Educator Spotlight: Megan Cassidy
Meet Megan Cassidy
What grades do you teach, and/or your title/role?
I am a third grade elementary math and science teacher.
What school, district or institution do you work for? Location?
I currently teach at Tinicum School, which is located in the Interboro School District in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
Who inspired you to become an educator?
I became a teacher because I have always loved school, but specifically because of my first grade teacher Miss Clark, my sixth grade teacher Mr. Kearney, and one of my high school teachers, Dr. Stephey. Each of these teachers took time to create a relationship with me and always went above and beyond for all of their students.
What motivates you?
I am motivated to build relationships and be a cheerleader for all of my students. Teaching is more than just curriculum. I try to work hard and do my best so that my students can be their best. Watching them grow and complete difficult tasks is very inspiring. I not only look for their growth with my subject areas, but also with activities outside of school. How are they doing in sports, clubs, and so on? Being part of a student's education is an honor, and watching them succeed is what I enjoy most.
What advice would you give to your first-year teacher self?
The advice I would give my first-year self is to never hesitate to ask questions and get help. You are not expected to be the best and know everything. Learn as much as you can from veteran teachers.
What do you wish more people knew about being an educator?
Being an educator is more than just curriculum. You are working with children who are coming to you with all different types of home life situations. I always say to my class that it is my job to be fair to every one of them. What fair looks like—it means that you are getting what you need from me. Some students need a hug or a listening ear; others need me to focus on a new strategy so they can learn best. Whatever a student needs, the teacher provides in order for them to be successful.
What do you love most about Bridges curriculum/math apps/MLC?
To be honest, I always feel like I am a spokesperson for Bridges, and I never feel that way about a product. Bridges is the first curriculum that I have used to teach math where I have seen an extreme amount of growth. The way Number Corner works and provides knowledge to upcoming units, the way lessons are spiraled throughout, the way it gets kids to use their brains (think about their thinking) and has strong number sense—this program really has a lot of great benefits for children.
What do you love most about working with students?
What is there not to love? Being part of a student's education is an honor. They depend on and trust you to give them the best, and when you have that trust, they are willing to work hard for you. Reminding students where they started and how much they have grown, watching the smiles on their faces when they see and understand what they once thought was so hard now seems so easy, all of these are just a few reasons why I love working with students.
What’s your math story? In other words, how do you feel about math and why?
When I was a child going through school, math was OK. I was just OK with it. I always did well on tests and in class, but I did not necessarily love it. Now as an adult and knowing how much math plays a role in our lives, I love it. I love teaching children how to manipulate numbers in their heads and watching their proud faces when that connection is made to math and real life.If you would like to nominate an educator to be highlighted, please email amberc@mathlearningcenter.org.