Over the course of the 2017-2018 school year at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, WOLF News has had the opportunity to get to know our newest staff members through one-on-one interviews. Our school has benefitted from the positive energy and ideas of these individuals. It is nice to get a glimpse into their lives before St. Francis and learn what they are like outside of school. Recently, Mrs. Raymond, our newest sixth grade teacher, was the subject of a WOLF News interview.
Q: Did you always want to be a teacher?
A: I’m the oldest of four kids. I always felt like a teacher to my younger siblings so, yes.
Q: Did you have any other teaching jobs before this one?
A: I taught at St. Barnabus in Long Beach for 7 years.
Q: How did you come to teach at SFAYL?
A: I was looking for a job closer to home, and I prayed for a closer job. An old friend helped me find the job.
This is interesting that she was looking for a job closer to home and found one right here at St. Francis. We sure are glad to have her here.
Q: How would you describe your experience at SFAYL so far?
A: I absolutely love it. Mrs. Coad is the best. All the children are awesome. The kids are energetic and excited to learn, and awesome.
Q: If you could teach any grade, which grade would you teach?
A: 6th grade. I love 6th graders. They’re still silly and fun. Not teenagers yet.
Q: What's your favorite subject to teach?
A: Math and Grammar. I love them both! They’re so fun. I love how you can get an answer and know if you’re right or wrong, I also love to diagram sentences.
I love this about her because she likes Math and Grammar and is excited to teach it to students.
Q: Do you have kids of your own?
A: My two boys who are 21 and 19. They both went to Mater Dei.
Q: Do you want your kids to become teachers?
A: I want them to have a job that makes them happy and help other people.
Q: How has teaching changed your life?
A: God had a plan for me. I had "that light bulb" moment when I saw children understanding what we are teaching them.
I think it’s great that the reason she loves teaching is because she loves to educate kids and teach them more but in a way that they are excited about it.
Q: Do you want to be a teacher for the rest of your life?
A: Yes, it makes me happy.
Q: What will you do when you retire?
A: Garden, travel the world, read books, and take care of grandkids.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Spending time with my dog (American Lab), she makes me happy, going to the beach, and going shopping.
I find this very relatable and think it’s good that she loves her dog and spending time with her.
Q: What is the most exciting thing you've ever done?
A: Donated my kidney to my husband, his kidney was failing.
I think this is a very courageous act. We seem to have a brave teacher on our hands.
Q: Are you an adventurous person?
A: I am an adventurous person. I take a lot of risks with my family, more than when I'm alone.
From these questions and answers, we have learned that Mrs. Raymond is the perfect teacher for our school. She is kind and very compassionate about her job and is fun to be around. She also enjoys time with her pet which I think we all do. We are very excited to have her teaching here at SFAYL. Welcome, Mrs. Raymond!