Meet CCBS English Teacher, Cameron Kerr
Teaching CCBS Style | ‘Meet the Teachers’ Series
At CCBS, we celebrate our teachers year-round! We invite you to learn more about “Teaching CCBS Style” in our blog feature where we highlight each of our teachers and their approach to making a difference in the lives of our CCBS students.
Today in our “Teaching CCBS Style” blog, the spotlight is on our English Teacher, Cameron Kerr.
Cameron joined the CCBS team nine years ago. We sat down with him to learn more about his unique approach to making English Class engaging and fun.
What brought you to CCBS?
Growing up in Toccoa GA, I played the trumpet, was on the soccer team, did mission work and worked in construction for a while. While attending Toccoa Falls College, I started working the second shift and night shift at CCBS. Working here helped me realize I wanted to work with youth and pursue academics, so I changed my major and graduated with a Degree in General Studies. After graduation, I was the CCBS Academic Coordinator, and in 2021, I became the English teacher.
Tell us about your approach to teaching English at CCBS …
As a student, I struggled a bit, so as a teacher I want to help students be able to use what they learn … and to learn in fun and creative ways.
For example, to teach story writing, I roll a dice with images on it (like a campfire, lantern or diamond), and then we use that image as a prompt for the story. Sometimes I start class by saying, “Tell me about your weekend,” showing the boys that they already are creative storytellers.
As I student, I was a doodler, writing or drawing to help my brain process what I was hearing, so to help the boys learn vocabulary, I will say “Draw a picture that represents the word ______.” Then they write a unique sentence using that word. And, using competition in the right way can give students something to aim for. I often end class by opening up the dictionary, randomly picking a word, and reading the definition. Whoever guesses the word first gets to leave the classroom. We keep going until everyone has a chance to get it right, ending the class on a win for each student!
At CCBS, each student has a customized learning PATH based on their goals and needs. As a part of their journey, they come to me to learn how to write a book report. When the student approaches the teacher, they are committed to finding an answer and they give their undivided attention. It’s the perfect time to teach how to write a paragraph or diagram a sentence. I also edit their paper in front of them, sharing what I am doing and why. Besides teaching how to write, they also learn how to edit and analyze their work.
What are some other things you do to help the boys learn and feel better about themselves?
When you walk into my classroom, it may look messy, but some boys learn better if they can bounce up and down on a yoga ball or relax in a bean bag chair instead of sitting at a desk. And, I learned an important classroom rule from CCBS teammates that I use a lot. When I hear a student say something negative about themselves, like “I am no good,” I share our rule: In this classroom, the teacher doesn’t talk negatively to students – and students are not allowed to talk negatively to each other – so you can’t talk to yourself that way!
We understand that you have a special “teaching assistant” … “who” is that?
Thoreau, the CCBS cat, makes his home in our English classroom. He adds supports and helps the boys learn in many ways. Holding him can be calming, volunteering to make sure he has food and water on the weekend can teach responsibility. Thoreau also teaches us about nonverbal language, reading social cues, and he reminds us to not make assumptions about a cat (or anyone) based on how they respond to you.
What makes CCBS different … or special?
At CCBS, home and school life are integrated and everyone on the team is a “teacher.” We build connections with the students and with each other, so the boys feel at home, and we are all committed to their success.
What do you enjoy most about your role at CCBS?
I love being around students, helping them accomplish something that makes them feel good, and collaborating with them. When a student comes to me and says, “Hey can we try this?” or “Can I write about this today?”, and I can say yes to their idea … it’s a good day.
Thanks, Cameron, for making a difference in boy’s lives at Cherokee Creek!