helped me get my first job teaching sixth grade in Belleville.
She has given me three wonderful children, and being with them is the most important thing in my life.
She keeps me organized.
Quote to live by: "Do what you are supposed to do." If you do this, you will not have any trouble in school.
What do you like most about teaching?†
I like working with the students.† Early in my career I was a Reading Consultant here in Dexter.† As the reading consultant I wasn't able to spend much time with students.† I went back into the classroom to stay because I missed working with kids.
What do you like least about teaching?†
Paperwork.
What is the most challenging part of your job?†
Keeping up with the technology changes.
What are some of the goals you set for students?
I want my students to be able to read at or above grade level. I also want them to understand multiplication and know their multiplication facts before they leave third grade. These are some very basic skills that will serve them well in the future grades.
How do you get students to focus in class?
I think that school has to be fun and interesting. I tell a lot of stories and try to personalize the lessons. I also play at recess with my students daily. We play things like 4-square or kickball. My students love this and it gives me a chance to teach them to follow rules and how to get along.
The benefits of this carry over into the classroom and help them focus. I have many students come back to see me after they graduate and ask if I'm still playing kickball and if I'm still playing 'Mr. King Rules' in 4-square.
How do you communicate with a parent, and do you have a Web site for parents?
I have a biweekly newsletter for parents to let them know what we've been doing and what is coming up. I would say that most of my communication with parents is done by e-mail.
Are students feeling more pressure to succeed today, and why?†
Yes, I think students are feeling a lot more pressure to succeed today. I feel the biggest reason for this is the Michigan Educational Assessment Program test. It is driving all that we do in school and sometimes this means having to teach students things they may not be developmentally ready to learn.
What are the pros and cons to technology in the schools?†
A pro is being able to instantly communicate with parents through e-mail. A con is that there is little time to use computers in the elementary classroom without having a lab.
Walk us through a typical school day for you:
We usually start the day with a class discussion. It might be a current event, or something going on in someone's life or even just the daily or weekly plan. It gives us a chance to build community.† We then have our reading and writing time. Right now we are studying Realistic Fiction.
Next we would have one of our specials — gym, media, art, world cultures or music.† When they got back from one of these specials we would have a snack and recess.† Then we would have science or social studies, then lunch.†
After lunch we always take time to read silently every day.† This is when I pull groups for extra instruction. In the afternoon we have an hour of math, cursive writing, spelling and recess.
What could be changed or done differently to make teaching more effective?†
I think our teaching is pretty effective in Dexter. I think learning about technology and how we can better utilize it will make our teaching more effective.
What makes the Dexter school district unique or special?
We have great support from the community in this district.
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