5 Questions with Ms. McCarty

This year, faculty and staff participated in our new showcase called “5 Questions with…” During the year, we will be highlighting their responses in our Spotlight blog. We are excited to learn new and interesting facts about our esteemed faculty and staff. Our first teacher to be highlighted is fourth grade teacher Ms. McCarty.

 

 

 

Each new class is a giant puzzle to be solved. No matter how many years I have taught, each group has its own personality, dynamics, and challenges. I don't think there is a more rewarding career where you get a new beginning, an end, and constant feedback regarding success or failure of goals.

 

 

I was the second daughter with a super star older sister. Lucky for me she was kind and generous, so while I wanted to be like her, I did not have to compete with her. Her unconditional love for me enabled me to be myself- feisty, expressive, and driven. Many times, I had to learn lessons the hard way – by making mistakes and pushing limits rather than taking advice. This personality really helps me to understand children who challenge boundaries and see this character trait as a positive attribute.

 

 

I define success when the child connects ideas and wants to learn more about a topic.

They see learning as a lifelong process and not about getting a good grade. Likewise, I feel successful when a child acts with good character because it is “the right thing to do” rather than behaving to "not get in trouble."

 

 

I have so many amazing people who have influenced me, starting with my mother who taught two generations ago but with great wisdom that is timeless. Then, of course, there is Mrs. Rowe (former lower school director) who healed me, inspired me, modeled for me, and encouraged me in all ways.

 

 

Over and over again, I marvel at the creativity of children's minds. They take a lesson, idea, or problem way beyond my thinking or expectations to a whole other dimension. These are 21st century children at their finest.

 

 

One time I arrived to school wearing two different shoes. Needless to say, I should have had more coffee before I left home.

 

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Ms. McCarty has been teaching fourth grade at Harbor Day School since 1998. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Whittier College and earned a California Teaching Credential from California State University, Long Beach. Fourth grade is a year full of fun events, academic growth, and team effort. Mrs. McCarty feels it is such a joy and honor to be a part of this step in the students’ lives.