New Faces: Social Studies Teachers

Welcome new students, new admin, and new teachers! It’s a great start of the year with three new wonderful social studies teachers–these mysterious newcomers spill all of their hidden secrets in the exclusive interviews recorded below! Let’s get to know them! (Note: this article is a collaboration between Vicky J. and Minting Y.)

The first teacher we interviewed was Mr. Kennett, who currently teaches Grade 9 Social Studies and IB1 and IB2 History. When asked about his first impression of AISG, he stated that the transition into this school was very easy since AISG “really [works] hard to make sure the new faculty is comfortable and ready to start teaching.” When we asked about the factors that influenced him to become a teacher, he answered that he had inspiring teachers who taught him “not only about content, but also about life lessons on different things.” As for why he decided to teach social studies, he explained that he has always been interested in politics and history. “I used to work in the government before I became a teacher, so it was a natural fit,” he stated.

The second teacher we interviewed was Mr. Cheung, who currently teaches IB Economics and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) at our school. During the short period of time he had spent at AISG, he observed that this was a very organized school where there are “structured systems in place.” He is also pleased to have his own classroom since he didn’t have one for a while. Mr. Cheung sees AISG as an “active school”, explaining that we are active not only in classrooms but also in the “numerous activities students and teachers have to get involved to.” Mr. Cheung was also inspired by his teachers in high school, specifically his passionate history teacher who often shared stories about traveling. He exclaims, “I just wanted to be like him!” He knew that he wanted to go into teaching and that he truly enjoyed trying to understand people. “That’s the reason why I’m in the social sciences,” says Mr. Cheung.

Lastly, we interviewed Dr. Escalante-Mead, who currently teaches the Grade 10 social studies, IB1 Psychology, and TOK. He claims that he is “very, very impressed by the vibrant student community” upon arriving at AISG. He didn’t expect the “classrooms [to] be so large” and was “pleasantly surprised” because he “didn’t have any real idea about what [he] was coming into.” For Dr. Escalante-Mead, his inspiration to become a social studies teacher did not come from his teachers, but from himself. He shared that he “always wanted to help people”, and psychology and education both happened to be areas which allowed him to accomplish his goal. Both of his parents were also teachers, so he was well aware of the commitment and time that teachers put into their jobs, as well as the rewards that ensued from teaching and helping other people.

BONUS! “Lastly, could you share a fun or random fact about yourself?”

Mr. Kennett: I can’t drive a car. *Laughs*

Mr. Cheung: *Laughs* On the first day, I said [my fun fact was] being fun-sized. A fun fact or an interesting fact… I have taught in a number of countries. I don’t know if that’s “fun”, but I’ve taught in the United States, Colombia, South America, the U.A.E., China, Romania, and Singapore.

Dr. Escalante-Mead: Mr. Little, who currently teaches Spanish here, was my history teacher when I was an international student. Also, I wear lots of fun socks. *Laughs*