Judith Painter is this week’s Q&A participant. The Virginia Tech graduate teaches at the same middle school she attended as a teenager – Andrew Lewis.
The mother of three loves playing at the local parks, attending local festivals and eating at Salem restaurants like Café Express and Blue Apron.
Talk about your education background. Where did you go to school?
I attended Academy Street School for one year and then Carver through sixth grade. I attended Andrew Lewis Junior High and then Middle School for the seventh and eighth grade. Then I continued to Salem High School. For undergraduate studies, I attended James Madison University. A few years later I attended Virginia Tech for my Master’s Degree.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
In my personal life, my proudest accomplishment is raising three fantastic and empathetic children. In my professional life, my proudest accomplishment is the series of events that lead me into my next learning adventure which is currently working as a member of the Virginia Geographic Alliance Steering Committee on the National Geographic Geo-Inquiry Initiative and the newly formed Google Earth Education Advisory Board. With my students, my proudest accomplishment is EVERY time one of my students has an Ah-Ha “lightbulb” moment in class or when a former student explains to me the impact that I had on his/her life.
How did you become a Social Studies teacher at Andrew Lewis Middle School?
To tell you the truth, I always had a dream of returning to Salem to teach Geography after a bad Geography course my ninth-grade year. My teaching journey took me to Roanoke City (William Fleming HS and Patrick Henry HS) and to Lexington, KY (Tates Creek HS) first. Those experiences formed me into the educator that I am today. In 2007 Jerry Campbell offered me my current Geography position. I’ve been at ALMS ever since helping to cultivate young minds.
What are some things you like to do in Salem?
I love eating at our local restaurants such as Cafe Express, Abrakebabra, and the Blue Apron. My family likes to play at the local parks, visit the museum and caverns, and hang out with family and friends. We also enjoy and appreciate the larger festivals and the smaller local events for families. I love the small town feel of Salem where you know people all around town!
Are there any books you’ve read that you would recommend to others?
Oh wow – this is a hard one to pick. I love to read and find so many good books. But I would suggest Refugee by Alan Gratz (follows the plight of three refugee children from WWII, Cuba, and Syria), All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (about a blind French girl and a German boy during WWII), A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park (follows the journeys of two children to find water), and A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley (detailing an orphan’s search for his family using Google Earth). Most of the books I tend to read are related to the world.
Who are some people that inspire you?
My mom and dad! My mom is the most amazing person I’ve ever known. She taught me to look for the light in others and to realize that I am also here to help people. She taught me to be strong when I see something wrong and to stand up for the “little guy.” My dad died almost four years ago now and I still find references to the love he shared with others. He taught me to be strong in my studies, to work hard, and to jump for opportunities to improve myself and others. My daily inspiration is to live up to their examples.
What motivates you?
I am constantly motivated by my love to learn more about my world and the people who live in it. I am also motivated to cultivate those experiences for my own children and my students.
What does an average week look like for you?
Busy, busy, busy. Between teaching and the demands of that job, I also balance our family schedules as my children, my husband, and I participate in soccer, marching band, forensics, lacrosse, Girl Scouts, church events, and so much more. However, I always try to find downtime to spend with my children and husband and time for gardening and knitting.
If you could go back and give an 18-year-old Judith some advice, what would you say?
You will stumble, and there will be bumps in the road. However, stay strong and remember WHO you are. You have great strengths to offer the world even if you don’t realize it right now.
-Compiled by Shawn Nowlin