Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Charles

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I never thought about becoming a teacher when I was younger, but I’ve always liked children and I hate doing office work – I find it mind-numbing and boring.  I couldn’t imagine doing the same thing over and over. Teaching, though it may seem like it, is never really the same because you meet different people. You never know who’s going to do what today.  It’s not boring, there are so many different things you can do. It keeps me energetic – I get bored easily.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

I think my students are always my favorite part.  I don’t care where I work; I always make good connections with the kids.  Sometimes you meet a kid that may not care for your subject, because, in general, they don’t really care about school, but you can still have a good relationship with them outside of that and see a different person.

What is your least favorite part?

I do not like grading, so much, and I don’t like the paperwork.  I do not like negative environments, but I understand sometimes you’re going to have bad days – it happens in everything.  I don’t like paperwork because it takes a lot of prepping behind the scenes.

What is a fun fact about you?

Fun fact: I just recently started listening to African music, and it’s good finding out that I have some natural talent.  I really enjoy it; I love that – like African dancing…hip hop.

What have you learned from other teachers or your students since you started teaching at Whippany Park?

Well from my kids- I know you guys better than the other teachers.  I think here, I learn from the kids because you guys are so anxious.  You’re anxious about things, so what I learn that- what do I learn from my kids?  That’s really a tough one. I learn that anxiety can block you from achieving, reaching your potential because you’re so focused on the final thing that you don’t really see the objective.  You don’t really see the process to get there because you’re more focused on the end result and not truly be in the process and go through the process. And I try to talk to you guys about it because I think the process- get through the process and it will get you the result you want because it’s all about doing what needs to be done and not too focused on the ending goal.  It’s important, but I think knowing to relax sometimes… It’s obvious what you don’t see because you are so overwhelmed. You need to be more laid back in my own opinion.

What is your favorite part about Whippany Park?

Easy, you guys!  Honestly, and I mean by you guys, I mean your class, but now I also have my French 2 that I absolutely love.  But before I met them, you guys were easily the reason… Yeah. That was a big part of me being here, because you guys are my favorite.