Christine OConnell

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I felt when I was in school as a child, I was left behind. What I mean by that is that I was over looked. I was quiet, shy and had learning difficulties. In the 1970’s there was no IEP’s, kids were not labeled. I feel I made a difference on so many children. I worked at Westover Job Corp. It is a school for teenagers on there last chance, as in drop outs from the inner cities. I developed a women's program called the Women Enhancement Program. It was a wonderful pro.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My must memorable teaching program would be at Westover. Why? I saw students coming into the program on their last chance or jail. I worked with the students coming into the orientation program. I was the greater of all the kids coming into the program for ten years. I helped to get the settled into the program, I taught them a basic computer program, I brought them on orientation trips. My trips were: hiking, flying planes, movies, plays, Boston parades and colleges. It make me happy to look ba

What would you do with the $25,000?

25,000 Wow! I would help my local community in South Hadley, my school I am presently with. The children need up dated computers. I would pay off my kids loans, and some of the money would go to my house loan.