Meet our Writer
Meet Our Writer … PreSha Barnes
She writes about the different ways that teachers can become healthier and happier in their personal lives by not neglecting their leisure time activities .
This educator understands the value of work-life harmony and prides herself on sharing tips that have worked for her and are easy to try .
We first met PreSha Barnes when she was moving to the UAE a few years ago . Amiable and ambitious , she started out by sharing her journey via her blog , From Houston to the UAE , which is hosted on the Teach Middle East website .
PreSha shares with us a bit more about who she is and what drives her . Meet our writer – PreSha Barnes .
What led you to become a teacher ?
My mother encouraged me to become a teacher . She would always say , “ You ’ re going to be a teacher .” I felt my pathway was only writing , but teaching has allowed me to share my passion for writing with others . My father gave me that extra push when I was new at it . He told me , “ Failure was not an option .”
How many years have you been a teacher ?
I am approaching my 10 th year of teaching next year . My career includes teaching K-12 , Special Education , and more recently post-secondary .
What are some of the things that make teaching memorable for you ?
I love seeing the light in my students ’ eyes when they finally learn a concept , or when what they learn is connected to real world experiences . There is this ‘ aha ’ moment that is quite rewarding , because I know that I have given them something that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives .
Share two fun things that you enjoy doing by yourself .
I like to turn on music when no one is at home and dance ! I love to write and while doing so , I binge watch all of the TV shows I missed during the week .
When did you discover your passion for writing ?
I discovered my passion for writing when I was very young . I started by writing poetry . My parents always encouraged me to write . This led me to writing short stories , and most recently children ’ s books . I want to inspire people with my work .
How do you stay abreast of new trends in education ?
I am always looking for ways to develop new strategies for my students . I read articles about various teaching techniques , and I often network with others to share ideas . Of course , I read Teach Middle East Magazine all the time . I am a lifelong learner .
Your articles speak to the personal development of educators , why is it so important for teachers to have proper work-life balance ?
It is important for educators to have proper work-life balance . It is so easy to feel overwhelmed . Stress is not good or healthy . Proper balance is needed in order to meet the demands that are required of us . We must take the time to rest and relax .
Share one thing about you that would surprise your colleagues .
At home , I try to micromanage everything . I often don ’ t share the load ; I like to be in control . When I am in class , my students are included in everything . I have fun in the classroom . I love my family very much . I am just a bit overbearing at home . I am working on this .
What are three key things that you wish to accomplish in the next five years ?
1 . I want to obtain my doctoral degree .
2 . I hope to become an accomplished author , where the messages in my books help children and educators internationally .
3 . I want to keep doing what I love - educating !
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After The Bell Jan - Feb 2017