TOP TEACHER: CHRISTINE EVANS OF ST. ALBERT THE GREAT SCHOOL
Name: Christine Evans
School: St. Albert the Great School, Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Grade you teach: 6-8 science
What are your favorite subjects? Science, religion, reading
What/who inspired you to become a teacher?
I just always enjoyed working with children, especiallymy siblings. I had some great teachers and thenwhile in college I continued to be inspired bymy classmates and teachers I met inmy different experiences.
What do you enjoy most about teaching? I love seeing the “ah-ha” moments o f learning, especially with big ideas they can carrywith them in life. It brings me great joy to see students discover nature and natural laws and be filled with wonder. And, of course I enjoy thehumorof middle school students. They keep me young and always learning.
What is amemorable experience you’ve hadwhile teaching? I’m lucky tohave greatmemories each year. Someofmy favorite memories are while we have been at Glen Helen for Outdoor Education Camp, playing games together during indoor recess or the beginning of class, and just having funny moments in class.
Howhave you maneuvered online classes and distance learning? I took into account whatmy students needed. They needed faces and conversation. As theweeks passed with online classes, I realizedhowmuch I love being in the classroom with people. My students aremy inspiration and motivation. So, we met online a few times each week, I posted work and tried to make it engaging, and I justweathered the storm with them. Imade sure to take care ofmyself too by limitingmy office hours and finding ways to teach that were also fun and engaging for me, so I would not wear out.
Howcan families adapt to be
successful during these challenging educational times?
The students that have routines at home for when and where to do homework are very successful. This is the same for distance learning. Students need to develop routines and stick with them. They need to realize that adapting is an essential life and job skill and it is hard work, but they are doing it.
Families need to help one another and have time for fun, too. Lastly, reaching out with any questions or concerns to a teacher they trust can really help early on so the students and parents don’t become overwhelmed and behind.