Oral History Interview with Rai-Tonicia King

Approximately 35 minutes in length, this interview was an insightful reflection from a seasoned first grade teacher in the public school system; In addition to discussing her motivations for teaching and when she first considered the profession, Mrs. King shared insights about classes she remembered during her training and lessons that have helped her to this very day; Sharing memories on her first years as a teacher, Mrs. King also shared candid thoughts on what good days and bad days look like for her now; Teaching, clearly, isn’t easy; Toward that end, the interviewee discussed problems with the funding of school projects, teacher retention, and even made time to give some practical advice to future educators who may decide to enter the field; Perhaps most insightful was the discussion on how life at home drastically influences school performance and how even the most basic, tuned in parent can have an enormously positive impact on the behavior and aptitude of students.