Lansing USD469 Employee Spotlight: Emerald Peters, Middle School Math Interventionist
Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Emerald Peters, Middle School Math Interventionist
Question: How long have you worked for Lansing USD469?
Answer: 9 years
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: This is my second year as a math interventionist at Lansing Middle School. Previously, I was an eighth grade special education teacher for seven years. As a math interventionist I have the opportunity to work with students in small group settings to help fill in missing skill gaps as well as help them to better understand current core math content. Students use IXL Diagnostic and Fastbridge to help understand their strengths and areas for growth. In a building capacity I work with all middle school math teachers to support and collaborate with them. As a part of Lansing Middle School building leadership and MTSS District Leadership teams I help to analyze student data in order to better guide building and district academic supports, strategies, and goals.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: My favorite part of my job is helping empower students. Watching my students grow academically builds their confidence and allows them to embrace their full potential. Knowing I am a small part of their large journey of success is amazing. The relationships I am able to build with students, their families, and teachers is rewarding. I also love working with middle school students because they are hilarious, insightful, sassy, passionate, and truthful.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: Most people may not know that I am a tried and true introvert at heart.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: When I am not working I enjoy walking/jogging with my dog, reading, crocheting, re-watching The Office, and spending time with my family and friends.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: Anytime I see former students and their families in the community I get the teacher feels. I have been blessed enough that this has happened more than once during my career. The families and students have come up to me telling me about how I impacted their lives. Each time it happens it is a humbling and heartwarming experience.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: My biggest piece of advice that I give to all of my students is to advocate for yourself. You are the most important and powerful person in your life. If you don’t advocate for yourself no one else will. It can be scary but it will always be worth it.