By: Jessica Strimpel
*Special Education Teacher/Intervention Specialist*
Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher?
A: “Growing up, I always knew I liked helping other people, especially kids. I always liked being around kids, and I enjoyed getting to know them and watching them grow.”
Q: How do you deal with a stressful situation?
A: “I try to take some time to walk away from a situation and to take some time to calm down. I think it’s important to be mindful that we all need a break sometimes, whether that’s taking a walk or drinking water. It’s important to come back to the situation when your mind is settled.”
Q: What is your most interesting, high school memory?
A: “I will never forget the time when my Latin teacher at Magnificat, Dr. Wilson, danced a jig on top of his desk during class.”
Q: If you could have a different job, what would it be?
A: “I originally went to school to become an occupational therapist which includes working with people who have disabilities and physical setbacks, so I think I would be either an occupational therapist or a physical therapist.”
Q: What was your funniest teaching moment?
A: “My funniest teaching moment was when I took part in a dance skit as a member of the junior high school staff (in Cincinnati) to the “Twist & Shout” parade scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
Q: What was your biggest setback in life?
A: “My husband and I made the bittersweet decision to leave Cincinnati after living there for 20 years to return home to Cleveland. I had taught in the same district for 12 years and left some really great friends and families there.”
Q: If you could change one thing in the school, what would it be?
A: “I would like to see some more student-staff interaction, whether it be competitions, challenges, or just some sort of game. I think it’s fun to have the teachers and the students compete against each other.”
Q: Do you have any advice for the students of Brooklyn?
A: “I think it’s important to be confident in who you are and to look to the future to help you plan for where you are now. It’s important to always keep in mind a vision of what you want to do later in life and to make decisions that will help you reach your goal.”
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 