Herald Head of the Class 2021: Susan Steers, Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf

Tell us about a teacher that inspired you as a student.

My parents inspired me. Doctors told my parents that I would never graduate high school because I can't hear.  My parents saw what I was capable of and what I can do.  They inspired me to focus on what I can do, not on what I can't do. They taught me so much about life and are still my biggest cheerleaders.  They taught me how to get through the challenges.  They helped me for countless hours with homework, and taught me never to give up.  It is because of them that I have way more than a high school diploma.  

Why did you become a teacher?

I want to be my students' cheerleader like my parents are for me. It is not about what my students can't do.  It is about what they can do.  Even if they can't hear, they can still see what's going on around them.  Even if they can't talk, they can still communicate.  Every student can succeed.  I want to help students see the potential in themselves and get excited about learning.  

What did you experience or learn about teaching—yourself, your students, the process, etc.—during the pandemic that you think you will carry forward?

My class theme this year is 'Try!'. With schooling being remote there was a lot of trial and error on everyone's part, especially me.  We seized the opportunity to encourage each other, to try something new, and sometimes to try again.  I was impressed with how quickly my students were able to pick up on new technology skills and their determination.  My favorite feature is 'annotation'.  Everyone in class can write on the screen and it's a fun interactive tool.  I learned quickly that I love that in person interaction with students.  

What's the most memorable thing a student has said to you?

For me it is not always what they say.  It's what they do.  For example, One student asked me, "Do we have school tomorrow?"  I replied 'Yes.'  What he did next just warms my heart and reminds me to keep cheering him on.  His response was - the happy dance. 

What has been your toughest challenge as a teacher so far?

My toughest challenge as a teacher is being aware of the challenges my students will face.  My idea of a more perfect world is one where in all aspects of life such as going to the store, restaurant, applying for any career of choice, that hearing and deaf people will have an interchangeable relationship without bias and without disadvantage.  Are you hearing? No problem.  Are you Deaf? No problem.  While we are not there yet, there have been some positive progress since I was in grade school.  American Sign Language, ASL, is the 4th most used foreign language in the United States. ASL are taught in schools.  I am so excited to see what more positive changes will come into play.  

What has been your proudest moment as a teacher so far?

It is all those little moments that make it all worth while: When a student solves that addition, subtraction, multiplication or division problem independently for the first time, when they use a new word/sign, when they make their lego coding robot move for the first time, when they share a book with the class which they have worked hard on reading,  when they bring me their completed math work for me to check and are so excited to correct their mistakes, and so many more.

What surprised you the most when you first started teaching?

Students have various social-economical background and learning styles.  I was surprised on how various modification and teachings tools are used to help each student 'get it'.  

How do you keep students engaged and interested?

You have to know your students.  There is no 'one size fits all' when teaching.  If something does not work, then move on.  Students know if you care about them and respond to that.  

What is an aspect of being a teacher that you think most people outside the profession don't know or fully understand?

Patient.  Give the students that extra minute to solve the problem or answer the question.  That moment of 'awkward silence' may be that minute they need figure out the answer themselves.  

What advice do you have for aspiring teachers?

Treat students with the respect you expect to get from them.  

What is the most important thing you hope a student takes away from your class?

I hope each student leaves my class with a fully stocked 'tool belt' in preparation to face the challenges that come.