Mrs. Risa McCann Lead Hospitality Teacher Humble ISD

Why teaching? “ The thought of being a teacher has always been in my heart and head. It became stronger when I was in high school. I was greatly influenced by 2 wonderful women educators: Mrs. Sarah Spence and Mrs. Carley.”

My Education In order to be a teacher I earned a degree in Vocational Home Economics Education, Bachelor of Science Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 1982 I wanted to continue to learn so I earned a Bachelor of Arts, Master’s Degree, University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, LA 1984

Awards Lifetime Member Texas P.T.A Creekwood Middle School Teacher of the Year, Humble I.S.D. Teacher of the Year, 2004 – 2005 Atascocita High School Teacher of the Year,

Career History 1 st teaching job 1982 St. Thomas Moore Catholic High School, Lafayette, LA Biology 12 years of teaching Mother’s Day Out & Preschool Taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Wednesday Youth Group Cub Scout Den and Pack Leader 12 years Started in HISD 1998 at CMS, 8 years; taught at AHS 7 years; 1 st year at KHS

So what do I do each day? 7AM arrive at Houston Airport Marriott Hotel 7:50–10AM I supervise students work in the hotel Travel to K.H.S. 5 th period 1 st semester–taught Child Development 2 nd semester-teach Principles of Education 6 th period 1 st semester – taught Restaurant Mgmt. 2 nd semester – teach Hotel Mgmt.

What do I really do? Research my topics; lesson planning; evaluate lessons making notes of changes for next year; grade assignments and tests; record grades; answer s from parents, students, coworkers and supervisors; collaborate with other teachers to improve my teaching skills and lessons; finally, I TEACH STUDENTS!

A teacher must be…. A teacher needs the “heart of a teacher” or a true passion for teaching. A teacher must be firm but forgiving, strong but flexible; commanding but also a good listener; A teacher must be organized, efficient and “on top” of her content material

Negatives of teaching It is hard work (but if it is your passion- you love it!) I HATE calling parents for something a student has done or neglected to do! I HATE getting in trouble with the Administration for something I have done or neglected to do!

Weight of my load Teaching is a heavy responsibility from August through the first of June. The load is lighter during June and July!

Would I do anything else ? NO!!! NEVER!!!! I LOVE TEACHING!!!

ADVICE Get into the classroom as much as possible before your student teaching experience to make absolutely certain that you are committed to the profession. Read books about being a teacher – Harry Wong – The First Day of School! If you get married, marry someone that will understand the demands of teaching (a teacher’s kid or another teacher!)

Demands Work Hours (5) – 12 hours a day Monday – Thursday, Friday night off at 3 PM. No school work on Saturday! Sunday if needed I will work after Worship and Lunch Travel Involved (2) - I attend at least one teacher conference each summer for 3 days, plus continuing education during the year (local)

Demands cont. Average stress level (1 – 5) - this depends upon the campus, the administration, the students, my family life, my health, ….. Teamwork needed (4) My team members are my husband, my sons, Ms. Wilkins, & Mrs. K.

Demands cont. Self-Motivation (5) You must be driven to do this, you will not be successful hiding behind your desk, teaching from a chair or worksheets! You must let your passion show!