As our academic year progresses, we welcome many new staff members. The Woodstocker caught up with some of them to chronicle the first chapter of their adventures.
Ms Chrisanta joins Ms Raji Siva in the Special Educational Needs Department. She brings 15 years of rich experience in Special Education and holds a Master’s in both Special Education and Community Development as well as a Bachelor’s in Sociology. Chris is accompanied by her son Andrew who is helping her settle in before heading off to start college.
Where are you coming from and where are you right now?
I am from the Philippines but in the last 5 years, I have worked in the United States, more specifically California. I worked there as a special ED teacher for 15 years.
What subject do you teach?
For special ED, depending on the programme we can teach all the subjects, of course in a different manner because mostly they are modified so we provide commendation to the necessary requirements. So in the last 5 years, I also taught social studies classes from grades 9 to 12 so US history, world history and everything under social studies. Generally speaking for SEN, whatever the students need.
What was your favourite thing about living in the US?
In California, I love the weather because it doesn’t rain a lot so you can see a lot of places. Academically speaking you need to follow the California core but now that I look back and think about the US it’s mainly about freedom. For example, you can do whatever you want and nobody will stop you.
What is different about Woodstock from the last place you worked at?
The environment you know, it’s not common to be in the foothills of the Himalayas so the environment is like we are literally on top of the mountains so that’s the main difference. Here it’s more laid back, you seem to have more time as opposed to the US where everything is quite fast like you know the drive, and your schedule but here I have more time.
What are your goals for the year?
As a teacher I’m still getting to know the IB curriculum, so that’s my goal to get to know more about it and then get accustomed to Mussorie’s way of living so I am from the Valley so I want to get used to Mussoorie more.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I collect Vinyl records! So I love music and poetry and collecting poetry books.
1 thing you like about Mussoorie?
The people and students! Everyone is nice and easy to get along with as well as the weather and just the amazing environment like you’re in the middle of a forest.
1 thing you have noticed about Woodstock students?
It’s my first time working at a boarding school so I commend you, you know and everyone who’s really studying here in a boarding school because you guys are very independent and it’s a challenge to be away from home and probably very courageous and I admire you guys for that!
Shreya is a staff reporter.
Edited by Kyra.
thewoodstocker.com 