Interview with an English Teacher, Bernadette Maxfield

What is your name and profession?

My name is Bernadette Maxfield, and I am a middle school English teacher.

How did you decide to become an English Teacher?

After traveling and having two children, I decided to pursue teaching because it was something I could do to make a positive difference in the lives of children. I also have an affinity for the subject, and I enjoy reading a good book.

What are your favorite books?

When I have time, I enjoy reading for pleasure. I enjoy all kinds of books. I'd have to say “To Kill a Mockingbird” was one of my favorite books. “The Corrections,” by Jonathan Franzen, was a terrific book. I pick up a classic when I get a chance—I'm reading “Native Son,” by Richard Wright, at the moment.

As an English teacher, do you feel you have the power to influence kids to read more?

Just by exposing children to good stories, I feel that they might be more inclined to pick up a book and try it out. There are reluctant readers for whom reading is not enjoyable, and as a teacher, I hope that these children find relevance in the stories we share in class.

What do you think should be done in the world to get kids to read more in their free time? How can we achieve this?

There have been many initiatives in this country to encourage reading. Classroom libraries have had an impact in terms of availability of quality material. Young adult literature has grown into a powerful genre to entice young readers with relevant themes. All we can do is attract young readers; I don't believe we should force reluctant readers—they will find material from the wide range in their schools.

Do you think the environment a child lives in will affect how much they read on a daily basis?

Absolutely. Having quality books and periodicals in the home can be valuable. Emphasizing reading as part of a daily routine at home will, hopefully, foster good habits. Lack of reading material has been shown to have negative effects on literacy.

How do you feel about e-books (books available to be read online)? Do you think this will encourage kids to read more?

Given that children spend an enormous amount of time online, I believe that e-books are natural accompaniments to life in the cyber age. A child will still have to seek out the particular e-book, but availability increases the possibility of reading.