Texas Teachers | Alternative Teacher Certification Program : Success Story by Philip Hawker

Success Stories

Meet Philip Hawker

Q&A with Philip Hawker

Where are you originally from?

Fort Worth, Texas
Where did you go to college and what did you study?

TCU, Fort Worth Sociology/Psychology
I also earned credits from Texas Tech University and Fort Worth Christian College
Do you have children?

I have two sons, ages 20 and 28 and one granddaughter, age 7
Do you remember your favorite teacher? What made them special to you?

Mrs. Sappington, my 5th grade teacher at St. Andrew's Parochial School. She was so fair and kind to everyone and when my dad died soon after I graduated from Paschal High School, she came to the funeral and offered very sincere condolences which meant so much to me then and still means as much to me today.
What did you do before teaching? Why did you get into teaching?

I received my probationary teaching certificate when I was 60 years old. I worked as a Social Worker in Texas and Wyoming for many years and then changed careers when I started working in the travel industry for American Airlines/SABRE. 9/11 ended my travel industry career and I started doing substitute teaching. I found that I had a real love for teaching and enjoyed being in the classroom more than any other place I had worked. I wanted my own class and my own students and I researched the steps to become a certified teacher in the state of Texas.
What surprised you the most when you started teaching?

The students and parents did not realize that I was a new teacher. They really accepted me and liked me.
What is the biggest challenge for new teachers?

Preparing for interviews and landing that first teaching job. Once you are hired by a district and get that first year behind you, you have got it made.
How long do you think it takes for a new teacher to really get their hands around teaching?

Last year I felt that each month I became a better teacher and by the end of the school year I was so much better, organized and confident than I was when the year began. Everyone has a different learning curve, but I know that after that first year I would feel comfortable going into any classroom and my students would be convinced that I had taught for most of my life.
What do the kids teach you?

The kids teach me many things. Students come from many different cultures, households and environments. If a child is tired when he or she comes to class or their homework is not done, I can't presume that they stayed up late on purpose or they just decided to not do their homework. They may be from a household where privacy is non existent and noise is almost constant. Kids teach us by their actions and behavior and sometimes we are the only adults in their life that offer safety, concern, compassion, inspiration and hope. I love all my students and will do anything to help them succeed in school and life.
What's the funniest thing that's happened to you in the classroom?

Funny things happen all the time and I use humor, when appropriate, in my instruction. Laughter is essential in a classroom and I love it as much as the students.
Why did you choose the Texas Teachers program?

I searched for an alternative certification program that I could afford and complete while still working full time at my job. At my age, I did not want to be required to take several college courses and postpone my path to certification. Texas Teachers allowed me to enroll in their program with no application fee (most other programs have a non-refundable application fee). They also approved me to take TExES content tests when I requested them.
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