Jane Toth has been teaching for 25 years. She attended Gibson Southern, as well as University of Southern Indiana. She has a degree in Biology and a secondary science degree. She loves teaching everything related to science.
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Southerner: What is your favorite thing about being a teacher at Gibson Southern?
Toth: “The students. I find it fun to explain. I love what I teach. The students here are good human beings.”
Southerner: What do you think your teaching style is?
Toth: “I know there are fancy names for teaching styles, but I cannot remember what they are. It has been millions of years since I have been in college. I try my best to connect with the students based on what I am teaching. I definitely think that I am a storyteller. I take what I am teaching and put it in a way that the students will understand.”
Southerner: How do you try and motivate your students whenever they are struggling?
Toth: “I try to encourage them and build confidence in them. I think that I am good at that. All that they need is confidence. Sometimes you just need a hype-girl.”
Southerner: Did you always know that you wanted to be a teacher?
Toth: “Absolutely not. There were always two careers that I knew I didn’t want to do: nursing and teaching. The reason that I became a teacher was whenever I was in college and I was always the one that ended up explaining the material that I was learning to my classmates all the time. My professor told me that I was not the smartest in the class, but you are the explainer. Then that was when I realized that I was a good explainer and that led me to become a teacher.”
Southerner: Have you taught at any other schools?
Toth: “Yes, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel High School, Owensville Community School. At the college, I taught a freshman level Biology course and it was so much fun.”
Southerner: What job field would you pursue if you were not a teacher?
Toth: “My dream job is to work in a Hallmark store. It smells good, I love their products, and people go in there looking nice and happy.”
Southerner: What is your favorite animal?
Toth: “Moose. I once saw one in a wildlife museum, and I didn’t realize how big they were. Once I saw how big they were I was like I need one of those as a pet. I was an extra [type of person].”
Southerner: What is your favorite color?
Toth: “Blue. That is the one answer I know for sure.”
Southerner: If you could teach any other subject what would it be?
Toth: “Nothing, I am out if I can’t teach science. I cannot go outside of the science department. I am only science.”
Southerner: What is your favorite school lunch?
Toth: “Popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy.”
Southerner: What is your favorite holiday?
Toth: “It has kind of changed over the years, but I guess it would be Christmas. My favorite thing about Christmas is being together with my family, I am off work and it is close to my birthday.”
Southerner: Do you have any pets?
Toth: “Three pets: Charlie, my dog, and two cats: Coco and Oreo Blizzard.”
Southerner: What is your favorite grade to teach?
Toth: “I don’t have a favorite grade. Whenever I taught at middle school, it was eighth grade. All four grades have their highs and lows. I can’t pick.”
