Kristine Ritchie-Murnane is a 2nd year teacher at PS22 in a CTT 1st Grade/Multi Subject class who has had a busy and exciting start to her teaching career. Not only is she recently married, and an active member of the SI UFT New Teacher Advisory Committee but she encountered a classroom situation that brought her teaching career to the media's attention last year.

Kristine took some time to share that story with us and to give us some insights as a new teacher.

Can you tell us about the classroom event that brought your teaching career to the media's attention?

During my first year teaching, I experienced something that I never thought would occur in my classroom. A student in my class was choking on a grape during snack. I immediately ran over to him but by that time he already was blue in the face. My first reaction was to hit him on the back but after a few times I realized it wasn't helping him. I began to give him the Heimlich Maneuver. After a few thrusts, the grape came out and landed in the garbage. I was New Yorker of the Week on NY1, in the UFT paper, and in the SI Advance. I also received a gift certificate from The Red Cross and I am not CPR Certified ( I recommend all teachers take the course...you never know!)

How long were you teaching when this happened?

5 Months

Did this event alter how you feel about teaching?

This event has changed my outlook on life including teaching. I am proud of myself that I didn't panic. I enjoy working with children and educating them. I feel that it is important for children to know what to do in a situation like this. When the student was choking, my students sat in their seats in shock. I can surely understand why children in first grade wouldn't know how to react but I also believe they weren't sure what to do. After the Red Cross came to my classroom and did a lesson on the Heimlich, they seemed to understand better what to do in a situation like this.

If you were to do your first week of teaching over again, what would you change?

I would ask for more advice from co-teachers. Being a new teacher is very stressful. You can relieve some of that stress about lesson planning and setting up your room by speaking with other teachers in your school. You will get great ideas to add onto your own ideas. It helps make the first week run smoother.

Give an example of your most challenging day, and how do you handle it.

I have a student this year who has been through more in his 6 years of life than I have been through in my last 26. When he challenges the rules of the classroom, refuses to do his work, and has tantrums, I take a step back and remember that he is just 6 years old. I also try to remember that I am his stability and try to remember his positive characteristics.

If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and what would you be doing?

In the Bahamas, on the beach, relaxing! Just Kidding! I would like to motivate teachers to take the CPR course at the Red Cross. It is located near the Staten Island Hotel.

What suggestion do you find yourself giving new teachers most often?

Have patience! I know you can get frustrated from paperwork and just the stresses of being a teacher but being a teacher is a rewarding job and you mean more to your students than you realize.