Tiffany Kostuch
5th Grade Social Studies and Science Teacher 

1. How long have you been teaching? I obtained my teacher certification in September of 2021.  I have been a Fifth Grade Social Studies/Science teacher since October of 2021. 

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in education? I recently went back to school in order to become a certified teacher.  I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology in 2001, but I always knew that teaching was in my future.  Spending the past seven years as a paraprofessional gave me the experience and confidence I needed to reach my goal of having my own classroom.  Going back to school and becoming a certified educator has been an amazing experience for me.

3. What is your favorite thing about teaching or your biggest success story? I truly love working with my students each day.  I love watching them process information and respond to the material we are studying.  I enjoy building positive relationships with my students and their families.  Encouraging my students to reach their potential for greatness is extremely rewarding and fulfilling.

4. What challenges do you face in the classroom? Teaching during a pandemic is extremely challenging.  Maintaining the health and safety of my students, while continuing to provide a sense of normalcy is very difficult.  Teachers are faced with ever-changing policies and procedures related to Covid that can alter the way we teach in our classrooms. However, I think that educators have done a fantastic job of adapting to our current situation, and they have continued to put their student's physical and emotional well-being front and center each day. 

5. How do Gallopade products or Gallopade Curriculum help you in the classroom? Gallopade has been an excellent learning tool for my students.  The platform is very user-friendly and interactive, and my students and I enjoy delving into the content presented in each unit.  In addition, with so many students having to quarantine at any given time, I find it very easy for them to continue their learning while at home. 

6. What is something that every student should know about teachers? Every student should know that teachers truly care about their students. Teachers want students to succeed and continue to be life-long learners even after they leave our classrooms. 

7. What advice would you impart to a new teacher or someone who wants to become a teacher? My best advice to a new teacher is to have flexibility. The classroom changes daily and you cannot predict what will happen each day.  From illnesses and snow days to fire drills and missing work, you must be willing to expect the unexpected.  

8. What do you love to do when you're not teaching? When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my amazing husband and two boys.  I also love traveling, watching movies, and hanging out in the pool during the summer.