Spotlight on Staff!

Spotlight on the Staff: Mrs. White, 6th-Grade Science

Q= Have you ever lived anywhere very interesting or exotic?

A= I lived in Bocas Del Toro, Panama where I studied Howler and Capuchin Monkey in the rain forests there. Bocas is a small, rather remote island on the Caribbean side of Panama.

Q= Did you have any jobs before becoming a teacher?

A= Many, many jobs. I don’t think there is enough room on this paper to list all of my jobs but to name a few… I worked as an environmentalist for a national non-profit conservation organization. I have practiced real estate and at one point had a license in Colorado. I worked in the food industry: Starbucks, Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen to name a few. I have also worked for the Gap, Red Bull, judged cycling competitions and my all-time favorite: DJ!

Q= What made you want to become a teacher?

A= I wanted to become a teacher because it is the only job I have found where it is impossible to get bored and I am always learning something new. I also get to stand and move around constantly. Getting paid to hang out with kids all day is pretty neat!

Q= What is your favorite color?

A= Purple

Q= What is your favorite animal?

A= Right now, I would have to say owls.

Q= What is your favorite season?

A= Here in NH it is summer. In Colorado, spring.

Q= Do you have any pets? If so, what kind of pets?

A= I have the very best dog in the whole world, Jazzy Bear. She is part golden retriever and part chow. I also have 4 chickens, Lady Gaga, Shanana, Rojo and Blackie

Q= What college did you go to?

A= For my undergraduate degree the University of Colorado at Boulder. Then I received one of my master’s degrees from University of Colorado at Denver and a second master’s degree from University of Colorado at Boulder. I like school!

Q= If you hadn’t decided to be a teacher, what would you have been?

A= A geologist. Or travel writer. Although I could still change careers!

Q= What is your favorite subject to teach?

A= Science by far! I love science!

Spotlight on the Staff: Mrs. Smith, Reading Specialist

Q= Have you ever lived anywhere very interesting or exotic?

A= When I was junior in college I lived in Salamanca, Spain. I went to the University of Salamanca. It was such a great experience. I am so lucky to have spent time abroad.

Q= Did you have any jobs before becoming a teacher?

A= I have lots of different hobbies that have resulted in different jobs but they all relate to teaching! I taught dance lessons for many years: mostly tap, hip hop and ballet. I am just getting back into teaching aerobics in the water! I love doing this because not only do I help others but I get a workout in myself! I have tutored and given workshops to other teachers as well.

Q= What made you want to become a teacher?

A= I was a student who liked helping my peers when I was in school. Once my work was done, I’d help others with theirs. I also taught dance lessons in trade for my own lessons. I guess I have always just naturally gravitated towards a teaching role! I don’t remember a specific time when I “made the decision” to go into teaching.

Q= What is your favorite color?

A= I like shades of pinks and purples.

Q= What is your favorite animal?

A= I am fascinated by elephants and their intelligence!

Q= What is your favorite season?

A= My least favorite season is spring! Does that count?! I love the beauty of the fall and the warmth of the summer. We are a winter family due to hockey, skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling so we gotta love that season too!

Q= Do you have any pets? If so, what kind of pets?

A= We do not have any pets.

Q= What college did you go to?

A=I have a Bachelor’s degree from The University of NH in Spanish. I studied at the University of Salamanca, Spain for a bit and I have a Master’s degree in Elementary Ed with a specialty in Reading & Writing from UNH as well.

Q= If you hadn’t decided to be a teacher, what would you have been?

A= There are so many other things I want to do in my life! I have always wanted to write a book. That is definitely on my list. I am really interested in systems of people and how they work (school systems, healthcare systems, business systems). I like looking at the big picture and having a plan. I also am drawn to the healthcare field supporting people. Patient advocacy interests me as well as mental health issues.

Q= What is your favorite subject to teach?

A= Writing. I love working with the written word.