It’s time for our final Teacher Tuesday highlight of the school year! Get to know Megan Collins, Kindergarten Teacher.
What made you choose to come to Hillbrook to teach?
I started my time at Hillbrook through the Resident Teacher Program. In the description for the position it specifically mentioned wanting candidates to “…have a love of learning.” I thought, “Hey! That’s me!” Hillbrook is the first school I’ve worked at that allocates a significant amount of funds to professional development for their teaching staff. That speaks volumes to me as an educator and lifelong learner. I keep choosing Hillbrook for many reasons, and one being the school’s dedication to having an intellectually rich and reflective culture of teaching and learning.
When you think about the students at Hillbrook, what’s the one thing that stands out to you?
In the six years I’ve been at Hillbrook, I am always taken aback by children’s curiosity and their approach to learning here at this school. At an early age, we ask children to answer questions about their reasoning, the collaborative process, and to also self reflect. These questions help students understand themselves better and to take ownership of their own educational experiences. I see previous students of mine every day, that were once shy and reserved either socially and/or academically, now thriving and becoming leaders here at school.
The 8th Grade Capstone Projects and Reflection Speeches that happen at Flag only solidify what I already knew about the Hillbrook experience: that children here grow to become independent, thoughtful, and curious thinkers.
What strikes you most about the students at Hillbrook?
Hillbrook students are energetic, friendly, and love coming to school. Once children enter that gate at 7:45 AM, there is a buzz on campus! You feel it in how they greet each other on the playground or swing the door wide open to their classrooms. Students are busy playing music in the Village or playing basketball in the courtyard—and that’s all before 8 AM! They are comfortable on our campus and know that this is a safe place to be themselves. It is such a delight to see children bring their endless abundance of joy to school every day. It makes you want to be the best version of yourself for them.
What is your favorite unit or project? How does this lesson resonate with students?
In kindergarten, I really enjoy making and creating learning portfolios alongside the student. The children have ownership of what they choose to place in their portfolios and throughout the year I also place their special projects, documentation, and artwork in chronological order. Students are encouraged to look through each others and their own during our time together. It’s a special and powerful gift to give to the child and their family on our last day of school that celebrates their accomplishments and growth.
What are you most looking forward to at Hillbrook?
It’s that time of year where things just click for kids. They understand the expectations and routines of the day and are confident in their learning. As an educator, I get to see their light really shine—feeling sure and good about their friendships and the work they have done in kindergarten. It’s a time for reflecting and connecting with children about their year and how far they have come since August.
What is the last book that you read?
I just finished reading Brene Brown’s newest book, Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts. I find myself going back to highlighted sentences over and over again when thinking about constructive actions I can take to live my best life personally and professionally. Brown speaks about leaders in our schools and classrooms being responsible for creating spaces where students, “…can rumble with vulnerability and their hearts can exhale.” I just love that sentence. It reminds me to keep working hard on creating a place where children feel like they belong and are truly known.