Ms. Jean-Baptiste teaches Anatomy and Human Body Systems in the North Campus. The Blue and White had the opportunity to talk to her about her daily routine, hobbies, and what teaching is like.
Why did you want to become a teacher?
I wanted to become a teacher because I want to be the positive influence I had when I was younger. I like being the support system they might not have when everybody goes through something at home. I also love when kids understand things they thought were difficult and helping them make those connections.
Which subjects do you teach?
I teach Anatomy and Human Body Systems. They’re kind’ve the same, but I like Human Body Systems more because it’s more hands-on, crafty, DIY but Anatomy is straight text book.
What does your daily routine look like?
My daily routine is to wake up at 5:30, come to work and eat breakfast on the way. Then I come here, and usually my papers are printed. If they’re not then, I quickly go to the copy room, then kids do bellwork, I teach, depending on the day I might have a Sophomore Class Council meeting. Then I go home, and I do my home tasks and my school tasks because I am in school as well.
Do you only run Sophomore Class Council?
Yes, this year I used to run another club but not anymore.
What do you like and dislike about being a teacher?
I like the conversations that we have and learning about how you guys think. I dislike parents. If the kid is not doing what they’re supposed to be doing, then emailing and contacting parents. But I don’t like when the parents don’t hold their kids accountable. I think that’s the part of teaching [I don’t like], because most people think it’s the kids behavior but no, you can deal with that. The way they act has consequences.
What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
Shopping, I like to visit restaurants, hanging out with friends, watching my shows, a pool day. I love decorating, like doing balloons and stuff. I don’t have as much time as I used to, I used to read but I stopped reading.
What’s your all-time favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite TV show is A Different World. It’s a 90’s show about these kids who go to college. My favorite movie, I have so many, I would say my top is Inside Out.
How do you connect with your students?
Having conversations; I feel like that’s a good way to really know what everyone’s going through. Like “How was your day?”, “How was your weekend?” so that usually happens and then we talk about what happened.
Is there any memory from your childhood that you think influenced who you are today?
I had a lot of teachers that were really good in high school in terms of not just teaching, but they listened. They listened, they cared, they pushed you. I had one teacher telling me “I’m proud of you”, and I cried. My Haitian parents, they don’t say that so you don’t know who’s never heard you’re doing great, or I’m proud of you, good job, keep it up. I had a lot of really good high school teachers.
