BY RUBEN CARILLO
Describe what your favorite moment has been while teaching? Any time I see a student turn his or her life around and decide to do what needs to be done, I have a “favorite” moment. I know that my first graduation ceremony watching the seniors leave was very poignant. I am confident this year’s graduation ceremony will also be a special moment.
Describe how your teaching tactics have changed over the years? The way in which I interact with my students has differed throughout the years because students today are so different from 19 years ago. The biggest, of course, has been the use of technology. When I began, I had to meet with all of my students to reach them. Now, one email allows me to get everyone the same information at the same time. A second tool has been the use of our website and e-newsletter, again, reaching many students more than I could otherwise.
Who has helped you the most during your years of teaching? My husband has helped me throughout, but without the understanding daughters I have (three teenagers while I was in college full time) I could never have completed my formal education. Also, I have an older sister who is a career educator and has been a wonderful mentor. She is retiring this year too.
What did you love about teaching? What I love about being a school counselor is the students with whom I interact with daily.