MS ELA teacher is our guest for this edition’s interview. Ms. Christin Carless is from California, she is married and has two adorable girls. This is her last year with here us in EARJ. We hope you enjoy finding out a little more about such an amazing teacher!
PP: How did you decide to become a teacher?
CC: I was in college and I didn’t know what I wanted to be, but I was in English major class. Then I got a job at a home for abused and abandoned kids. I was a teacher assistant working with kids with special needs in the group. Then I realized I really loved doing it. I graduated with an English degree.
PP: How long have you been working at EARJ? What roles?
CC: It’s my fourth year. In my first year, I was a 4th-grade teacher. My 2nd and 3rd years here I was a resource teacher, and now I am the reading specialist and 6th and 7th grades English Literature teacher.
PP: Have you ever worked with something different than teaching?
CC: A long time ago I was a waitress, but I was a really bad waitress.
PP: Why are you moving? And where?
CC: I'm moving because the school has a rule that international teachers can only work here for four years, so I'm moving back to San Diego, California.
PP: Are you happy that you are moving? Would you stay in Rio longer if you could?
I am not happy about the move, but I am happy that I’ll be with my mom and my sisters and brothers. But I will really miss Brazil. Yes, I’d stay if it was possible.
PP: How do your daughters and family react to this change?
CC: I think because we are moving home to the family they feel better about it, but they definitely will miss their friends and they don’t want to go either.
PP: What will you miss the most about EARJ?
CC: I’ll miss you guys! All the students and the wonderful teachers that I’ve got to work with and learn a lot from. Just seeing you guys become better and better, and everything that you do.
PP: What is your favorite EARJ memory?
CC: When I was a 4th grade teacher on the last day of school we had a water fight and that was really fun. I really liked watching you guys do the play earlier this year when we did the spellbinder story box.
PP: What are you most looking forward to doing when you get back?
CC: My sister had a baby who’s now four months old, named Wyland, and I want to see him and give him cuddles.
PP: Have you learned Portuguese? How about dancing the samba?
CC: Eu posso falar Português, mas não muito bom ainda. Eu queria saber como dançar samba, mas ainda não posso bem.
PP: Are your daughters good students? Do they enjoy having you around (in school)?
CC: Yes to both. Penny is in kindergarten, but she reads at a 3rd grade level, and Maggie really loves studying. When she gets home she goes to her room and puts on music and does homework. She is really good at being responsible. Every time I see them in the hall I give them big hugs and kisses and they seem to really enjoy it. But I don’t know if they would enjoy it if they were in Middle School.
PP: Who is an inspiration to you?
CC: Different people are an inspiration for different reasons. As a mom, I guess my mom is an inspiration, cause she’s a really kind and wonderful mother. As a professional, like a teacher, I worked with lots of great teachers, but Ms. Alex (1st grade teacher) I think is one of the best teachers I’ve worked with and she really inspires me with the things she does.
PP: What message would you like to share with EARJ students?
CC: Just to always be your best you.
As 7th grade students, we would like to thank Ms.Christin for all her dedication to us, and tell her she is a great teacher and a good part of the EARJ community that will be missed. All our team here wishes Ms Christin and her family the best of luck on their new adventure in San Diego, CA.
Photo: Claudia Asenjo
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