Introducing Doreen Scott….

Can you give us a brief synopsis of your career history? 

I have been teaching in the Boston Public Schools’ system since 1994. Prior to teaching, I dabbled in many things. I worked as an office secretary for a church, an administrative assistant for a Dean’s office at a college, and a box office manager for a local family theater. I have also been a part owner of a dry cleaning business.

Your career has certainly been varied, but what motivated you to become a teacher?

I have always wanted to teach. I remember (I think I may have been in Class Two at Ridge Church School then) sitting under a large tree in our yard pretending to be a teacher to my dolls and younger brothers, if I could get them to sit still for a moment. For some reason, wielding some chalk and a pointer always held some fascination for me as I was growing up.

I was actually hoping to return to Ghana to teach at Ridge Church. After I got married however, that plan didn’t work out. I was working in the Dean’s Office when my best friend encouraged me to go for my Masters in Education so I could teach here in Boston. At first, I balked at the idea because I’d heard that American children were a handful and quite disrespectful. I told her “No thanks!”, but she is quite persistent, and she convinced me that I would be a good fit for public school children. Twenty five years later, I am still enjoying what I do. No day is ever the same.

Do you recall a specific teacher(s) who made an impact on your life?

Mrs. Robinson (I’m hoping I’m remembering her name correctly) was one of my teachers at Ridge Church School. The way she read books to us made them come alive in my vivid imagination, and I was determined that I would do the same when I became a teacher.  Mrs. Abbam, who was another one of my teachers, influenced and deepened my resolve to become a teacher. I adored Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Oddoye and wanted to be like them.

My mother-in-law Mrs Abbam, named above as one of the specific teachers who made an impact on your life, and taught a few of our GC colleagues in Ridge Church school, says people are “called” to be teachers, do you agree with that statement?

I have also heard of the saying “those who can’t, teach”. In my years of teaching, I have seen examples of both. There are teachers who come to class to do the barest minimum. They are armed with coffee and a newspaper or other reading material. Upon arriving to class, they hand out sheet work to the students, then put their feet up on the desk or get comfortable, and ignore the class. Maybe, those belong to the “those who can’t, teach” group.

Those who are truly called are passionate about this calling. They are very reflective about their craft. They know that they have the lives of impressionable young people in their hands for ten or so months, and know that what they teach or how they engage their students today will affect the lives and future of the young people in their charge. That making a difference in the lives of children is worth every effort. They take this calling very seriously.

What has been your most rewarding experience in the classroom?

Every year, the Lord graces me with students who teach me about myself and about teaching. My students have taught me the value of patience. Every child doesn’t mature at the same rate as his/her peers. I have had the pleasure of working with students who are new to the country, with no knowledge of conversational English, blossom into non-stop chatterers once English is acquired.

I have worked with students who have been reluctant readers and writers, who’ve grown to become lovers of literature. I have nurtured struggling math-phobians into Math awardees by the end of the year. Seeing these transformations between September and June, give me great pleasure and immense joy.

What has been your most challenging experience and how did you overcome it?

Some years, my challenge is with particular students. Other years, it is with some parents. This year, I have both. I have a student who is struggling to focus in class. He is unable to rein in his body or thoughts or mouth. He is constantly on the go – whether he’s fidgeting, humming, or talking to himself, he can’t seem to calm himself down. He tends to distract his peers quite a bit. He will leave his seat the moment my back is turned and head towards someone to engage with. Students have complained that he uses inappropriate language and gestures. Many are not comfortable with him because he tends to put his hands on them.

The parent asked, about three weeks ago during our Open House, that I keep her updated on his behavior in class. I reached out yesterday because it had been one thing after another in terms of his behavior. I was hoping to have another meeting with her – any support to help this young one become more productive. She got quite angry with me for blaming all the issues/problems on her son, claiming that he says he’s being bullied.

This is not the first time this has happened though, in all my twenty five years (this October) of teaching, so I’m not worried. I’m not the only teacher in the building who has seen him in action, so technically, she has no leg to stand on. However, I now know the kind of support/s (or lack thereof) that I can receive from her so I can plan accordingly.

Are you involved in any charitable/ mentoring activities etc?

During the week, I am in a sense, mentoring my twenty three young charges. I am also keeping tabs on a few young teenagers in the middle-school, checking in to make sure that if they are having some emotional difficulties, I can be of some help, even if as a sounding board. Many of our students come from homes that have experienced some form of trauma, and for many of them, they consequently have socio-emotional challenges.

Most Saturday mornings, you will find me tutoring a sixteen year old young man who is autistic and on Sunday, I am involved in church as a worship leader.

During our time in Motown, you were cast as one of the lead characters (Yum Yum) in Gilbert and Sullivan’s MIKADO. Have you continued in the performing arts?

Yes. During the period that I was working at the local theater, I performed in their production of the Sound of Music, as well as bit parts in other productions. I was at that time also pursuing my Masters degree, so it was difficult to juggle both. I work with our church’s performing arts group (Symphoneo) to put on performances for Easter, for the church’s anniversary, and for Christmas. On occasion, I perform in other drama skits. I also write and perform spoken word pieces.

Outside of work, what do you do for relaxation?

I spend a lot of time with family in my free time. I delight in going away with my husband for weekends to bed and breakfasts or hotels near the ocean. I also spend time with my niece and look forward to playing with her two adorable children who are under the age of two. I enjoy watching NFL (National Football League) games, reading, or sudoku-ing (or other puzzles). I relish watching the Cooking Channel, even though I’d rather eat than cook!

How will you be celebrating the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday?

This Thanksgiving, by God’s grace, I will be in Accra. I’m looking forward to spending some quiet time with my mother, who has been diagnosed with dementia. It is always a blessing to be in her presence and to enjoy her bubbly personality. Being so far away from her is difficult, so having this opportunity is really special.

Although on the other hand, I will be away from my husband and son, thanks to technology, we will have many opportunities to remain connected. Last year, we enjoyed a Ghanaian Thanksgiving with jollof rice, groundnut soup and fufu, and salmon and kenkey (with pepper) – among other dishes. My nephew requested my chicken alfredo dish, so that was also on hand. This year in my absence, they will probably go to my mother-in-law’s for a “regular” Thanksgiving.

Doreen Scott (nee Evans-Lutterodt)

Clark House

Look out for our next Spotlight Edition on Solomon Aboagye