Ms. Sasha McConnell teaches Freshman and Sophomore English in Room F110. It is her first year of teaching in person at Arcadia High School. 

Sabrina: Can you give me a little background about yourself?

Ms. McConnell: For my education, I went to PCC and got my AA degree in humanities; then I took a break and went into school to do medical coding and billing…while I was in the medical coding and billing school, that’s when I figured I think I want to teach; that’s what I really want to do…I was accepted into CSULB’s teaching credential program and graduated with a B.A. in English education in 2018. 

Sabrina: What are some of your hobbies?

Ms. McConnell: I watch a lot of shows on Netflix, Hulu… I love horror, and Freddy Kreuger is my favorite. I like to knit and also go out; I love to eat, and I love food. I will drive from my house to Hollywood to eat breakfast. I will do anything for food! I like to listen to music of all genres.

Sabrina: What is the best thing about being a teacher in your opinion?

Ms. McConnell: I think it’s forging connections with students. I once had community circles in the library, and I have a student who’s in my second-period class. He came in first, third, fifth, and sixth period, just because he likes this class so much… Just any little thing to try and create this rapport with them… I could at least say good morning to them, and let them know that I do care about them because I don’t know what is going on at home or in their outside lives. 

Sabrina: What is your biggest pet peeve in the classroom?

Mc. McConnell: Sleeping, cellphones. The cellphones are horrible, and I had to do this [cell phone pocket holders]. Another one is talking while I’m talking or someone else is talking. When that happens, especially if it’s a boy and girl [or vice versa], I like to be like, “Oh, are you done talking to your boyfriend?” and it’s just embarrassing for them and funny for the class. 

Sabrina: Why did you decide to join Arcadia Unified School District?

Mc. McConnell: Well, before I did my teaching here, I actually observed, which is part of the teaching program. You actually have to go to a school site and watch other teachers teach… I was really impressed with the students and the teachers.. all the teachers seem like they care, they all have unique ways of teaching that work for them… everything was so organized. I also feel that we [teachers] have a lot of full reign with the curriculum. I can say that I don’t want to teach some things because it’s outdated, and teach something else instead because the kids will connect with it better. It’s like I can be who I want to be here.

Sabrina: Did anything or anyone inspire you to become a teacher?

Ms. McConnell: Yes, but this was actually before I became a teacher. In my senior year, I took an AP English class and we were reading The Great Gatsby. My teacher [Mrs. Heneidi] wanted us to have a discussion, and I didn’t participate. After she read my responses, she told me “I wish you would’ve spoken up in class; that’s a really great point”. After that, she was on me, always asking me if I wanted to add anything. She just seemed like she really cared and saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. It was really inspiring…encouraging and nurturing. And just when I’m doing other things in life, I always come back to teaching. I just found my calling with teaching, and she kind of helped me with that in a roundabout way.

Sabrina: I believe you teach 9th and 10th grade. Were these grades your ideal choices, and if not, what grades would you like to teach?

Ms. McConnell: I actually love teaching 9th grade, especially now with the revamping of the curriculum making it more inclusive and diverse. 10th grade, it took me a while to figure out what I was doing. I never taught 10th grade, but I’m starting to get into a rhythm. I would eventually like to teach all the grades, and I want to follow my students. But for sure, I love teaching freshmen.  

Sabrina: Finally, if you could say one thing to your students that would stick in their minds forever, what would you say?

Ms. McConnell: Hmmm… I tell them this all the time – Don’t take AP’s, unless that’s what you really really want to do. If you don’t need to, don’t. In my own experience, I felt like I didn’t learn as much in those AP classes… and it’s a lot of pressure. There’s already so much stress coming into AHS. Just take regular classes; you’re still smart regardless. I didn’t pass my tests (in senior year), but I turned out just fine. 

Photo courtesy of Emmaline Pan