Engaging her seventh grade students with adaptive lessons, a variety of activities, and integrated technology, April Sexton inspires them to learn while piquing students’ interest in science and preparing them for the modern world.  A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Western Maryland College and Phi Beta Kappa inductee, she has continued her education with a master’s degree in educational administration from McDaniel College and attendance at national and state conferences and workshops.  She is a three-time Carroll County “Outstanding Teacher” and a current candidate for National Board Certification.  Mrs. Sexton currently serves as an appointee to the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council and her school’s Instructional and Discipline Committees.  She has also served on her school and county School Improvement Teams and as well as on county curriculum writing teams.  She is also serving as an advisor for the Shiloh Ecology Club and a chaperone for the Ski Club.

How has the way you teach changed over the course of your career? What lessons have you learned?

I think the biggest change in my teaching has been the increasing use of technology in my classroom.  When I first started teaching 13 years ago, I made a very naive comment to myself, “why do I need to learn about computers, I am going to be a teacher.”  Now I think back on that comment and think how stupid it was.  I could not live without the technology I use.   Back then, I did not have a computer in my classroom.  Today, my daily lessons are on PowerPoint presentations with Internet links, software connections, and digital textbooks. 

Besides technology, becoming a parent and earning a degree in administration has also changed my teaching.  These two things have allowed me to view many different aspects of teaching from multiple perspectives.  As a result, I am able to make more informed decisions.

Perhaps the biggest lesson I have learned is in regard to communication.  Communication has been a major key to my success as a teacher.  Sending a postcard,  a positive e-mail message, or a phone call about something a child has done well goes a long way.  .

What advice would you give to a teacher who's starting their first year and feels overwhelmed?

The first year or two of teaching can be very overwhelming.  There are several pieces of advice I would give: (1) Have a clean, organized, and inviting classroom.  Believe it or not, the feel of the classroom can help set the tone of the class.  (2) Establish routines early, and have students involved in these routines whenever possible.  (3) Set your class apart from the rest.  (This does not mean you should not correct behavior.)  (4) Have a discipline plan.  Be firm, consistent, and fair.  (5) Have the students help establish classroom rules and expectations and list them in a positive manner.   (6) BrainQuest quizzes or similar trivia activities are great activities if class finishes several minutes early.

Teaching will consume a great deal of your time, but it is also important for you to take time for yourself.

What role does technology play in your teaching? What are its strengths and weaknesses?

Technology plays a huge role in my teaching.  With a classroom of 17 computers my students have technology at their fingertips everyday.  Technology in my classroom starts with the curriculum.   Lessons use daily PowerPoint presentations with Internet links, science software connections, and a digitized text.  The science text used by Carroll County has a great number of technology applications including:  PowerPoint presentations, video field trips, SciLinks, Active art, computerized lesson plans, computer generated tests and quizzes, and Internet resources.   I also use a flex camera to project demonstrations on a large screen. 

Technology has brought learning to life.  Students can experience what they are learning and apply it to the real world.  However, technology does have its drawbacks.  It is costly and requires a maintenance plan.  Technology is constantly changing, which means it needs to be replaced and teachers need to be trained.  Even though technology has its problems, the benefits of using technology far out weigh the drawbacks.

How do you keep your students engaged in the classroom?

I keep students engaged in my classroom in a variety of ways.  For students to be engaged, they need to understand why what they are learning is important to them.  I apply what they are learning to the “real world.”  Having hands-on, student-centered activities also helps keep students engaged.  In addition, my students know I love what I teach by my enthusiasm and energy.  This enthusiasm rubs off on them.