Heather Kliewer is a 4th grade teacher for Chandler Public Schools. She has worked at Park Road for four years ̶ two as a teacher assistant and two years teaching. Heather also tutors 3rd and 4th grade students after school. She grew up in Carney, Oklahoma, and received her associate degree from NOC in Stillwater, before transferring to the University of Phoenix for her bachelor degree.
Q What led you to teaching?
A I had an opportunity in high school to work with younger students who needed extra help. I knew from that moment that I wanted to teach.
Q Did you have anyone who influenced your decision to become an educator?
A My senior year I was the kindergarten teachers aide for one hour, and I loved it! I loved how she taught and how she interacted with the students. That experience made me want to teach even more.
Q What would you say most motivates you to teach?
A What motivates me to teach is the students. I love getting to interact with them, seeing their expressions when they get an answer correct, and learning their different personalities.
Q What are you most excited or passionate about?
A Learning! I never stop learning. I love getting to learn new tips and tricks that will help the students, or learning about a fun way to teach something that might not be fun for the students.
Q What do you find most challenging about being a teacher?
A What I find most challenging is finding the time to spend more one on one time with each student working on skills that they need extra help with. I try to do this as much as possible, but there are days that this doesn’t happen.
Q What's the best thing to happen since you started teaching?
A Teaching, that is the best thing that has happened. I got the opportunity to stay at home with my girls when they were little and I put my dreams on hold for that. Becoming a teacher was something I didn’t think was in the cards for me anymore. But, doors opened up and I couldn’t be happier with where I am today.
Q What might students and parents be surprised to know about you?
A My girls show pigs, and we just bred our first pig this year! We should have our first babies in August. Yay!
Q What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt?
A I would like to attempt nursing. Becoming a nurse was the other career choice that interested me in high school.
Q What are three things every teacher should own?
A A great pen to grade papers with. This pen will become your best friend! A positive, flexible attitude because I promise something you had planned will change. A mindset to become a better teacher every year.
Heather married her high school sweetheart, and they have two girls. Lizzy is a 6th grader and Harpar is a 3rd grader. They like to play cards, watch favorite shows, and in the summer you can find them at the lake on their boat!
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