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Q: What is your first impression of South Hunterdon?
CM: My first impression of South Hunterdon was as a parent. On days off from work I would walk my daughter to school, and it really struck me how all the educators outside the school knew her name and welcomed her so warmly. Now as a teacher at the elementary school, I’m moved by how everyone in the building cares for our kids, the teachers, the custodians, the paras, administrative staff, everyone. No one at South Hunterdon is just going through the motions, everyone is fully engaged to help students grow.
Q: How do you define student success in the classroom?
CM: When students are eager to try something new and challenge themselves, I believe they have succeeded. By having the willingness to face the unfamiliar, students will not just succeed in the classroom, but in life as well. I also define student success by how they treat one another. Again, being able to be kind, respectful, and empathetic will take students further than their schooling.
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Q: What makes 2nd grade a special time to help students grow?
CM: By the time students reach second grade they have been through many firsts. Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade are all novel years. When faced with novelty we react. I feel second grade is a formative time. Children are figuring out “who am I as a student?” and as a second grade teacher it is my responsibility to guide them in this journey. I want to put my students on the right path academically, socially, and emotionally, and set them up for success throughout Elementary School and beyond.
Q: What is the most important thing you hope students learn from you?
CM: Regrouping for subtraction, Ha! No, while that is very important, I hope students learn to be positive and persevere. Positivity is where it all starts! If a student comes to learning believing they can do anything, they will. Perseverance is keeping that positivity, even when things get tough.
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