Can you tell us a little about your background and how long have you been a teacher at St. John School?
I have worked for Action For Boston Community Development for the past twenty two years. After continuing my education in early childhood and becoming Lead Teacher and Director qualified, I served as the Director of the North End Head Start program for fifteen years. Due to changes in demographics the program was suffering low enrollment. It was a difficult decision but I decided to close the program, which was housed in the basement of St. John School. I was then offered a position as Teacher Assistant at St. John School. This is my second year at the school, this year being a Lead Teacher for K4A.
What attracted you to teaching?
Plain and simple, the love of children.
What is one thing you wish someone had told you before you started your first day of teaching?
That the planning is ongoing. It never stops. You are always thinking of activities to do with the children and different and exciting ways to teach.
What is most rewarding about being a teacher?
Knowing you are a part of their learning experience and watching the growth of each child.
What’s the newest, freshest approach you are bringing to your job as a St. John teacher?
Setting up a classroom and activities that are hands on with children and individualizing each child’s needs.
What is the hardest thing about being a teacher?
Having the children move on at the end of the year.
What is something your students have taught you?
Each child has a different way of learning.
What do you like to do in your free time and why do you enjoy doing it?
I like to spend time with my family. I find that important and cherish each moment we are together.
What’s your favorite funny story about yourself?
Being scared to death when I took my daughters to Disney World as children. I took them out on a Sprite boat and was pulling in close to shore to see the happenings at a hotel when the boat suddenly got stuck. I was worried about being on the water and worried about my children. I was relieved to see a Police boat go by and screamed to get his attention. I told him we were stuck and needed help! I was shocked when he got out of his boat and walked toward us. The water was only knee deep!!! I was so embarrassed and to this day my daughters still tease me about it.
What was your favorite toy (or game) as a child, and why?
My Barbie dolls. I loved playing with them.
Very nice post!
To know Marilyn Frissora is to love Marilyn Frissora. She is a gift and a blessing to the children and families who are lucky to have her!