Quick Q&A with the 2016 Teacher of the Year

Ten responses to questions you’ll want to read answered by Arizona’s newest Teacher of the Year.

What’s better than the 12 days of Christmas? —The 12 days of talented teachers! Join us as we get to know a dozen of Arizona’s educators throughout the course of the holiday season. We asked each of them the same 10 questions and received varying responses each time. You won’t want to miss a day of this fun Q&A series…

Christine Marsh is an advanced-placement English teacher at Chaparral High School in the Scottsdale Unified School District. Last month, the Arizona Educational Foundation named Marsh the 2016 Teacher of the Year. The Arizona native spared time to answer 10 questions before going straight to grading student essays.

What is your go-to idea for engaging reluctant learners?

CM: Humor

What is something parents should do to support their child’s learning?

CM: Some parents need to back off and become more hands-off at this age [high school], but some need to pay a little more attention. I have incredibly wonderful, supportive parents at Chaparral.

Who is the teacher that inspired you?

CM: Mark Miller, my junior year English teacher. He made every one of his students feel valued.

Why do you teach?

CM: I originally started teaching because I thought I was my best opportunity to impact the world. Might be cheesy, but I did and do believe it. I like watching the lights go on in their eyes.

What should students get their teacher during the holiday season?

CM: A nice card with a personal note in it, but my family loves the baked goods.

What is your favorite educational movie?

CM: Dead Poets Society

 What is your favorite lesson to teach and why?

CM: I truly love teaching whatever I’m doing at the moment, but I enjoy teaching ethos, logos and pathos.

What is your funniest moment in the classroom?

CM: A student set my garbage can on fire, back when no one cared if lighters were brought onto campus. He wasn’t trying to be destructive; he was just being a sophomore.

What is one thing you would change to improve teaching and learning in AZ schools?

CM: Increase funding

Apple or pumpkin pie?

CM: Apple Pie