Teaching the ‘human drama’
March 31st, 2008, 1:35 am Hobby Shops
Greatest moments as a teacher: When a student says, “Mrs. Altier, I never liked history until I was in your class,” or we’ll do an activity like a mock trial or a re-enactment and they’ll say how much they liked it and beg to do it again. Sometimes a parent will contact me and say that their son or daughter is coming home every day talking about World War II or about the Roaring ’20s and they’re amazed because for the first time the student has become excited about history. Another fantastic teaching experience was this summer when I volunteered to teach in a village school in Namibia, Africa. It was an incredible two months. One of the best parts is that my students in Africa and my students from DeLand High were able to write letters to each other. It was wonderful to help teenagers 10,000 miles apart share each others’ worlds. I was a finalist for Volusia County Teacher of the Year for 2008. I was honored to be in the top five educators in this county this year — a very big thrill for me. Least favorite part of teaching: When I have to call a parent to tell them that their student isn’t succeeding. That’s always hard. Person you admire most and why? The person I most admire is my husband. He’s given me and our kids such a wonderful life. I also really admire my niece, Casey Altier. She’s battling cancer with an attitude of grace and courage that’s awe-inspiring. Favorite movies: I love musicals — everything from Fred Astaire’s Top Hat and Holiday Inn to recent ones like Chicago and Hairspray. Last book you read? I just read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. It’s a memoir about growing up in homelessness. She was able to rise above her horrendous childhood to graduate from Columbia University and become a successful journalist and TV personality. My favorite book of all time is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I’m a “Janeite,” which is what Jane Austen fanatics are called. Hobbies: Travel. I’ve been to about 50 countries and cherished every minute of every trip I’ve taken. I also love to go to baseball games. My favorite thing to do is read. I usually have about three books going at the same time. If you weren’t a teacher what career would you choose and why? I’ve always wanted to be a writer, and still think I might be one someday. Was there a special teacher that you remember? I pretty much loved all my teachers. I was the “teacher’s pet” type of kid. But the teachers who really affected me the most were my Stetson professors — Mark Lovelace and Kevin O’Keefe for demonstrating what an exciting subject history can be. Other important teachers were Adrienne Perry and Dr. Bette Heins in Stetson University’s education department. I also truly admire my supervising teacher from my internship, Stan O’Neal. I’m still trying hard to be as good a teacher as he is. Volusia public and private school teachers will be profiled throughout the year. E-mail Eileen Marie Simoneau at vteachspot@mac.com or call her at 386-561-7356 or fax 386-851-7918. Include your name, phone number and a reason why you would like to see this teacher profiled EILEEN MARIE SIMONEAU/SPECIAL TO THE SENTINEL
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