Here is our interview with Janice Cantwell! Thank You
Why did you become a Teacher Assistant ?
The reason I became a TA was the love of school. My oldest child started school and I volunteered every day. I had a teacher approach me to tell me they couldn’t find a TA to fill a spot they had and I’d be the perfect candidate. So off I went to become qualified.
What has been your most rewarding aspect of your profession ?
The most rewarding thing is having an adult walk up to you and say “Ms. Cantwell do you remember me? You helped me when I was in school.”
They usually tell me the story of what I did that impacted their life in a positive way. That is hands down the most rewarding thing about my job.
What do you say to people who want to become a Teacher Assistant?
When someone asks me about becoming a TA, I tell them all the good things. From elementary students who throw their arms around you every morning, to the high school student who walks in the building and brings you a coffee to thank you for something you did or said to them yesterday.
Leave us with a fun fact about your occupation!
The most fun part of my job is beating them in gym class Or the kids trying to guess how old I am. I am truly blessed to have a job I love.
Why did you become a teacher ?
Until I was in the 12th grade, I didn’t knew I wanted to be a teacher. After exploring the profession by doing a Co-op with my gym teacher I discovered that I liked teaching new things to people.
What has been your most rewarding aspect of your profession ?
The most rewarding part of the job is definitely seeing the progression of students from year to year and the success that they have after they leave. Another rewarding aspect is the social interactions and connections you make with your students.
What do you say to people who want to become a Teacher ?
To people who want to be a teacher, I say this : It is not a profession for everyone, but if you have the qualities to be a good teacher, it can be one of the most rewarding jobs in the world!
Leave us with a fun fact about your occupation!
One fun fact about being a teacher is that most of your students think that you have no life outside of school and it is always interesting to encounter them at a store or at social events.
Why did you become a Teacher Assistant ?
I became an Educational Assistant because I wanted those students to have the opportunity to be part of the student body and be as important to the school environment as all are, and to allow them to be noticed for who they were.
What has been your most rewarding aspect of your profession ?
My most rewarding aspect was/is to see them walk across the stage and participate in the graduation ceremonies, to be part of that glory. They worked hard, probably harder than most, to achieve that and so they need to celebrate.
What do you say to people who want to become a Teacher Assistant?
I have spoken to classes and tell them that the ups and downs are not comparible to the rewards that you see when they accomplish a simple task that may have taken a lot of time to do. It was always with a kind heart but a solid hand that I worked with children of many limited abilities but the love they show back can never be measured, I still have them as my friends
Leave us with a fun fact about your occupation!
Oh if I could write a book, it would be part comedy as there were many moments that were tears of sorrow but tears of joy, as everyday was a new adventure and take nothing for granted as they have their own plans of a “schedule” lol