This week's Staff Spotlight goes to Anna Kate Mazingo, First Grade Teacher!
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher growing up! There was never a time in my life that I ever considered a different career! I have always loved working with children and making an impact on their lives even in little ways! Growing up I babysat and cheered, which gave me opportunities to work with children and showed me how much I loved it! Having a small impact on someone's life forever, makes it all worth it and I definitely had some great teachers who did that for me! I hope to be just like them!
2. What’s your favorite part of working with students?
I love making impactful relationships with my students! I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable enough to just talk to me! I also want them to see me outside of the classroom and still feel comfortable enough to say hey! I love seeing my students from previous years and how much they’ve grown and changed! I also love to see students grow and be excited to learn! Seeing how much growth and confidence is made from the beginning of First grade to the end is so rewarding for me and the students!
3. If you weren’t in education, what do you think you’d be doing?
I really love decorating and designing spaces so maybe Interior Design! I also love sports, so something involving sports!
4. What’s one thing you love most about our school community?
I love all the relationships I’ve made! I am so grateful for a work community that doesn’t feel like work! I have made so many friendships just over these 3 years that I will have forever!!
5. Is there a particular moment in the school year you look forward to each year?
I love Christmas time because we do school wide dress up days but also we get to do fun activities in the classroom! I love decorating our room and having our Elf come back and surprise us with jokes and tricks! The students always get so excited and it makes me happy to have some fun all together! Plus who doesn’t love Christmas time!
6. Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents?
The only hobby I have is going shopping! I can never turn down a good shopping day!
7. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I absolutely love sports! I am a diehard Mississippi State fan and watch every single game, every minute! My friends joke with me because I am so invested in sports, I will watch every single second no matter what or where I am!
8. What’s a food you can never say no to?
Anything buffalo and spicy! Buffalo chicken wraps are my favorite!