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 EducationIn order to be a teacher I earned a degree in

Vocational Home Economics Education,Bachelor of Science Louisiana State University,

Baton Rouge, LA 1982I wanted to continue to learn so I earned aBachelor of Arts, Master’s Degree, University of

Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, LA 1984

AwardsLifetime Member Texas P.T.A. 2004-5005Creekwood Middle School Teacher of the Year,

2004-2005Humble I.S.D. Teacher of the Year, 2004 – 2005Atascocita High School Teacher of the Year,

2008-2009

Career History1st teaching job 1982 St. Thomas Moore Catholic

High School, Lafayette, LA Biology12 years of teaching Mother’s Day Out &

PreschoolTaught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School,

Wednesday Youth GroupCub Scout Den and Pack Leader 12 yearsStarted in HISD 1998 at CMS, 8 years; taught at

AHS 7 years; 1st year at KHS

So what do I do each day?

7AM arrive at Houston Airport Marriott Hotel7:50–10AM I supervise students work in the hotel Travel to K.H.S.5th period 1st semester–taught Child Development 2nd semester-teach Principles of Education6th period 1st semester – taught Restaurant Mgmt.

2nd 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 emails 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!