Merideth Pittman has been a dedicated educator for 19 years and currently teaches eighth grade Language Arts. Driven by a passion to make a difference in the lives of young people, she believes in the power of encouragement and strives to be the voice that reminds students they are capable of achieving anything through hard work. Each day in her classroom brings new challenges, growth, and inspiration, as she learns alongside her students and helps them shape a future full of possibility.
What aspects of teaching bring you the most joy and satisfaction?
"Instilling in my students they CAN figure it out brings me the most joy and satisfaction. There are so many different ways to approach a problem, whether it is related to our content or outside of school. I try to encourage students to be open-minded, independent thinkers because that is when our best ideas are formulated. Not only are we here to learn content, but also learning how to be a good citizen. On the first day of school I tell my students, “Look around this room. This room is full of greatness.” I want to be a speck in the masterpiece of their potential. I can’t wait to proudly say “I taught that kid…"
What guidance would you offer to someone considering a career in education today?
"If I were to offer guidance to someone considering a career in education, I would tell them to go for it! I would tell them to be prepared to work hard! Teachers are the life support of students' intellect, their mental well-being, and their safe place, helping them to uncover their path. As long as you put your students' needs first, you can’t fail."
What do you wish more people understood about the impact of teachers in society?
"I wish more people understood that teaching is not just 8-3. Teachers wear so many different hats and spend countless hours outside of the classroom planning, implementing, and supporting their students' needs. Additionally, teachers impact their students lives by teaching them how not only to excel in the classroom, but also the importance of kindness, of honesty. Apologize when you mess up, model for them what it means to be authentic. Kids are egocentric, they need to know it’s ok to be wrong, take responsibility without placing blame."