One of the newest additions to Coginchaug’s Math Department is Mrs. Clemente, who started at the beginning of the school year. In addition to teaching math, Mrs. Clemente will also be co-running Coginchaug’s chapter of National Honors Society alongside another new math teacher, Mrs. Pereira. We are very excited to have the opportunity to ask Mrs. Clemente some questions about her history and goals for the future. 

Devil’s Advocate (DA): Where were you teaching before Coginchaug?

Lori Clemente (LC): I was teaching at Grove School in Madison before coming to CRHS.  It is a private therapeutic boarding school.  Prior to that, I taught at Morgan for 13 years.

DA: Why did you decide to work here? 

LC:  Fun fact, Mrs. Walsh and I have known each other for years and our daughters were best friends in high school.  She reached out to me and told me about the position, and how great a school it was!

DA: What made you want to be a math teacher? 

LC: My high school math teacher is who convinced me to become a math teacher.  I was a Certified Public Accountant in my first career.

DA: What’s the class you’re most excited about teaching? 

LC:  I am super excited to teach AP Calc.  I have taught Calc before, but not AP, so I am excited to learn more about the AP process and be challenged with teaching something new.

DA: Do you have any big plans for NHS? 

LC:   NHS members really want to give back to the community, so I am excited to partake in such endeavors.  I am a firm believer in getting personal reward from helping others.

DA: Any book recommendations?   

LC: The last book I read was Lessons in Chemistry.  It is a fun book that will be an Apple TV series.  An easy read, and it is not really about Chemistry!!

DA: What’s your favorite animal? 

LC: Dogs. 

DA: What are you most looking forward to about this year?  

LC: I am looking forward to learning more about CRHS and the Durham/Middlefield communities. Other than Dari-Serv, Powder Ridge, Lyman’s and the Durham Fair, I do not know much about this area 

DA: What advice would you give to your high school self?  

LC: I know it is cliche, but “don’t sweat the small stuff” puts everything in perspective, because what seems so important in high school, and still for many, is really not as big of a deal as we make it out to be.  Everything happens for a reason.