Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Gina F. We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Tell us a bit about your backstory and what led you down your current life path.
II was a strong student and earned both a BS and an MBA before having four children in six years. While staying home with my kids, I became involved in organizing Mom’s Day Out programs and later managed the parish nursery. Choosing to make the most of where I was, I eventually found my path in education and have been working in schools ever since. Being a substitute teacher was the best. Most students appreciate someone that is different and wants to help them to have a good day. Teachers loved having me substitute because I am kind and hardworking. I enjoy the students and do my best to motivate them to work.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career?
Both of my parents are educators. My father fostered my love of math and told me that must major in something significant and although I loved Calculus and Engineering, I pursued business because I thought it would be more fun. My mother is a master teacher and loved being and administrator. They both inspire me to be a professional educator and administrator. Helping teachers and students matriculate is my passion because I know the future depends upon it.
What is one thing you are most proud of achieving in your life?
My four children are committed to Christ. They are each different and although my boys have lived in Asia, and love many Japanese traditions, they go to church weekly. It is amazing that the practices that I instilled when I began working with them as preschoolers are still guiding their lives as adults. My daughters each have two children and each of them say prayers with their children each night. I have passed on this faith to two generations.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I got a Masters in Educational Leadership and a Principal’s certificate because a principal came to my office to encourage me. I let him know that I was new to education, but was able to lead the IEP process because I had an MBA. He told me that I was too skilled to remain a resource teacher and a department head and that I should become a principal and make a bigger impact. I am so grateful that he went out of his way to tell me to get another degree. I love coaching teachers as much as I love helping students succeed.
What do you enjoy most about teaching/tutoring?
There are two things I love: finding the hook and the feeling you get when you see that a student has moved from not knowing to knowing. I enjoy lesson planning; how can I find that tool that will get that student to better understand or make a connection. The best thing about weekly tutoring is that you can see the gain in a week.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am a grandmother and so I make time to see my grandkids at their schools, at home, and doing their activities. They are my workout partners. I love to workout and to walk in nature. You can readily find me outside. I am hoping to be more involved with gardening this year.
Is there something exciting you are working on now? What is it and why did you choose to start it?
My current job is very exciting. I have never really taught elementary science. I have been a Lifeskills high school teacher and now I am the Large Group Science Instructor. My room is the computer lab for kindergarten through second grade and I teach third, fourth, and fifth grade science. My goal is to make my class hands on and inviting while making sure to get students learning science vocabulary. It is going well and I love being a hero. Most students at the school know me and everywhere I go, they are greeting me and saying that they love my class.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it resonate with you?
I went to a dollar store once and bought a book by basketball legend John Lucas. It is called One Day at a Time. It is about his amazing high school, college, and professional career in tennis and basketball. He was kicked out of the NBA for doing drugs and yet became an amazing coach of the NBA Houston Rockets. This book let me know that great people struggle and that I should not be jealous of others. I need to take life one day at a time in order to really be great.
What are you most passionate about? Can you share a story?
I am passionate about taking care of yourself. I talk to parents about eating healthy foods, putting their children to bed, and reading to them. These are the things my parents did and I did and my children are doing for their children. Eating too much fat and sugar does create anxiety and restlessness in children. All of us need structure. Reading daily is what I do and I encourage everyone to do this. Eat well, rest well, and read.
Please share your favorite life lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
When I was in high school I became a Latin scholar. The quote I adopted was Carpe Diem. Sieze the Day! I think of Robin Williams as an actor and person because he and his characters was so alive. We must live today as best we can. I do not do social media or watch a lot of TV. I try to stay busy with the important things, the rocks. In fact, when I think of something, I typically like to do it right away, that way I don’t forget.
