The Ensworth Grind

Today we have the opportunity to introduce you to a former Ensworth student, daughter of an Ensworth teacher, and now P1 assistant…Erin Roberts!

Q: You are a P1 assistant. Can you please tell us exactly what you do? What does your day to day look like? Why is being a P1 assistant helpful to you? What are some of the benefits of working beside an established teacher?

A: My day usually begins with preparation for the various lessons that Megan Florentine and I do throughout the day. There is a lot to get ready for, so we are always busy! Our day starts with a Morning Meeting with our students, which helps us engage with them and start the day on a positive note. We move into writing workshop and reading workshop after that. We then have table groups, which is a part of the day where we work on handwriting, different classroom materials, and any special projects. I usually leave after math, when the students go to P.E. Being a P1 assistant is helpful because I get to experience the everyday life of a teacher, while learning from a wonderful, experienced teacher. I get to see the challenges and triumphs of teaching. Working with Megan is very helpful, because we can reflect together on lessons and make goals that help me become a better teacher. If I have any questions about how to handle certain situations, she is there to guide me and support me. I think that this will make me more confident in future teaching jobs.

Q: You are a former Ensworth student, daughter of an Ensworth teacher, and now working here! Tell us what that is like? What are some of the changes you have seen since you were a student here that have increased the experience for current students? What is one thing you wish was here when you were here?

A: Ensworth has always been a second home to me. I love the traditions that originated long before me, and are still in place today, such as the Orange and Black competition, spirit days, excelling in athletics, arts, and academics, and the general feeling that everyone is working together to make the school great. The biggest change is the addition of the high school. The academics at Ensworth have always been top-notch, and Ensworth High School expects the same level from their students. I can see the younger students look forward to attending EHS already, and it is exciting to see their enthusiasm for learning grow. The teaching profession is always changing, and the faculty members at the high school and at Red Gables are always learning new techniques. This gives students new opportunities based on the latest research. I wish that Ensworth High School would have been an option for me! The program is incredible, and it creates great opportunities for everyone who attends.

Q: What is the last book that you read for fun? What is the last movie you saw?

A: The last books that I read were The Chronicles of Narnia. I had never read them before, and they are amazing. The last movie I saw was Moneyball, with Brad Pitt. I’m a football girl, but it made me want to be a baseball fan!

Q: What made you decide that you want to be a teacher?

A: I grew up watching my mom’s passion for learning, and I saw the amazing impact that she had on her students. Through various experiences working with kids, I realized that I had such a love of learning, and helping others learn. Once I got into my practicum experiences in college, I knew that I had chosen the right career. I love the learning experience and seeing the lightbulb turn on for students.

Q: What are some things that you enjoy doing when you aren’t work?

A: I’m in graduate school right now, so that takes up a lot of time. I enjoy what I’m learning, which is a lot, so it’s very worth the time and effort. I also love to read. I have a long list of books that I’m working on right now! I get together with friends often, too. We see movies, have game nights, and have lots of Starbucks dates!

Q: Who is the next person from the HS faculty you would like to see featured?

A: How about another new face at Ensworth: Matt Kaminski