Interview with Mrs. O’Brien

by Javier L., Jonathan B. and Greg D.

We interviewed 6th grade teacher, Mrs. O’Brien. Mrs. O’Brien teaches Social Studies and ELA and she is also co-advisor of the Newspaper Club!

1. What have you been doing since school has been closed?
First of all, I have been busy learning how to teach remotely. It is very different teaching
from home on a computer, and I have been trying to create lessons that will interest students. Along with thinking about school, I have been keeping up with my exercise routine which is using my treadmill and rowing machine for an hour a day. I like to go out bike riding when the weather is nice, and I have a stack of books that I am reading. I also LOVE to play with my grandson who is 15 months old!

 2. How long have you been a teacher? 👩‍🏫 Was it your first job?
I have been a teacher for 15 years. Before I had my children, I worked on Wall Street. I used to commute everyday on the LIRR to downtown New York. It was fun and I learned a lot.

3. Did you always work with Mrs Clemente?
What a great question. The answer is yes! I have been fortunate to work with Ms.
Clemente for the 15 years that I have been at Jericho Middle School. Some teachers are 
moved around, from grade to grade, or team to team, but Ms. Clemente and I have always
worked together. I like to think we make a great team!

4. Did you always teach ELA and SS?
The answer is yes. Ms. Clemente and I have always been on the side of the team that teaches
both of these subjects. I have always loved teaching social studies and ELA, but I sometimes
wonder what it would be like to be a math whiz and be able to teach students to love math.
I think that when I retire I would like to take some math courses and get better at numbers.

5. Why did you want to be a teacher? 
I have three grown children and when they were small I really enjoyed playing with them, helping them with homework, and watching them grow up to be wonderful, successful people. I also worked in a pre-K school with very young children. That was when I decided I would like to be a teacher. Having my own children and working in a school with young children made me recognize how much I would love to work in a school.

6. Have you been making any new recipes during this Pandemic?
I have been trying to watch my weight while at home, but I have also been practicing my cooking and baking skills.  I went through some of my cookbooks and tried some new recipes. One was shrimp with lemon sauce over linguini which was a hit with my family. I also baked some peanut butter brownies that were out of this world!

Stay healthy and take care, Mrs. O’Brien!  We are really going to miss you. You are one of our favorite teachers and we wish you the best of luck and happiness on your Retirement! 

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