Blogs Interview with Carol DeGeorge
Carol DeGeorge is a Social Studies teacher at Fox Lane High School in Bedford, New York. She earned her BS in Communications and her MS degree in Secondary Education/Social Studies from Iona College. Carol also holds a Masters in School Administration and will soon be completing her third Master’s degree, in Human Resources. She has been teaching for 27 years, including time teaching in Poland and China. In fact, she has traveled to all 7 continents, and has taken students to Ghana, South Africa, the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Russia, and Eastern Europe.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
“Not quite sure why I went into teaching, but the reality is that when it comes time to retire, it is not going to be easy. I will miss the kids and the connections I have made with them. I will miss the silliness and fun I have as a teacher.”
Describe a hero of yours.
“My hero is my younger brother, Anthony. He is 38 years old and is really my half-brother, we share the same father. Anthony is a New York City Fireman. After September 11, 2001, he decided that becoming a fireman was what he wanted to be more than anything. My dad was a member of the NYC Fire Department for over 30 years and begged him not to do it, but he felt it was his calling. He is someone who is caring and feels his job is to help others. When my mother (no relation to Anthony) needed to move, he gave a helping hand. He is a wonderful father, brother, son, and fireman. I couldn’t have asked for a better human being to have as my brother.”
What was your most meaningful teaching experience you can think of (so far)?
“I am blessed to have had so many great moments as a teacher. I truly love when my students come back or email me to let me know how well they have done. I honestly share in their happiness.”
How do you know you have positively impacted a child or a child’s family?
“I know I have made an impact when the parents come back to tell me thanks and how well things are going. My big hope is that I have never turned a child off to education. I want my students and their families to feel they learned something while they were with me.”
Your teacher philosophy on a Bumper Sticker: “I am never too busy to listen and always here to help.”
Best teaching resource: “Life and leading by example. You can’t buy that anywhere.”
Fun Facts
Favorite season: “Fall, because it means we can always change and then start again.”
Have you ever considered running for President? “My students think I should run for president, but I am way too smart for all that insanity. I am better off in a classroom.”
Tell us about one thing that would be a surprise: “I did stand-up comedy before I became a teacher and I am thinking that I may return upon my retirement. I would love the challenge.”
What do you think you cook or bake the best? “I went to culinary school, so I know how to bake lots of breads, cakes, and cookies.”
What’s the saddest song you’ve ever heard? “One of the saddest songs for me is “Seasons in the Sun.””
What is the most important material possession(s) you have, and why? “Camera and iPod mean a lot to me. I need music for long journeys and my camera must be ready at all times.”
