Getting to know MOSAICS teacher assistant Rose Rouner

Pathfinder: What is your job?

Rouner: “We have eighth graders who come up to the high school since they are accelerated and take two classes in the morning, which is usually a biology class and geometry class. There are also a couple students who take robotics and ceramics. I oversee that and deal with the crazy mixed schedules every week, such as making sure they get on the bus and that there are no issues. It is a hard transition for them, so I just help them transition from middle school to high school.”

Why did you decide to work it?

“Last year, I was on the other end, so I worked at the middle school as a teacher’s assistant doing an academic lab. I have some background in education from Virginia, but I am not a certified teacher. My degree is in theater, but I taught ballroom dancing after school, so I have a mixed background. I enjoy working with kids and teaching, so this is a good fit for me.”

Why did you decide to work at West?

“The opportunity came up, and I was very interested in the job. Last year, I also dealt with the Missouri Scholars Academy application process and found that really rewarding. I think [West] is a great school. It was an easy transition since I was already working at the middle school with this program.”

What is your favorite thing about West?

“I think [my favorite thing is] all of the opportunities here for kids. I helped put together the chess tournament last year, and I am very impressed at how many different activities, clubs and opportunities there are for kids. I think they really pay attention to anything the students are interested in and create opportunities for them.”

Are there any challenges you are facing with your job?

“I am not in a classroom anymore, so I think this job is one where you have to see what [problems] come up and deal with them as they arise. I think the challenge is that each day I have to be open to deal with whatever arises and be flexible. There are certain things I know that I need to do, such as the scheduling, and then there are other things that come up spur of the moment.”

How do you overcome the challenges?

“I think being a learner is really important throughout your whole life. I feel like I am constantly trying to learn new information and be aware of my surroundings. There isn’t anyone that you meet that you cannot learn anything from. Also, I try not to make a mistake more than once. When you are on a new job, you are going to make mistakes and that is okay. You adjust, see how you can do it differently and make sure it does not happen again.”

What is are some fun facts about you that you want people to know about?

“I used to teach ballroom dancing, and I was at home with my children for about 10 years before I started working again. I like to be creative.”

How would you like students to see you?

“The person who had this job before me was a superstar. He was an English teacher, taught classes at the Missouri Scholars Academy and was very well respected and very well liked. He had his own way of being with the kids based on who he was, so I think it is very important for me to be myself and not be somebody else. I have my own way of approaching things. I want to be approachable, competent, authentic and somebody who has the answers that they need.”