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What has been a significant moment in your thing that Ryan struggled with at first as a teacher was

teaching career? not knowing the answers, “I came to know that it’s

Ryan said, “The first thing that comes to mind okay not to know the answers all the time.” He has
was when I was teaching Seminary and one freshman become less defensive; firm but compassionate with
girl just seemed to be angry every day. One day she those he teaches. “Be patient with the process.”

started leaving these notes on her desk with a song Conclusion of teaching

title and the band. As this continued, I got the feeling Ryan feels that some people go into teaching

that she was trying to reach out to me in her own way. thinking that it will be an easy profession. “Some
I looked up some of the songs in effort to understand teachers went into this [teaching] thinking either it
and every one of them was this harsh screamo type was going to be fun or easy. When they get into it
music with intense lyrics. Asked her to see me in my [teaching] and figure out how hard it is, they just get
office after class and addressed the notes she had been frustrated and give up. They are still in the classroom
leaving. She opened up to me and after that she started but they are not engaging in their students education.”
participating in class and answering questions.” This He encourages new teachers to embrace the challenge
experience taught him to remember that students are of constantly developing with the needs of the
people and to “treat people like people.”
curriculum and the needs of the students.

What is one of the more difficult aspects of

teaching, in your opinion?

As a Religious Educator, Ryan explained to Is your cat on the
me that when students come through his class, he does verge of obesity?
not know what they may have already learned as
opposed to a math or English class. Some of his Kitty Camp
students may have multiple articles on the subject
being taught and consider themselves well versed in • First class
the topics of discussion. Other students may come into free!
his class with little to no background knowledge on
the course material. Teaching in a way that allows • Guaranteed
both ends of the spectrum has proved to be difficult at results in 10
times. Ryan strives to provide enough content to classes
engage those on the higher end while not putting off
those on the lower end with the doctrine that is taught • Exciting exercises your cat will love!
in each lesson. He says, “You have to really love it • For more information Call
[teaching].”
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How do you think you have changed as a person as
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Ryan has noticed that through the years of
teaching he has learned to engage with people in a
peaceful manner without becoming contentious or
upset. He has found that having patience with his
limits and the limits of others has greatly benefitted
him in both his profession and his home life. One

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