Ms. Gillian Gazee
Ms. Thomas
Mrs. Fazila Mohammed- Charles
Ms. Gillian Gazee
What inspired you to become a teacher?
It has always been my calling and became a natural path to follow.
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
My adventurous and thrill seeking side.
What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
Every day is a good day at school but observing my students achieve the "a-ha" moment makes it perfect.
Are there any embarrassing teaching moments you’re willing to share? What are they?
Quite a few actually, but I can remember one time in my haste to get to school I wore mismatched shoes to my embarrassment and my students' delight.
What’s the best thing about being a teacher?
Teaching is an adrenalin rush shaping young minds leading them from a state of "tabula rasa", to a state of awareness.
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Persistence pays...never give up.
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
The words of Oscar Wilde " be yourself everyone else is already taken"
Ms. Thomas
1. What inspired me to become a teacher?
My love for learning. I wanted to know more and to be able to help others was what really inspired me.
2. What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
My fear of heights. This may surprise them because I love to travel.
3. What makes a “good day” at school?
A “good day” at school is the “ah- ha moment” when I hear: “Miss, I now understand. I did not know
that it was so easy!”
4. Are there any embarrassing teaching moments you are willing to share?
I prefer not to share.
5. What is the best thing about being a teacher?
The best thing about being a teacher is when students say: “Thank you, Miss.” I once received a card
from a student in which she thanked me for making her want to learn.
6. If you could pass on any wisdom what would you share?
To be always humble, helpful to others in need, make prayer a part of your life and to always strive for
excellence.
7. Is there a quote or saying you live by?
I made up my own: “As long as it is not illegal, immoral or illicit, go ahead and do it.”
Ms. Thomas
I was inspired firstly by my Standard Two teacher, Mrs. Malina La Foucade. I also had the privilege to work with Mrs. La Foucade as a colleague as I returned to my community school, where I attended as a child, to teach. I admired the calm, nurturing and always interested manner in which she spoke to my classmates and me. She showed that no matter how small or trivial something was, it mattered.
Secondly, my next inspiration was Mr. Fabian Alvarez. He was my Standard Five teacher. He was stern and strict and I think I was able to give of my best while in his class.
Lastly, the late Mr. David Thomas who was my English teacher at San Juan Gov't Secondary. He encouraged his pupils to never become teachers as it was the toughest profession. However, I assured myself that I would want to make a difference in children's lives as he was doing.
My students have already figured me out. I remember a parent telling me that the night before her child came to my class, he cried because he was afraid of how stern I was. Within the week, the said child came to me and confessed, adding that he did not know that I was a teddy bear. Children know their boundaries. We play hard but we work harder.
They will be surprised to know that I dream about them, especially if there is a difficulty with behaviour or work, I dream of solutions. Ha Ha!!! I also get my break through strategies and ah ha moments in the shower. As such, I'm always super excited to reach to school to put my strategy to the test. Hence, I'm in school from as early at 6:30 am on many occasions.
A good day is when I am able to make a difference in a child's life, whether it is work-wise or through counselling. I have past pupils who return or call regularly when they want a listening ear and advice.
I don't know if this is embarrassing or not but I broke down in front of a class a few years ago when they were not showing the interest in their work that I expected. While speaking with them about their potential and how I'm seeing it wasted, some cried as well. That made the difference and the class was transformed thereafter.
The best thing about being a teacher is being able to make a difference in a child's life and taking them from one point to another where they see success. Seeing the smile on that child's face and the satisfaction of accomplishment is rewarding.
I share so many thoughts with my pupils each and every day. As situations arise, I use that as a catalyst to make a life experience out of it. I always encourage my pupils to be the best that they could be in whatever field they choose. "You have to live with yourself so always do what makes your proud."
I always tell my children, "No body do you, you do yourself." They know that means that whatever comes their way, they are firstly responsible for it, whether it is positive or negative as they can rule their destiny with God at the helm.
Your most welcomed.