Ariel Morris

I grew up in a home where I was never noticed or heard. Becoming a teacher, allows me to give back to my students what I was not given. Confidence, support, love, and consistency. I want to help students build their confidence whether that is academically or socially. So, that they are better prepared to enter society as adults who are well rounded, hard workers, problem solvers, empathetic and critical thinkers.

My first year teaching, I worked in a kindergarten classroom as an intern. I was given a student who was in the foster care system, and had struggled through all forms of abuse. Most nights I remember driving home and crying feeling like I didn’t know how to help her. She went from flipping desks, screaming at me and other students, to settling into routines and procedures, and forming such a strong connection with everyone in our school. To this day, that little girl still drives my motivation.

I would take my family, who has missed a lot of time with me since I started teaching, because of tutoring, or extra duties in my classroom, on a vacation. I would spend a few days spending time with my husband and two daughters, because they have been the nucleus to supporting me through this crazy teaching journey. Many days and nights I was gone for 12+ hours working. My husband worked full time, and took care of both of our girls while I interned, and finished my teaching credential program.