From the Classroom: Lisa Doherty Fink Shares Her Journey

From the Classroom is a Q&A series from Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) that spotlights educators who shape, inspire, and empower our students every day. In each feature, teachers share—in their own words—why they chose this profession, the lessons that bring joy to their classrooms, and the moments that remind them why they love what they do. 

Through their stories, we see the heart of public education in action and the lasting impact it has on students across our city.

Today, we’re featuring Lisa Doherty Fink, a fifth grade teacher at Charles Warren Fairbanks School 105.  

What inspired you to become an educator, and how did you get started in the profession?

I actually never wanted to teach children.  I always thought I wanted to be a college professor.  I completed my bachelor’s degree  in English with a minor in history.  I then completed my first Master's degree in Humanities with a concentration in Tudor & Elizabethan Literature.  I was set on a Ph.D track and was slated for the University of North Carolina  at Chapel Hill  when my husband and I found out we were expecting.  After a lot of soul searching, I realized that my plans and God's plan for my life might be different.  Instead of my Ph.D, I did a second master's degree in teaching and found that to be exactly where I needed to be.  My expertise in the areas of literature and history allowed me to hook students on content they never thought they would like. The "art" of teaching was something I never realized I had a passion for - until I was put in the position to exercise it.  That was 30 years ago.  I celebrate year 30 this year and I am still excited to teach! 

What subject or grade do you currently teach, and what do you love most about it?

I love fifth grade. I have taught grades one through college and I still like fifth the best. Students are still excited about school and learning. We can have fun and reward days. They are young enough that we can still impact their hearts and minds in a positive way that will be lifelong.  

Describe your teaching style—how do you connect with students and keep them engaged in the classroom?

My teaching style is one of a communal classroom. There is a large amount of discussion and one way I connect is through morning meetings.  Having a set time each day allows me to connect with them, but also preserves teaching time. The engagement in the content is often through their own text to self connections, which makes it real for them. All I truly do is provide the bridge between their own experiences and the content I teach.

What’s a favorite lesson, project, or moment from the classroom that really brought out the best in your students?

I love teaching the JA Biztown units.  Connections to real world scenarios make content relevant for students.  They are able to choose and explore professions/careers, learn how moeny works, and they get to do real life budgets.  It is always amazing to me how students immediately engage with content like this because it is real and applicable. It also allows them to begin long term thinking about future success.

How do you encourage and inspire students to see their own potential and future success?

As I mentioned, JA Biztown is a great opportunity.   I believe that students are influenced by what they see and what is real.  As a business owner, I talk very openly about career paths and choices and how entrepreneurship works.  They have the opportunity to see first hand that success looks different for different people and that setting goals is key to success. 

What would you tell someone considering a career in education today?

I would tell them it is an extremely noble profession and one that is a foundation for our society.  Here are a few suggestions I would give, if asked.  First, never become complacent. You will burn out very quickly.  Always find a way to keep yourself challenged. It is a great example to set for your students.  Second, take an entire semester of classroom management.  One cannot teach what they cannot manage and that becomes both a safety issue and students will not achieve as they should.  Through my years as a district coach, a reading interventionist, and a teacher, it is the number one reason teachers want to leave the profession.  They do not have the tools for classroom management.  The last is: keep strong boundaries.  Teachers are not martyrs, missionaries, nor volunteers who work for free.  Saying "no" does not mean you are not dedicated.  It does not mean you do not care for students.  It simply means you recognize the value of your career - and the value of your life outside of your career.  You are NOT defined by by what you do for a living. Your character informs it.

What teaching project are you excited about now? (For example: creating a greenhouse to teach biology).

Through the Swann School of Protocol, I am now officially able to offer students (and adults) after school programs in business etiquette, teen etiquette, table Manners, etc.  These programs allow me to offer programs where students learn how to interact with each other, adults, teachers, and community leaders in a positive, business appropriate way.  It prepares our future business leaders, teachers, doctors, attorneys, managers, to interact in ways they find fun and informative.  The students earn a certificate at the end of the course and we are able to practice what we have learned in a culminating event, such as a dinner or community event.