• The Voice: Teacher Spotlight

    Mrs. Spine

    Interviewed By: Nicole Santa-Maria

     

    1. What inspired her to become a teacher?

    Her mother is her inspiration. Her mother taught for 30 years. Initially, Mrs. Spine did not want to be a teacher. She went to school for fine arts but eventually decided to go back to school and get her credentials to become a teacher. 

     

    2.  Where did she graduate high school/College?

    Mrs. Spine went to  SUNY New Paltz for her bachelors degree and Syracuse University for her masters degree. She also furthered her art education at Munson Williams. 

     

    3. Why did she choose Holland Patent over other highschools?

    It was practical. She had offers to work at both Clinton and Holland Patent. Holland Patent was closer to home so she would have more time to spend with her sons and she could get home in time to watch their games. 

     

    4. What were her previous teaching jobs?

    She taught at Remsen and acted as a maternity leave sub at Clinton. 

     

    5. How long has she taught?

    She has taught for 18 years. She has taught for nineteen years if you include the years she subbed at Clinton.

     

    6. Has she taught any other subjects? Is this her favorite subject to teach?

    She has only taught art. 

     

    7. What is her favorite place to eat?

    Her favorite place to eat is Five Corners in Old Forge.

     

    8. What is her favorite movie?

    Green Book 

     

    9. What is her favorite song?

    “Why Should I Cry for You” by Sting 

     

    10. Did she dislike school as a kid?

    She did not dislike high school but she found she really enjoyed college as it gave her the freedom to choose what subjects she wanted to do. 

     

    11. What is her favorite art genre?

    Her favourite art genres are street art and 18th century American paintings.

     

    12. Does she have any specific artists she enjoys (recently)?

    Winslow Homer and George Inness are two of her favorite artists.

     

    13. What is her biggest art inspiration? 

    Hiking the Adirondacks is a big inspiration for her work. She is always taking note of the different colors, textures and lighting of the hiking trails.