Q&A: Ms. Meskin

by Caitlin Hill
This year is the Nottingham science teacher's first year of teaching. Ms. Meskin teaches AP Physics, Honors Physics, Physics A, and Chemistry B. In this interview, Star Status interviews Ms. Meskin about what it took to become a teacher, why she wanted to be a teacher, and what her thoughts on Nottingham are.
CAITLIN HILL, INTERVIEWER: Why did you want to become a teacher?
MS. MESKIN: I've had a lot of great teachers in my schooling who have really inspired a love for learning and subject matter, as well as been there for me when I need it the most. I really want to be that person for others. Besides teaching the subject matter, I really just want to help impact students' and be a positive influence in their lives. As far as teaching and my subject matter, I've always loved science and I've always loved explaining things to others. The "aha" moments really make it rewarding. In addition, teaching opens up the door to coaching, and I've always wanted to be a coach.

HILL: What was your schooling/college experience like?
MESKIN: As far as my schooling and college experience. I went to Eastern Regional High School. In high school, I ran cross country, swam in the winter, and did spring track. I really loved my high school experience, mainly in part because of my teachers and coaches, which is part of the reason I wanted to come back and teach high school. In college, I went to TCNJ and I swam on the team there for all 4 years. I had a great experience and was very fortunate that the majority of my labs and hands-on activities were in the first 2.5 years. I was also able to be a TA for three semesters in the physics labs which was a fun experience and taught me a lot about how to teach physics. My last 1.5 years of college were online because of Covid, including the majority of my student teaching experience.

HILL: What has your experience at Nottingham been like? Do you like it here?
MESKIN: I've had a really positive experience at Nottingham thus far. All the staff and all the students have been really nice and receptive. Even as a first year teacher, I feel like I've been able to make an impact on students. As far as my experience here, I've been fortunate enough to not only teach but also coach swim and now coach track. I would say I definitely do like it here.

HILL: What new things have you learned since teaching? What advice do you have for someone who might want to become a teacher?
MESKIN: There are a lot of new things I've learned and advice I would give, but I'm just going to answer as they come in my head (no specific order);
  • This is something I've learned, not just this year but emphasis this year. Don't procrastinate. Things start to add together very quickly. Push off one email you need to respond or one test you need to grade and suddenly you have 500 emails and grades to submit. Stay on top of your work.
  • You never know someone's full story so never jump to conclusions. When someone is ready to share their story, they will. Just being there for your students can make a huge difference.
  • Students don't have to love the subject matter to be engaged in the class. Sometimes, making it relate to their lives and showing you care about them is enough to get them interested in the class.
  • Although delivering content is important, allowing students to take care of their mental health is also extremely important. One can't focus on a subject matter if they do not feel ok and supported.
  • Learning names and actually knowing your students can make all the difference. I never realized how important saying hello individually to each person was until one day I did not say hi to everyone as they walked in and the whole class noticed and said something.
  • Not everything goes the way you want it to go and expect it to go. It happens. Accept and move on. Some of my best lessons have been the ones I've prepared the least for and some of my worst ones have been the ones I've prepared most for.
  • Just as much as students can learn from teachers, teachers can learn from students. Listen to your students. Sometimes I'm struggling with a new way to explain something that isn't clicking and other students' answers are the perfect way to explain. Also letting students explain to each other helps the student who doesn't get it learn and the student does to reinforce it in their brain.
  • And just being a positive impact can mean more than you think. Remembering a specific side-note about a student like the fact they had a game that weekend and asking how it went can just prove you care.

HILL: What is your approach to teaching; your “philosophy?”
MESKIN: I have like a four step teaching philosophy:
  • Students learn best in an environment where they feel safe and respected.
  • Learning is an ever-evolving social process - students can learn from the teacher and each other.
  • Students learn the content best when they can see how it relates to real life and cool demonstrations (still working on this one).
  • ADAPTABILITY - the most important thing (especially this year) is learning to adapt in every sense of the word. I feel like especially after the past few years, this one is self-explanatory.
  • I like to sum it up by saying "I may be teaching science but teaching is not a science"​

​HILL: What are your goals for the future?
MESKIN: As far as goals for the future, I would like to get my masters degree while I teach. My current thought - I want to get a masters in either math or alternative energy resources. That could totally change in a year's or even a day's time, but that is my thought for right now.