Kristie Howard has a clear grasp of the trends. In her 28th year of teaching, Kristie teaches math to seventh-grade students at Elise Middle. Although she’s spent her whole career at the same school – and has been working with those in seventh grade for 27 years – Kristie has seen a good deal of change, specifically when it comes to the kids she instructs.
“It’s changed a lot,” she says. “Kids now – they’re not fighters. They’re just a lot calmer.”
Much of the relaxed outlook may have to do with how time is spent when not in school.
“Technology has changed a lot of things,” Kristie says. “When I was in school, we made do with what we had.”
Changes may be prevalent, but the mission remains consistent. Teachers need to overcome obstacles and connect with students.
“You have to talk to them on their level,” Kristie advised. “You need to listen to the students. It shows them you do care. If you listen, they’ll do anything.”
As for the strategy used, Kristie, the mother of two children, keeps it simple.
“I want to treat my kids like I’d want teachers to treat my own kids,” she says.
A particular advantage that comes with being at the same school for close to three decades is familiarity. Many parents of current students had Kristie as a teacher when they were younger.
“I’ve probably taught 90 percent of the parents,” she says. “Because I know the parents, they’ll help me with anything. We have good parents and good kids.”
Another strength Kristie has is the ability to understand where young people are coming from.
“I can relate to the kids real easy,” she says. “Kids that age don’t look too far ahead of them.”
Entering a classroom that has a welcoming atmosphere can be refreshing.
“I’m easygoing, but there’s a line not to cross,” Kristie, a native of Moore County, says.
Sometimes, that line is approached.
“There’s never a dull moment in seventh grade,” Kristie says.
Before getting into teaching, other careers were considered.
“I ended up being a math teacher,” Kristie, who lived three doors from Westmoore Elementary as a child, says. “Originally, I wanted to go into radiology.”
Before earning a degree in teaching from Greensboro College, which she attended at night, she earned her first undergraduate degree in business administration.
Located in the College Hill District of Greensboro, Greensboro College first opened its doors almost 200 years ago.
Kristie’s days at Elise run from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
“I normally get home about 4 p.m.,” she says.
Away from school, Kristie devotes her time to her son, in fifth grade, and her daughter, who’s in seventh grade.
“My son likes to hunt and fish,” she says. “My daughter plays on two travel softball teams.”
Being around those she loves is key for the veteran educator.
“I’m a family person. It just means a lot to me,” Kristie says.
If you have a teacher you would like to nominate to be showcased in this series, please email [email protected].
Feature photo: Kristie Howard. Contributed photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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