Teacher had aspirations for police work,
Christina Clouston feels extremely lucky to work at Webber Academy. “It’s a cool place to be,” says Clouston, the head of Senior School. “It makes you feel really good about where things are going in the world when you meet these kids.” Born in Hitchin, a town just north of London, England, Clouston teaches Grade 11 physics at Webber Academy, where she has worked for nine years. She attended Hitchin Girls’ School and earned a bachelor of science degree in physics, astronomy and astrophysics from the University of Newcastleupon-tyne. She holds a post-graduate certificate in education and a national professional qualification for Headship, a master’s level post-graduate course. Clouston was a secondary school science teacher, head of physics and assistant principal in the United Kingdom before she moved to Calgary 12 years ago with her husband, who works in the oil and gas industry. They have two boys, ages 10 and 12.
Q: How would your best friend describe you?
A: Someone with a good sense of humour, motivated, compassionate, loyal and optimistic.
Q: What three things could you not live without?
A: My family, my Nespresso coffee maker and my calendar.
Q: Did you have a favourite class, toy, game or sport as a kid?
A: I was a competitive swimmer and I loved playing for school teams. I played all sports and my favourites were field hockey and netball. I also loved physics and math.
Q: What would your students or staff be surprised to learn you like to do in your personal time or on a day off ?
A: Although I don’t get much opportunity to do it anymore, I am a qualified scuba diver and learned to cave dive. I did most of my training in the cold waters off the northwest coast of Scotland.
Q: Was there a formative experience that started you down the path to education? Did anyone help or influence you getting there? Did you ever consider any other careers?
A: My first career choice was policing. However, while I was in my second year of university I was one of a small group of students who piloted an Education faculty project. We went into high schools with low rates of students moving on to postsecondary and worked to inspire those young people to consider continuing their education. Within a few weeks I found myself considering a switch to education — it was by far the most rewarding experience I had had in my life.
Q: Tell me about your most influential teacher you had as a student, or the most influential teacher you have worked with?
A: My favourite teacher was my high school physics teacher. She connected with us as students — the way she loved the subject and was able to bring it to life in the classroom. Today, when I teach, I try to be like her.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you face at school this year?
A: Our students are learning to navigate their teenage years in a world of social media. That is a challenge every school is facing right now. All our teachers are trying to help our students make good choices, and we remind them we are there for them if they need help.