What is the most challenging thing about your job? Starting the year. In September, everything about school is new to JK students, so we have to teach things like how to line up, how to raise your hand, and how to sit on the carpet. It’ s lots of work and a lot of talking and explaining, but it’ s very rewarding when the students know what to do, and they become so independent and proud of their routines.
What are the things you learn from your students? To always be playful and joyful each day, to find moments for play.
What is your favourite thing about being a teacher? I guess seeing students ' growth, especially in JK, they’ re so young, but they also grow and learn so much from September to the end of the year in June.
What is an interest / hobby you have outside of teaching? I like to garden. I grow lots of different vegetables like tomatoes, beets and asparagus. We always try something new, like raspberries and blueberries so that keeps me busy in spring, summertime and the fall. Also, I walk my dog, Sadie. She is a golden doodle who is seven years old.
As you can see, Ms. Liang loves to see JKs grow and learn. She loves her job, and we hope she stays for a long time. We also admire her teaching. She loves to see students every day, and we thank her for putting her teaching skills in Crofton’ s classrooms. Thank you, Ms. Liang! We really enjoyed interviewing you.
INTERVIEWING MS. RADNIDGE
By Grace Ge, Emma Ge, & Lauren Mah. Grade 6.
Today, we have the chance to meet and learn more about Ms. Radnidge, who is also a new teacher at CHS this year! In this interview, we’ ll ask questions about who she is, what she enjoys about teaching, and what her experience has been like so far at our school. We’ ll also learn about her role as a coach and how she connects with students. This interview will help us get to know the person behind the classroom and discover what makes Ms. Radnidge a great addition to the CHS community. Let’ s get started!
Tell us a little bit about yourself. I was born and raised here in Vancouver, specifically in the beautiful Mount Pleasant area. I have one younger sister, who is my BFF, and a cat named Peanut. I went to a French Immersion elementary school and then moved on to Sir Charles Tupper Secondary, where I met most of my long-time friends. I later went on to UBC to get a degree in Biology and teaching.
What do you enjoy most about teaching? My favourite thing about teaching is the joy of building relationships and community within the school. Being able to help others learn about the world around them is the most rewarding responsibility. I have always thought of myself as a lifelong learner, and I do not think there is a better environment to keep learning than the classroom, even as a teacher. You can learn so much from each student you meet. I find myself learning more about the world every day.
How do you feel about coaching sports? Coaching both the 7A volleyball and Grade 6 basketball teams have been both so rewarding and fun. Growing up, I have always been the person being coached, never the person coaching, and I find it is a completely different position. As a coach, you look at the sport in such a different way. You see and think things you never would as the player. It has for sure been a learning curve, but I have loved every minute of it, even the 7 a. m. practices.
What has been your favourite experience so far at CHS? Coming into a new environment where you don ' t know anyone can be nerve-wracking. However, I have found that the students and staff at CHS are so incredibly welcoming and supportive. My favourite experiences have been getting the opportunity to substitute in so many different classes. I have been able to meet so many people and see so many incredible projects being done. I have for sure learned a lot. Also, shaking off the sticky notes during the Grade 7 assembly was a hoot.
What’ s a small win in teaching that means a lot to you? I graduated with a Science degree, and I love everything that has to do with biology and numbers. Although my goal is not to make students love biology, it is such an accomplishment to guide students to appreciate how amazing the world around them is. I also enjoy helping students notice the small intricacies that make life happen. I love to help students problem-solve. I think the biggest win is seeing students know that they can do hard things.
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