Georgia Carter
Georgia Carter is a new teacher for the RISE (Reaching for Independence through Structured Education) program this year. The RISE program is for students at the high school with autism. She grew up in Narragansett, Rhode Island, and in her free time, loves skiing all over New England. If given a research grant, she would use it to explore new technologies to assist her students.
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your background?
I was teaching at a residential school in Southborough, Massachusetts, the residential school for kids with autism, where I became connected to working with learners with disabilities. I went to college in New Hampshire, and I studied secondary education to be a history teacher.
What made you want to be a special education teacher?
Definitely my first job after college, when I worked at a residential school for learners with autism. I felt a connection to those students and a connection to the people I worked with, and it drove me into becoming a special ed teacher. I think college is when I started becoming interested in education, specifically when I was exploring new classes and looking into what careers I’d be interested in.
Who are your role models and how have they shaped your teaching?
My parents are my role models, definitely. Growing up they were always a great support system. They’re hard workers, and they’re always pushing me. They own their own businesses. My dad, he’s an architect, and they’re both in their 70s now, and they still haven’t retired. They’re just always working hard.
What is something you wish you knew in high school that you would share with your students?
Be nice to everyone, and be accepting and open-minded because when you get older, you’ll change, and you’ll become more open-minded. Also, work hard and listen to your teachers; they want the best for you.
What is a memory from high school that you would share with your students?
When I was in high school, we had a variety show where you put on different skits when you were juniors and put it on in front of the whole. I was the host and emcee, so that was a good memory.
Elena Maimonis
ELEANOR SHERMAN/SAGAMORE STAFF
Elena Maimonis, the new drama teacher, is a Zumba-lover and Netflix-watcher who loves introducing high school students to drama. Maimonis grew up in Westwood, Mass., and studied psychology at Marist College in New York where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She later went to Emerson University for a master’s degree in theatre education. She is a reader, dancer and enthusiastic teacher who has previously worked in various Newton schools and at Heath Elementary School.
What was something special you did this summer?
I choreographed two musicals. I became a Zumba instructor for the first time.
Why did you decide to become a drama teacher?
I was a theatre kid my whole life and know the impact drama and theatre can have on kids, high schoolers, especially just in terms of their growth, development and gaining confidence. It’s also just fun. I love performing, and I also love directing and inspiring students to find something they’re passionate in, which is sort of what I discovered as a high schooler. It’s nice to kind of be on the other side now.
Tell me more about your experience teaching drama before coming to the high school.
I’ve done a lot of afterschool shows, productions and summer classes. I’ve taught drama classes in different locations but not in a public school setting during the day. I did some shows at Heath, and I worked at Newton North High School. I’ve been doing a lot of work at JCC in Newton; I worked at Newton Country Day School.
What do you like about working with and teaching high school students?
I like that you can talk to them as humans and adults. I can really actually relate to high schoolers because it wasn’t too long ago I was in high school. You can really challenge them and push them and talk to them in a way that’s mature. And they can take risks too. A lot of students have already developed this love for theatre, and they’re not just discovering it for the first time. It’s really cool to be able to go deeper into the curriculum when students are able to understand and grasp what we’re talking about.
Is there anything else you’d like for me to know about you?
This is my first time at the high school, but so far it’s been really great. All the other teachers are super supportive, so I don’t even feel like a first-time teacher because the classroom is so comfortable. All my students are super happy to be there. And it’s where I feel like I belong. So it’s been a really great start.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My family
What is your favorite Disney movie?
Big Hero 6
If someone were to play you in a...