By Jessica T. and Josue A., Staff Writers
How many years have you worked at Gal? How many years as department head?
I’ve worked at Galileo for 25 years, and I’ve been department head for 6 years.
Why did you decide to teach at Galileo?
I grew up in San Francisco, and wanted to teach in the city. Once I came out of college I started here, I wanted start somewhere.
What are your extra responsibilities as department head?
My responsibilities as department head includes: supporting new teachers if they need help planning or finding things, ordering supplies, managing materials like chromebook carts, or extra equipment, organize and make sure its in order, on Leadership team I make decisions for the school, and I make the schedules for teachers, which period or which room they teach in
Makes schedules for teachers which teacher teaches what period in what room
What are the benefits/ drawbacks of being a department head?
I likes helping new teachers, supporting teachers, getting materials, I have one extra period to order materials, and I only teach 4 classes instead of 5.
The drawback is mediating conflict between people, like if they’re uncooperative and say that they don’t want to teach this certain subject. I have to be the middle person when SFUSD says something, always bearing bad news.
Why did you want to become department head?
It was a way to help the school, students and teachers. Look at the bigger picture and see what should be added. Not just managing a classroom, but the school as a whole.
How hard is it to balance your tasks as a department head and classroom teacher
It’s not too bad, certain times of the year are harder like the beginning of the year, there’s a lot of things that go wrong and things to do.”
How do you think other teachers would describe you as department head?
I think they would describe me as department head as someone who keeps it fun and tries to complete people’s need.
What qualities do you bring as department head?
Qualities I bring as department head includes having a lot of experience, being social, and trying to work with different personalities who is a little organized- I’m pretty organized.
Fun Fact about yourself
Some of my mom’s family went to Galileo, and they grew up in Chinatown.
