Guest blog: Keynote preview for ISEA Fall Conference
09/30/2016

Dr. Amy Alexander, a chemistry teacher at Angola High School, asks Indiana Student Education Association (ISEA) members to start thinking about her keynote speech she will present at the ISEA Fall Conference.

What drives you as a future educator? What hat will you wear?

The ISEA Fall Conference Oct. 28 – 29 in Muncie aims to get our student members, who are pursuing degrees in education, career ready. This conference is the first step in your professional career. Take the step! Register for the ISEA Fall Conference!

Edited by Kara Seward

The hats we wear. Who are we as educators?

Defenders? Healers? Actors? Salesmen? In a word, yes.

We’ve all heard it – those who can’t do, teach. But, why teach when you could make so much more money doing something else?

As a passionate educator for over 18 years, I have a few ideas. After swearing to my mother, a third-grade teacher, that I would never be a teacher, I had a chance to teach a 100-level general chemistry lab as a senior in college. 

I was hooked. Never had I felt so comfortable, confident and at home as I did helping students understand content, especially those without an interest in chemistry. This was it. This was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Little did I know how many relationships, accomplishments and heartaches this decision would cause. I’ve gotten phone calls from former students who were part of a research grant to study one aspect of cancer. I’ve watched high school juniors grow into parents and professionals. I’ve attended a few funerals. But, that’s all part of this gig we call teaching. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. 

You see, teaching is about more than lesson plans and grading papers. It’s a people passion. As I type this, I can’t help but chuckle about how much of an introvert I really am. However, in the classroom, it’s not about me. It’s never been about me. It’s always been about my students, be they elementary kiddos hanging out for an hour, high school students taking a required science class or bright-eyed future educators. It’s about my kids – all of them.

So what hats have I learned to wear in my 18-year career? Well, lots. Join me at the ISEA Fall Conference Oct. 28 and 29, and bring a hat that represents an important aspect of teaching. Yes, really, bring a hat that says something about your profession. How do you envision yourself as an educator? Who do you think you will be? What is your passion? 

I’m excited to share my years of experience with you and be rejuvenated by your anticipatory enthusiasm for the journey you are about to begin. See you in Muncie!