I recently had the opportunity to sit down with a local substitute elementary-age teacher, Mrs. Megan DeSanto, and had a Q & A session. Megan has been substituting in area elementary schools since she graduated college, and is hoping to be hired on full time in the coming 2017-2018 school year. Megan reflected on her experiences working in a daycare though high school and college, giving her hands-on experience with children of all ages. After college, she spent her days in the schools, and moonlighted in a veterinary hospital. After she and her husband were blessed with their own child in early 2016, she has been in the school system full-force, and unfortunately had to give up her second job at the veterinary hospital to enjoy time with her son. She is a fully dedicated wife, mother and teacher, and loves everything about what she does. Megan attributes her accomplishments to hard work and determination.
Q- First, tell me about you.
A- Well…I was born and raised in the Williamsport area. Trout Run to be specific. I graduated from Montoursville Area School District in 2010. After high school I attended Lock Haven University where I majored in early childhood education. I graduated summa cum laude with a 3.77 gpa. After college I started substituting to get my name into the schools. When I’m not working I’m home with my husband Andrew and 9 month old son AJ.
Q- What school districts do you currently teach in?
A- I am currently on the sub lists for Montoursville, Williamsport, Loyalsock, Muncy, and Jersey Shore.
Q- What inspired you to become a teacher?
A- I wanted to become a teacher because I had a lot of struggles for the first 9 years of my schooling career. It took one teacher to take it upon themselves to help figure out where my struggles were and help me overcome them. I want to be like him. I want to make sure no student goes through what I did.
Q- How long have you known that’s what you wanted to be?
A- Since that year…8th grade.
Q- If you couldn’t be a teacher, what would you be?
A- Probably a nurse, specializing in pediatrics.
Q- Where did you go to college? What did you major in? When did you graduate?
A- I went to Lock Haven University and majored in early childhood education. I graduated in 2014.
Q- What is the best part of your job?
A- Being with the kiddos all day! I love to see them excel in their academics and in their interpersonal relationships. Kids do say the darndest things!
Q- What is the worst part of your job?
A- Seeing their struggles. Whether it’s schoolwork or if they tell you about troubles at home, it makes you just want to hold them and tell them it will get better.
Q- What do you hope to achieve by being a teacher?
A- I hope to leave a positive impact on each child I have the privilege to teach. By laying a positive foundation, they have a better chance during their future academic careers.
Q- Do you have any heroes?
A- I have many heroes; my dad, mom, brothers, husband, and son. They have all shaped me into who I am today. Mr. Reeder from McCall Middle School in Montoursville is another hero. He was the teacher who took the time to help me overcome my struggles in school.
Q- What were your childhood dreams?
A- Pretty much my dream was to be a wife and mother. The rest is a bonus.
Q- What was your favorite subject in school?
A- For some reason, I excelled in biological sciences; anatomy and biology.
Q- What are your short term goals?
A- Acquiring a full-time teaching position in a school district.
Q- What are your long term goals?
A- Buying a house and having more children.
Q- What advice do you have for parents of elementary-age children?
A- Read to your children, or have them read to you, every night! This has more positive effects of them than you may realize; more than academic.
I sincerely hope Megan accomplishes all of the ambitions she aspires to. I give endless credit to those who teach our children, they deserve so much more than they get credit for.
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