Teacher Tuesday: Monica Dering

Teacher+Tuesday%3A+Monica+Dering

Visruth Rajendiran, Staff Writer

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: “I was born in India but grew up in Yorkshire, UK. I earned both my bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in neuroscience from Cardiff University in Wales, UK. Over the past ten years, I’ve been a youth mentor for my church. This is how I discovered that teenagers were my favorite people! I decided to retrain in teaching and here I am. I have two amazing sons who are 20 and 22. They attended Logan, Clague and Skyline so I’m also a proud AAPS parent. Fun fact: I’m Indian, English and Portuguese, and a dual British/American citizen.”

 

Q: What has been your favorite part about this school year?

A: “Starting teaching in a pandemic has been pretty much insane. However, it has been so much fun getting to know my students. I especially enjoy the greeting times, hearing stories and jokes and when students turn on their cameras….well that just makes my WHOLE day!”

 

Q: What do you miss about Huron?

A: “Since I’m new to Huron, I don’t have the familiarity with, or attachment to, the building yet but I desperately miss my students, even though I’ve never seen them in person!”

 

Q: What is one goal you have for this year?

A: “One goal I have for this year is to meet my students and colleagues in real life!”

 

Q: What is your favorite class and why?

A: “Ooh, that’s a tough one because I enjoy all science things (I’m teaching chem1, Physics 1 and earth science over the year) but classes are really about the students, so each one is so unique. If that’s too diplomatic, my favorite class is one where most students turn on their cameras…haha.” 

 

Q: What hobbies/sports do you do?

A: “My favorite sport is downhill skiing. I feel most alive on top of a snowy mountain! This is something I miss this year but I’ve been able to spend time on another favorite hobby–baking. I love making fancy decorated cakes (and eating them).”