Successful Sistas: Angela Patterson Benton

December 11, 2009

By Jamie Fleming

Successful Sistas is an interview series featuring successful women pursuing their dream careers.

Job Title: I am an EIP (Early Intervention Program) teacher in Cobb County, GA

Job Description: My basic job description is to work with second and third grade students who are behind in reading and math and to get them back on grade level. When I work with these students, I work in either a small group setting, or I push into their homerooms and assist them with the curriculum as it is being taught by the homeroom teacher.

Why did you decide to pursue this field?

Well, to be honest with you, teaching chose me, I didn’t choose it [laughs]. But really, I have watched my mother be an outstanding educator ever since I can remember. I guess I would say by watching her, I allowed teaching to choose me.

What do you love most about your job?

The thing I love most about my job is seeing students learn! I know that may sound corny, but it’s true. I love seeing a student come to me in August who could not read and was up for retention and by the end of the year, they are reading, and they pass the CRCT- gotta love it.

What is the most stressful aspect of your job?

The most stressful part of the job is knowing that these little ones are depending on me to teach them and prepare them for the world. I feel like in a lot of instances, I am their last hope before retention and special services are put into place.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding part, again, is watching them learn and when children come back to me at the end of the school year or even years later, and they tell me I made the difference. I was the one who helped them believe in themselves…oh my, I love it!

What is the craziest thing that’s happened at work?

At my old school, a student brought drugs into my classroom…nuts!

Describe a typical day at work for you:

A typical day for me: Coming into my spot and mentally getting ready to change the world, one kid at a time. In addition to that, moving throughout the building and constantly interfacing with students, letting them know how much I care about them and believe in them.

What advice or tips would you give someone who wants to do what you do?

If you want to come into education, know that oftentimes it’s a thankless job but the most rewarding thing you can ever do.

Finish this sentence: This career is for if ___

You love children and have a passion for seeing children grow and develop.