By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Staff photo by Lea KahnTia Brown makes preparations in her new classroom.
Lea KahnStaff Writer
It’s hard to say who’s going to be more excited on the first day of school next week — fledgling teacher Tia Brown, or the two dozen students in her kindergarten class at the Slackwood Elementary School.
Ms. Brown, who is beginning her teaching career at the elementary school on Sept. 4, is the first to admit that she never considered any other career options. Her mother teaches in the Trenton public school district, and her paternal grandfather was a college educator and administrator.
"I always played school (as a child). I always wanted to teach. I couldn’t picture myself doing anything else," said Ms. Brown, who is a graduate of Notre Dame High School. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The College of New Jersey.
The 24-year-old said her family "really valued education," and that "every moment was a teachable moment" at the Brown family’s book-filled home. Her father, who is a lawyer in Trenton, always had a book or a newspaper in his hand, she said.
At The College of New Jersey, Ms. Brown majored in women’s and gender studies, and education. The women’s and gender studies curriculum "forces you to look deeper" into things and broadens one’s exposure, she said.
"It opens your eyes to so many things — language, and male versus female," she said. "You need to treat children equally. Don’t say to a child that they can’t do something because of their race or gender. Teachers need to be aware of their own biases."
There is the issue of race in children’s literature, Ms. Brown said. Children want to see themselves represented by characters in the books. The books need to have characters of all races and nationalities so the children can identify with them, she said.
Kindergarten is a crucial age, Ms. Brown said. The children need stability. Kindergarten is her favorite grade, she said, adding that the children "are so quick to get your name, and they are friendly and full of life."
Ms. Brown finds teaching is appealing because "one day is not like the next day. You never know what is going to be thrown at you. Your day is never done. And you get a new class every year."
"I have always had a passion for working with children. I naturally gravitate toward children, and they gravitate towards me. I love their energy and their optimism. They are open to so much. They are like fresh molds of clay. They want to learn," she said.
Ms. Brown said she wants her students to have a thirst for learning, and not to be afraid to try something and fail. Children bounce back. It is important to recognize each child’s strengths and interests, and use that information to "fuel their thirst for knowledge," she said.
"I am getting my own class (to teach). I am so excited. Student teaching is different. The teacher has a routine — how to teach lessons. You step in for a few months (as a student teacher), but they don’t prepare you for how to set up a classroom," she said.
Ms. Brown acknowledges that the first year of teaching can be overwhelming. It is sink or swim, she said, adding that nevertheless, "I feel like I am ready." She said she worked at a child development center and she has also worked with children in a school setting.
"I am ready to implement everything I know. I am so excited to meet my students. I want to see their personality, (and to) see what they are like. I feel confident. I don’t like to sit around. I am full of energy," she said.
"Now, I just want my students," Ms. Brown said.

