Interviewer: Elizabeth G.      Interviewee: Ms. Fernandi 

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Q: What is your full name? 

A: Bente Olsen Fernandi.  

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Q: Did you like Science and Social Studies as a kid? 

A: I have always loved social studies and history. Science was not very interesting when I was in school, but I really like it now. 

 

Q: What made you want to become a teacher? 

A: Watching my own children learn inspired me to become a teacher! 

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Q: Why did you choose to work at Coe? 

A: I love the staff and administration at Coe. I feel very fortunate to work with such dedicated teachers.  

 

Q: What do you like most about teaching? 

A: I love connecting with students and seeing their excitement over what they are learning. I also love learning with my students. They are always teaching me about life and telling me interesting facts and opinions! 

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Q: What are some challenges to teaching and how do you overcome them? 

A: Sometimes teaching can be very tiring. There are so many different demands on our time and things outside the classroom that we need to take care of, but students definitely keep me motivated and excited. 

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Q: What is one of your hidden talents? 

A: I speak other languages. 

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Q: What are some pets you’ve had or would like to have? 

A: I had a wonderful dog as a child, but now we have had 3 different cats in our home and I have loved their calm, affectionate nature. I think life is quieter with a cat. 

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Q: What’s your most favorite book? 

A: This is almost impossible for me to answer. Some of my favorite books are The War That Saved My Life; Bud, Not Buddy; Granny Torelli Makes Soup; To Kill a Mockingbird. But I also love mysteries, histories, and picture books! 

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Q: If you had enough money to retire, would you? 

A: Not yet. I am still really enjoying teaching. So, IF I had enough money to retire, I would just put it in the bank until I am ready! 

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Q: How long have you been teaching? 

A: I think this is my 18th year of teaching. I have enjoyed teaching kindergarten, first grade, second grade, fourth grade, resource room, and reading specialist and of course, my favorite - fifth grade! 

 

Q: Where was your first teaching job? How did you feel? 

A: I was a substitute teacher in Virginia a couple of years out of college. It was funny because I looked so young, I was constantly being stopped in the halls by other teachers who wanted to see my hall pass because they thought I was a student – even in middle schools.  

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Thank you, Ms. Fernandi!