Neal Reff: Irish Man Teaches Spanish
An Irish man teaching Spanish: Mr.Reff. Mr.Reff was inspired by his own highschool Spanish teacher who, also like him, was not a native speaker. Being a teacher at a younger age, he can relate to the students more and understands that everyone has their own individual situation and problems. He continues to inspire and teach his students with patience and love. Photo taken by Yealin Lee.
by Jaclyn Thompson, junior news editor
| What inspired you to become a teacher?I was inspired to be a teacher by my high school Spanish teacher, who was not a native speaker, like myself. He showed me I too could be a Spanish teacher. Why did you chose this subject?My high school teacher brought me to Costa Rica in 12th grade and, being forced to use what I had learned in high school Spanish, I realized that I could learn and teach something that shows people how to communicate in other ways that we aren’t used to. How many years have you been a teacher? I have been a teacher for about 3 years. I graduated college in May 2011. [I] Moved to Spain in September of 2011 and taught English in Burgos, Spain until June 2013. [I] Had a half year leave replacement at Connetquot High School on Long Island last year. My high school Spanish teacher was a B0$$. I would probably be Ariel at Disney World. Teaching has definitely changed me for the better. I have become a more well rounded person. I have also been taught to have patience with people. The downs of being a teacher can be very difficult. There can be long work days, little breaks, always having 1,000 things to do, etc… My students definitely have impacted me to become a better person and to be more understanding. Everyone has their problems and everyone’s situation is different, so I cannot be so quick to judge any person the same. My eyebrow are always on fleek. |