Interview with a high school LRC assistant

Interveiw with Heather Wurl

Heather Wurl is a learning resource center assistant at Sweet Home High School. She is a wife and a mother of three, two boys in college and one girl in middle school. She also is in college online to earn her teaching licence to become a full-time learning resource teacher.

Here’s what she had to say about teaching, her experience, and what it's like teaching in Sweet Home.

Q: What led you to become an educator in Sweet Home?

I started at Sweet Home High School by chance. I was skeptical about working at a high school after working at an elementary school for so long. But it wasn't long before I knew that working at a high school is exactly what I was meant to do. But I wanted more. I started college to fulfill my dreams of becoming a special education teacher. The bonds and rapport I formed with my

students are the reason why I chose this career.

Q: What are some experiences that helped you in your current career path?

Some early roles I had that prepared me for this role were driving a school bus for 12 years. I maintained excellent student management, an impeccable driving and attendance record, and I was a vital part of ensuring that students made it safely from point A to point B daily. 

When I left bus driving, I worked for two years as an instructional assistant, working closely with non-verbal and verbal special education students. I feel like both of those jobs really helped prepare me for my current career.

Q: How did you decide what career you wanted to go into?

I decided this was the career I wanted when I became a student's safe space. I am a mother of three children. I have a big heart and am a very compassionate and kind person. In a sense, I viewed them as my kids even though they weren't my kids. 

Those students were my first “batch” of kids I had in high school. They all graduated last year and are off doing grown-up and adult things. I am very proud of all of them and look forward to continuing to make a difference. Because I truly feel like I do.

Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching? 

I enjoy watching who my kids start the year as and watching them progress and grow throughout the year. I both look forward to and despise graduation. I am so happy the kids are about to start the journey to the rest of their lives, finding out who they are meant to be in this world. But I also despise it because it marks the end of the school year, and it makes me very emotional. 

Right now, I am working on college and completing it hopefully by next year so that I can become a full-time LRC teacher. This is very exciting for me! I can't wait!

Q: What do you enjoy least about your job? 

Honestly? I least enjoy summer. I would love to work all 12 months. Only working nine of 12 months makes me a little sad, and it makes me wish that I could be there year-round to keep things going.

Q:  Was there anything that surprised you about her career? 

How I don't mind waking up early for work anymore. I know that must sound ridiculous. But when I drove a school bus, I used to dread getting up with my alarm and going to work in the morning. Now? I am up before my alarm goes off a lot of the time, getting ready for work. I truly feel like that is the difference between a job you love and a job you are working just because you have to.

Q: What do you think are important traits to have as a person for a career in education?

Patience, kindness, compassion, integrity, but with high school, one of the most important is a sense of humor. If you have a sense of humor, the kids respond a little better.

Q: What are some skills someone who wants to go into this career should have?

Time management, classroom management, empathy, and being technically proficient will also help a lot.

Q: Is there anything you wish you had done differently?

I wish I had gone to college sooner so I could be 100% certified. 

Q: Where do you see yourself in the future? 

I see myself as an LRC teacher with my master's in special ed at the high school here in Sweet Home.

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At a Glance: 

Heather Wurl

Occupation: Sweet Home High school Learning resource center assistant.

Hometown: Vancouver,Washington

Family: Married, three children

Education: Currently going to college online.

Years at Sweet Home High School: Three 

Other Interests: Being a mom, “Friends” the TV show.