Micah Hunter '22

Q:   Can you describe the moment when you realized you wanted to become a teacher?

A:   I realized that I wanted to become a teacher in my senior year of high school when I had to reflect on a teacher who made a great impact on my life. My fifth-grade teacher went above and beyond to help me see my potential and inspire me to become a stronger reader. I did not realize how much her actions had inspired me until I wrote that paper. The next day I called the advising office at UIW and requested to change my major to education.

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Q:   How did the Teacher Education program at UIW prepare you for your role as a teacher?

A:    The teacher education program at UIW did an excellent job at preparing me for the realistic expectations of a highly effective educator. I can recall doing classroom observations during my first semester at UIW. The biggest takeaway from the program was their urgency for us to practice the instructional skills that we learned during lectures in real classrooms. I still use materials and instructional practices that I learned from UIW. 

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Q:   What is your favorite memory from the Teacher Education program at the University of the Incarnate                 Word?

A:    My favorite memory from the program was my experience from "the block." I had the opportunity to collaborate and learn with some of the most amazing people during that experience. We learned together and fostered our love and passion for educating the future leaders of our nation. I still keep in contact with a few of the friends that I made in the program.

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Q:   How long have you been working in education?

A:   I am currently in my fourth year of teaching in the San Antonio Independent School District. 

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Q:   What do you enjoy the most about your current job?

A:    In my current role, I enjoy the work that I do with my students every day. I love pushing my students to achieve and exceed their goals. I also love showing my students how I believe in them and want them to succeed. Seeing the amount of growth that my students make as well as seeing them take ownership of their learning fuels my passion for teaching.

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​Q:   What advice would you give to future educators or anyone considering a career in teaching?

A:   My advice for future educators is to find a supportive community that inspires them to become better each day. I would not have been able to be where I am now without the amazing support that I have received from my friends in the education program, my current and former amazing grade-level teams, and the mentors who have guided me throughout my journey. Please know that there are fellow colleagues and stakeholders who are there to support you. Be an advocate for yourself and your students!

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Q:   What are your career goals for the next five years?

A:    My career goals within the next five years are to obtain my National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist. I plan to continue as a mentor teacher and guide prospective teachers in their entrance into the field of education. In the future I do plan to become an instructional specialist and support teachers across the district in strengthening their instructional practices.