MONICA LUN
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING, AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT GARFIELD?
I’ve been teaching since 2002 and have been at Garfield since 2002.
WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU BRING TO YOUR PROFESSION?
I am funny, silly, super organized and extremely energetic. I love working directly with children, helping them learn in fun and engaging ways. Being a mother of three (currently ages 21, 16, and 14) has helped me understand first-hand the needs of children at every stage up to adulthood. I am nurturing, caring and flexible yet firm and structured in my interactions with children. Being patient is one of my strongest attributes as a person.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT GARFIELD?
I love the people I work with. Team-work and collegiality has made Garfield one of the best working environments anyone can ask for. The peaceful environment Garfield is surrounded by is another aspect that camouflages the long commute and the scarce parking problems I encounter on a daily basis. Best of all, the warm community of parents and children have helped me grow to become the teacher I am.
WHAT ARE 5 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Food, Water, Air, HK Drama and HK Milk Tea. Just kidding…my first three would be my daughters who have helped me become the best mom they claim I am. Through them, I learn how to love, care and nurture. Without them, I would not know how to be patient, generous, and tenacious. My significant other, who showers me with support, patience and love. Lastly, my mother who has been my mentor, my counselor and my best friend, taught me how to endure and accept, persevere and let go, but most importantly how to be kind and genuine in everything that I do.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF
My ideal day off is having no schedule and nothing to do but sit in front of my Cantonese Drama all day long with naps in between. However, if I were to be realistic, the best ideal day off would be spending quality time with my loved ones and it wouldn’t even matter what we would be doing because as long as I am with them, it would be an ideal day regardless.
PRESS INFO
NBC: How cultural costumes help San Francisco kindergartners learn about inclusion
AMY KAM
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING, AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT GARFIELD?
I’ve been teaching since 2004 and have been at Garfield since 2009.
WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU BRING TO YOUR PROFESSION?
I provide children with a nurturing and safe environment. I encourage children to think, to make connections, to practice and reinforce, to learn from other learners and to feel that if they make mistakes they will not be ridiculed or treated negatively. I understand that, since individuals learn at different rates and in different ways, we need to provide a variety of activities, tasks and pace of work, and monitor and evaluate children’s progress. I am patient and listen to what children have to say, and I work to promote a positive self-esteem.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT GARFIELD?
The staff at Garfield work like a team and they are very supportive.
WHAT ARE 5 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Family
Water
Food
Shelter
Air
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF
There is super nice weather, and I have a big healthy, tasty breakfast. I take a walk with my family at the park or at the beach, and have fun with my daughter. I have sushi for lunch, go shopping with my friends, have a yummy dinner, and watch a movie with my family. Finally I read to my daughter and sleep in bed early.
VERONICA LEE CARRANO
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING, AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT GARFIELD?
I’ve been teaching since 2005 and have been at Garfield since 2005.
WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU BRING TO YOUR PROFESSION?
My passion for education, my eight years of teaching experience and my Chinese language skills are the strengths I bring to my profession. I really enjoy my job, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my teaching skills. I have gained valuable experience while teaching first through fifth grade at Garfield for the last eights years. Being raised and educated in Hong Kong has helped me develop my Chinese language skills. As a bilingual teacher, my first language background helps me in my ability to teach bilingual and immersion classes.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT GARFIELD?
The students and the staff are the things I like most about Garfield. Our students come from different cultures and backgrounds, yet they are all eager and willing to learn. It is an enjoyable experience teaching our unique students. In addition, we have the incredible staff. We always work together to provide the best learning environment for our students. I’m glad to be a part of our amazing team!
WHAT ARE 5 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
My family; my dog, Baron; my friends, my bed; and sunshine.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF:
My ideal day off would be relaxing and enjoying ice cream or a cold drink with my family and dog at the beach or in the park on a sunny day.
XINYI LIU
ALAN LAM
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING, AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT GARFIELD?
I’ve been teaching since 1998 and have been at Garfield since 1998.
WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU BRING TO YOUR PROFESSION?
My strengths as a teacher are my passion for teaching, caring for my students, and perseverance for helping my students to perform at their best ability.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT GARFIELD?
What I like most about Garfield are our enthusiastic students, dedicated staff, devoted parents and Garfield’s unique location.
WHAT ARE 5 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
A positive attitude toward life and work, dreams, hope, good health and the love of my family.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF:
I would definitely play a round of golf early in the morning; watch a couple movies in the afternoon; have a fancy dinner with my family in the evening; and listen to smooth jazz before bedtime.