By Lucy Peterson
As the school year turns to October, many members of the BHS community may have already had the opportunity to meet all the new teachers and staff at Branford High School. To help introduce the new staff to BHS, The Branford Buzz has begun featuring the new teachers today. Over the coming weeks, The Buzz will be publishing Q & A interviews with all the new staff members.
Today’s feature is on Ms. Shannon Carey, who is a math teacher and teaches one of the Taylor Swift HIVE Choices this quarter.
Subject: Math! Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Concepts of Mathematics
Classroom location: D28
Why did you become a teacher?
I have always loved math and used to assist my roommates with their math homework in college. They thought I was very helpful, and encouraged me to pursue a career in education. Despite my love for the subject, I really became a teacher as a way to help and connect with people. As we all know, high school can be rough sometimes. I often find myself thinking back to those years and remembering a select few teachers who really cared for their students and made my experience so much better. I hope that I can become that teacher for my students!
What is your background and how did you end up here at BHS?
Two years ago, I began my first job in this field as a math teacher’s assistant at a charter school in Bridgeport. Unfortunately, the math teacher decided to leave the position, which meant that I had to step in as the full classroom teacher! Although I didn’t totally know what I was doing, I immediately knew that I loved teaching and stayed there teaching middle school math for the rest of the school year. Last year, I went back to school to receive a Master’s Degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State University while working as a long term mathematics sub at Guilford High. I am now here at BHS, where I am finally an official teacher!
What do you like about BHS?
There is so much to like about BHS! The students are friendly, respectful, and work hard each and every day. The staff here at BHS have been very helpful, welcoming, and made me feel like an important part of the community from day one.
Tell me about your family or your interests.
I like to spend a lot of time outside and have enjoyed running since I was a kid. I am currently training for a half marathon that I will be completing Mid-October! In addition to that, I love thrifting and upcycling clothes. I taught myself how to sew during the 2020 lockdown, and still love to create my own clothes when I have time.
What is a favorite book, song, movie, or TV show and why?
Favorite Book: Alone with You in the Ether (By Olivie Blake) Favorite Song: Anything Taylor Swift! Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting Favorite Show: One Tree Hill
