For our next Fredonia Feature, we are highlighting our very own Ms. Christina DeGroff!
Ms. DeGroff teaches First Grade and is a newer addition to our Fredonia Family; we are so thankful to have her. She teaches the foundations of our core subjects, such as math and writing. It’s a difficult transition from Kindergarten to First Grade, and she strives to make a welcoming and uplifting environment for her students.
We got the chance to sit down with Ms. DeGroff and ask her about her job as a first grade teacher, as well as about some of the people in her life who she finds inspirational.
What would your students be surprised to know about you?
I stop working. They think I work 24/7. So looking through the eyes of a 6 and 7 year old, all they think I do is just print papers and read and teach. But I think they’d be surprised to find out I don’t teach all the time. They’re very intrigued about my personal life; they always ask what I do when I go home. I have a dog, so they always ask me about my dog. They know a lot about me personally because of pictures, and I do like to connect with them.
What is your favorite thing about being a first grade teacher at FCSD?
I applied specifically here because I wasn’t having the experience I wanted out of the school I was at. Whether it was building relationships with colleagues, or even just my own personal experience. I’ve had nothing but fond and great memories here. I’ve been blessed with the best group of kids both years, and I really like the people here, like the staff. But I just really like that I found a group of colleagues and teachers that I can call on—professional friends and personal friends. And it’s been very supportive on the administration side. I’ve been thrown curveballs in my two years of being here, and definitely the support here is something I haven’t experienced in other districts. I’m very happy here.
Why did you want to be a teacher?
My parents were both teachers. They’re retired now. My parents just came from a background of what you work is what you get. So, my mom worked in real estate, she worked as a secretary, [then they were] music educators. My sister teaches high school, and I found myself landing here. I’ve always gravitated towards teaching. Like as a little kid, in first grade when you’re asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” I’ve said teacher; it’s been on all of my documents, so I just have always wanted to be it. I know it’s definitely been difficult—the climate and what you see socially with a ton of teachers leaving the profession and getting burnout. Do I feel it sometimes? Yeah. But I can’t picture myself doing anything else. I’m definitely intrigued, regardless if that’s in ten years or in two years, doing something else within the realm of teaching. But right now, I’m very happy.
What adjectives would you use to describe your presence in the classroom?
I’m going to say calming or cozy. I’m a huge proponent of understanding the fact that I have these 15 kids for more of the day than their parents. So [I’m] trying as best as I can to make it feel as inviting and comfortable, but also an environment that they know that they still are expected to come here and learn and to work. These kids definitely go in from that transition of kindergarten to first grade as a shock, which I understand that being in this position, but also these kids have to know, too, there is rigor, there are expectations, but coming in here, I’m expecting them to do it. But I want them to have fun; they’re still kids!
What is a funny or embarrassing moment that happened while teaching if you’re comfortable to share?
My kid told me I had a zit; it actually was kind of embarrassing for me. Kids obviously don’t have a filter at this age, and they come from a place that’s very pure and honest, and they didn’t mean it maliciously. But he’s like “what is that on your face? That’s huge. It’s red, and it looks like it hurts.” And I go, “it’s a zit. It’s a huge pimple.” And he goes, “why don’t you touch it?” And I go, “do you want me to touch it?” And then all the kids started laughing at me. But it was also very comical; they’re my biggest hype people ever. So, like they’ll tell me I’m pretty one day and the most beautiful person in the world, and the next day they’ll be like, “it looks like you got no sleep.” They keep me self aware, but at least they’re cute!
Who is the most influential woman in your life?
My mother. I know that’s the most stereotypical answer, but when I was little I used to jokingly say Oprah Winfrey—don’t know much about her. And then, obviously as any male or female matures they realize who has made the most impact on their life … My mother, I mean she helps me every single day. Whether it’s cutting out something for my class or helping me write a check. I mean, she really led me to this position as it was. I wouldn’t be anywhere without her.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Barbara Walters. She was one of the most brilliant newscasters. And she’s interviewed so many. I mean, the news stories she’s covered and what she’s done with her career is fascinating.
Ellen DeGeneres would be great to meet. Love her show. Again because she’s so involved in pop culture and has interviewed like every single person, so that would be so fascinating to just hear how every celebrity interaction is.
