Teacher Spotlight: Eric Croft

Eric Croft

Willie J. Williams Middle School

6th Grade Social Studies

1. How long have you been teaching?

   
   

   This will be my 29th year.

   
   

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in education?

   
   

   I had two older cousins who were the first to go to college, and they both were teachers. I have known that I wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember.

   
   

3. What is your favorite thing about teaching or your biggest success story?

   
   

   My favorite thing about teaching is seeing former students who still remember me and share with me something they remember from class, knowing that I made a difference in their lives.

   
   

4. What challenges do you face in the classroom?

   
   

   Keeping up with today's trends and technology in order to keep students engaged is something that challenges me daily. Gallopade helps me integrate information with technology.

   
   

5. How do Gallopade products or Gallopade Curriculum help you in the classroom?

   
   

   Using Gallopade helps me integrate technology in my classroom. Staying "relevant" is difficult to do when technology changes so quickly. Gallopade helps bring needed content through the use of technology.

   
   

6. What is something that every student should know about teachers?

   
   

   Teachers are human, and they make mistakes, too!

   
   

7. What advice would you impart to a new teacher or someone who wants to become a teacher?

   
   

   I would encourage anyone wanting to be a teacher to stay ahead of the game by taking advantage of professional development, to stay ahead of the curve, where teaching strategies and technology are concerned, and to also realize that creating meaningful relationships with students is the top priority. As one educator put it: "Everyone needs a champion!"

   
   

8. What do you love to do when you're not teaching?

   
   

   I like to go thrift shopping.  "One man's junk is another man's treasure."

From the Teacher Spotlight nomination of Eric Croft:

"I am nominating Mr. Croft for the Gallopade Teacher Spotlight because of his incredible dedication to his students and passion for education. He consistently goes the extra mile to make learning engaging and meaningful, using creative strategies to help students succeed. His positive attitude and commitment to fostering a supportive classroom environment make a lasting impact on everyone he teaches. Mr. Croft’s dedication, enthusiasm, and ability to inspire his students make him truly deserving of this recognition."

Do you know educators who go above and beyond the call of duty to inspire their students? Nominate them to be our next Teacher Spotlights!