One of Coginchaug’s newest additions to the faculty this school year is science and math teacher, Mrs. Sonja Charpentier. The Devil’s Advocate had the opportunity to ask Mrs. Charpentier about her expectations and goals for the school year, get to know her better personally, and learn about her mission to “be the math teacher [she] wish[ed] [she] had in high school.”
Devil’s Advocate (DA): Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Sonja Charpentier (SC): I decided to become a teacher because I despised math from elementary school through high school. I found it boring and frustrating, and it always gave me a lot of anxiety. However, a college professor I had showed me that math is actually about problem-solving, not just memorizing steps, and I started to see the beauty and creativity in mathematics. Since I’m the type of person who likes to fix things, I decided I wanted to fix “math teaching” and be the math teacher I wish I’d had in high school. And then I got my science endorsement because I wanted to try something new! I never want to stop learning and growing as a person.
DA: What college or university did you graduate from?
SC: I went to St. Mary’s College of Maryland for my undergraduate, where I majored in economics with a minor in math. I got my Master of Arts in Teaching from Central Connecticut State University, and my Sixth Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Quinnipiac University.
DA: Where did you teach before coming to Coginchaug?
SC: I was working for Middletown Public Schools as an Instructional Coach for Mathematics, grades 6-12. So I worked at both the middle school and the high school. I also taught seventh grade math in Middletown for a year before I became a math coach. Before working in Middletown I taught math at Lyme-Old Lyme High School for several years.
DA: What have you most enjoyed about Coginchaug so far?
SC: I’ve enjoyed the strong sense of community. Everyone, students and staff, has been very friendly, supportive and welcoming.
DA: What courses are you teaching this year?
SC: This year I am teaching Integrated Algebra III, Forensics, Zoology (in the second semester), and I am also doing math intervention.
DA: What do you hope that students get out of your classes?
SC: I hope that students learn to understand the importance of collaborating with others, especially when problem-solving. I want students to feel like their voice matters, and feel comfortable sharing their opinions, thoughts and strategies.
DA: Do you plan on becoming involved in the CRHS community by advising any clubs or activities?
SC: Yes! I am currently the National Honor Society advisor.
DA: What are you most looking forward to this year?
SC: Nothing in particular! I’m just having a really great time building connections with my students and the other teachers in the building, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow that sense of belonging.
DA: What would your advice to your high school self be?
SC: Relax! I stressed out a lot about things that, in the long run, really didn’t matter.
DA: Would you be able to tell us about your hobbies and what you enjoy doing in your free time?
SC: I love spending time with my family, especially outdoors, like going for bike rides or hikes. My children are two and seven years old, so I also go to playgrounds a lot. I also really love sewing! I’ve even got a few ribbons from the Durham Fair for my submissions.
DA: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
SC: I am most proud of serving in the U.S. Peace Corps. For two years after college, I taught math in The Gambia, one of the poorest countries in Africa. The experience really shaped who I am.
DA: What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
SC: People are always surprised to learn that I can fence! I was the captain of my college’s fencing team and also coached the Lyme-Old Lyme High School fencing team.
