The Sanford Herald
Teacher of the Week Questionnaire
Name: Deborah H Bradley
School:
East Lee Middle School
Grades/subjects you teach: Sixth Grade English/Language Arts
E-mail address: dbradley.elms@lee.k12.nc.us
Date, place of birth: April 5, 1967 in Lee County
Education (high school & college attended, degrees):
Lee County Senior High School, CCCC and Campbell University
I have a Bachelor of Science in Degree in Elementary Education (K-6)
Brief work history:
My career began in Harnett County as a third grade teacher at Johnsonville Primary. In a
restructuring move, I relocated to Benhaven Elementary where I taught third and fifth grades. I
finally got an opportunity to come home to Lee County. I taught fifth grade at Broadway
Elementary before coming to East Lee.
Teaching honors/awards:
I don’t have plaques or certificates hanging on the wall but I do have cherished memories of the
years spent with phenomenal educators and outstanding young people.
Hobbies/interests outside teaching:
I love traveling, reading and bargain shopping.
Family:
I am married to Jerry Bradley. We have two daughters. Mindy is a sophomore at NCSU and
Katie is a junior at Lee County High School
ON TEACHING
What led you to a career as a teacher?
I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in the third grade. I love it when the “light” comes on in
a child’s mind.
Who were your favorite teachers as you went through school, and what did you learn from them?
Wow, there are many and I believe I took something from each of them and brought into my own
classroom. Brenda Harrell was the third grade teacher that first inspired me to become a teacher.
Lucille Wilson (Martin at that time) made us all feel like we were her kids. She would joke around
with us, but we knew when it was time to buckle down and get to work. Sitting in my classroom at
East Lee, I am reminded of many teachers who helped me survive junior high. Just a few of those
include Pat Johnston, Joe Thomas, Arlene Jackson. From them I learned its ok to make
mistakes and it pays to work hard. High school teachers prepared us for college and life. Some
of the most memorable are Barbara Cotten, Paul Brinkley and Ann Womble.
Has becoming a teacher been all you expected it would be?
Yes. There have been days I wondered what I had gotten myself into and days when I wouldn’t
want to be anywhere else.
How has teaching changed since you were a student?
There are computers in the hands of all students. I could never have imagined the technology
that is available to our students today…not even in Mr. Brinkley’s data processing class! As far
as the way I teach, any resource I need is just a mouse click away.
What "makes your day" as a teacher?
When I say it’s time to change classes and the kids say, “Already?” It means they have enjoyed
the class and hopefully retained something for tomorrow.
What's working in schools today?
Technology (most of the time) Kids are the technology generation. It’s how we reach them. But an
old fashioned book still hooks them too!
What's not working?
Class size. It is very difficult to differentiate and give students the individual attention they need
when there are 28-30 kids in the room.
What's your favorite memory of your first year as a teacher?
I think a teacher’s first class always holds a special place in her heart. I remember my first class
of third graders rescuing a kitten from under the cafeteria.
How would your "teacher" persona handle you as a student?
I have had students like me in my classes. Sometimes you have to take away the book they are
reading to get them to work on an assignment….but I always give the book back.
Best piece of advice for other teachers?
Love the students.
For students?
Work hard, ask questions and respect yourself and others.
For parents?
Read with your child and talk with your child.
If you were superintendent for a day, you'd:
I’ve never really thought about being a superintendent or even a principal. The heart of education
is in the classroom.
What about your job would surprise your non-teaching friends the most?
The amount of time spent in lesson planning, paperwork and other duties required beyond just
teaching. A teacher’s day does not end because the bell rings or the sun goes down.
If you could somehow magically instill one truth into the heads of your students, what would it be?
The choices you make today will affect what happens to you tomorrow.
When you think about today's kids, you:
I feel that they are under tremendous pressure to fight for the “top” spot. I sometimes wish they
could just take the time to enjoy childhood.
If one of your students was asked for a one-word description of you by a student who hadn't had you in
class, what would that one word be?
Fun (I took a survey)
Favorite movie about school or teaching:
Ruby Bridges. While the movie is about Ruby, the role of her teacher is vital and epitomizes why
teachers teach.
How would you summarize your teaching philosophy?
Every child can learn. The method and speed with which they learn may differ but they are all
capable of learning.
What five things must every teacher know?
Go to the bathroom before a conference.
Keep snacks tucked away in case someone is hungry.
Maintain your expectations.
Maintain your composure.
Remember, they are kids.
What's special about your classroom?
I try to instill safety and comfort, trust and respect. After all, that’s what all humans want. Kids
know they can ask questions, collaborate with each other and contribute with confidence that
what they offer is important.
What's special about your school?
East Lee is home. We are a family. For me personally, there’s just something about teaching in
a place where I was taught. As I said before, I had the opportunity to come home so I did.
Most unusual question you've ever gotten from a student?
I don’t really recall an unusual question.