Interview by Catrina Meyer

Ms. Tamsin has taken leave from teaching, and a new long term substitute, Ms. O’Connor, is taking over her classes. Before coming here, Ms. O’Connor worked at Wilton Public Schools in a couple of different special education programs. Earlier this year she held a long term substituting position for a sixth grade English class in Wilton. Ms. O’Connor will be teaching here for the rest of the year.

Phoenix: What is the most important thing that you have learned about teaching in your career?

Ms. O’Connor:Building relationships with students is very important.

Phoenix: If you could teach another subject, which one would it be?

Ms. O’Connor:Math, I like math. Earlier this year I wanted to be certified to be a Middle School math teacher.

Phoenix: If you could have any other job what would it be?

Ms. O’Connor:I would be a TV personality, like Oprah or Ellen, and have my own show.

Phoenix: What do you enjoy doing outside of school?

Ms. O’Connor:I like to travel and eat yummy yummy food, but I don’t really like to cook yummy yummy food. I do like to bake. I also like reading.

Phoenix: Where are the coolest places you’ve ever been?

Ms. O’Connor:It’s really hard to choose. It’s a tie between The Great Wall of China and the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Phoenix: What kind of kid were you like in high school?

Ms. O’Connor:A nerd.

Phoenix: What are your favorite movies?

Ms. O’Connor:I really like the Harry Pottermovies. Also, Back to the Futureand Indiana Jones.

Phoenix: Mac or PC?

Ms. O’Connor:PC. I am considering buying a new computer, and it might be a Mac. Who knows?

Phoenix: What is your favorite fast food restaurant?

Ms. O’Connor:I kind of like Blimpie. I don’t really like fast food that much.

Phoenix: If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Ms. O’Connor:Flying. It’d be interesting to know what would happen in the future or read minds, but not all the time. That’d be terrifying.

Phoenix: Who are inspirational figures (famous, family, or friends) that have influenced your life?

Ms. O’Connor:My mom. I think Michelle Obama is pretty cool. Also, the author Toni Morrison.

Phoenix: If you could give advice to PHS. students, what would it be?

Ms. O’Connor:Use your brains all the time, or as much as you can!

Phoenix: If you could make one change to the world, what would it be?

Ms. O’Connor:The more you change things the more they end up bad. You think you could just say end homelessness or poverty, but it’s like Brave New World,it’s not always better. I’d invent a machine that made it easier to get places, like in Star Trek. Forget all of the airports, lines and security!