HUDSON, N.H. -- The Hudson School District continues to spotlight its wonderful faculty and staff, as it features Alvirne High School Math Department Chair, Ms. McCarthy. Read below to find out more about her early love for teaching and her favorite things to do outside the classroom!
Q: How long have you been teaching at Alvirne and how long have you been teaching overall?
A: This is my 4th year at Alvirne and I have been teaching for a total of 6 years.
Q: What motivated you to want to be a teacher?
A: I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. In the first grade I would take home those two colored counting chips from the math lessons and play teacher. In the fourth grade I begged my mom to buy me one of those old school projectors for months and she did! I would make my friends come over and play school with them; and I, of course, was always the teacher. I find such joy in dissecting a problem and working to find a solution and I am passionate about sharing that joy with my students. I love being a part of my students' journeys of discovering math and am always excited to see them make connections and be excited about math.
Q: What are some of your favorite lessons to teach?
A: My favorite class to teach is calculus because it brings together all the mathematical concepts students have learned up to that point. It's thrilling to watch everything click into place as the pieces fit together.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do outside of the classroom?
A: I love spending time with my friends and family and kitties. I also love all things competition – Card games, board games, video games, sports, you name it!
Q: How would you describe the community at Alvirne?
A: Alvirne would not be what it is without the incredible staff. Since day one everyone has been so welcoming and kind and genuinely wanting to help. I feel so supported by my colleagues.
Q: What would you say to a current student who is interested in becoming a teacher themselves?
A: I’d tell them that teaching is one of the most rewarding careers, but it also requires a deep passion for learning and helping others grow. It’s a path that challenges you to be patient and creative, and you’ll constantly be learning from your students, too. If you truly care about making a positive impact and sharing your love for the subject, teaching can be an incredibly fulfilling way to do that.