Emma Brandon
CERTIFIED TEACHER, THE COUNTRY SCHOOL
"My favorite thing about my team and department is that nobody gets left behind. We are truly a family and look out for each other."
Emma Brandon has set the highest standards and expectations for quality of care that are part of TERI's commitment.
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We asked Kathy a few questions to get to know her better.
What is your role at TERI, and how long have you been here?
My current role at TERI is a certified teacher in the middle school classroom at The Country School. I have been with Teri since January of 2020.
What's the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the progress my students are making behaviorally and academically. I feel so much pride and amazement when my students show me that they understand things that they were not able to do at a previous time. These students are so much more capable than people give them credit for.
Can you share a recent accomplishment, either at work or in your personal life?
A recent accomplishment in my personal life is becoming a part of an academic society at National University for having a 4.0 in my Master's program. I am working full time and going to school online for my Masters in Special Education with an ESN credential, so maintaining a 4.0 has felt very gratifying.
What's the best piece of career advice you've ever received?
The best piece of career advice I have gotten is to try new things, even if it may not work. In this field, not every strategy will work for every student, but if you do not try anything at all, then nothing will improve. In addition to this, once you try a new teaching strategy, do not be afraid to change it if it is not working.
What's one thing people don't know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I think people would be surprised to find out that I have my bachelor's degree in criminology and justice. For a long period of my life, I wanted to be a forensic anthropologist. Clearly, it was not the path for me! LOL!
What's your favorite thing about your team or department?
My favorite thing about my team and department is that nobody gets left behind. We are truly a family and look out for each other. Whenever people need help, it does not matter if they are in the same classroom, we are in the same department and people always jump in to help.
What is one thing that you have on your bucket list?
One thing on my bucket list is to visit Thailand and volunteer at an elephant sanctuary.
Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires you?
My favorite quote/mantra is "You can do hard things." I need to remember this on a daily basis, and it really helps me get through my day.
How do you stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude at work?
To stay motivated and keep a positive attitude at work I like to have positive sayings, do affirmations, and play music that keeps me calm. In addition to this, I have great coworkers that make the days go by fast and I always remind myself of why I love my job and students.
Emma is our middle school teacher at TCS. Emma started at The Learning Academy as an instructional assistant before transferring to TCS. Emma is a dedicated, caring, empathetic teacher. She loves her students, and they adore her in return. Emma has a VERY lively bunch of students. There is never a dull moment in her class, and she is able to balance the teaching side along with the middle school antics, personalities and behaviors. Her families appreciate her support and open communication. Beyond all of this, Emma volunteered to help with staff appreciation (DSP) week and works hard to celebrate all of her staff and the staff at TERI.
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~ Shane Hamilton, Director of The Country School