About Ms. Parisi

An Interview with Ms. Parisi

So, you want to know something about the person who's teaching your child, huh? Well, here I answer children's burning questions. I tried to put them in the order my students usually ask them. 

Q. How old are you?

A. Old enough to be your Teacher.

Q. Are you older than my mom?

A. I don't know; how old is your mom?

Q. Are you married?

A. Yes.

Q. Are you married to a Prince?

A. Yes. 

Q. Do you have kids?

A. Yes! I have a son named Declan Tristan Bozabalian. "Declan" is an Irish name that means "The Good One."He was named after a Saint.

I also have a daughter. Her name is Barrett Brinley Bozabalian. Her name is Irish as well. It means "Full of Strength." She was named after a Poet.

Q. Do you have a pet?

A. Yes! I have an English Bulldog. His name is Mephisto. "Mephisto" is an Italian name and means "The Bad One" or "Devil."

Q. What is your favourite colour?

A. Blue. No, purple. No, blue. No purple. Yes, purple. Purplish-blue.

Q. What is your favourite animal?

A. I have two favourites: the English Bulldog and the Pygmy Hippo.

Q. Why is your hair sparkling?
A. Ummmm… (Internal dialogue: "Are my roots showing already?!")

Q. Can you come over to my house?
A. Ummmm...

Q. Can you come to my birthday party?
A. Ummmm...

Q. How long have you been a Teacher?

A. 10 years

Q. Have you always been a Teacher? (okay, kids don't ask this question, but Parents might be interested to know...)

A. No. I was a Copywriter before I was a Teacher. A Copywriter is a person who comes up with the ideas for, and writes, the ads that you see on T.V., in magazines, and on billboards. They also write the ads you hear on the radio, the ads you see on the internet, and the ads you receive in your mailbox.

Q. Do you have a degree? (alright, you caught me again, another question I thought Parents might like to know the answer to...)

A. Yes. So far, I have two degrees, two diplomas, a certificate, and a "Specialist." I graduated high school with a diploma and then went to Wilfrid Laurier University to obtain my Bachelor of Arts. It's a combinations honours in English Literature & Philosophy. I went to Humber College to get a diploma in Copywriting. I went to George Brown College to receive a certificate in Graphic Design. I went to the University of Toronto (OISE) to get my Bachelor of Education. Finally, I went to the University of Toronto (OISE) to get my "Specialist" in Reading. Does this qualify me to be your Teacher?

Q. How long have you taught at Chester (I know, I know…)?

A. I have been teaching at Chester for the entire 10 years of my career. Believe it or not, before I worked at Chester as a Teacher, I was a Student-Teacher here. I worked my pants off (& still do to this day)! Thankfully, people noticed. I got hired the moment I graduated Teacher's College.

Q. Do you love your job?

A. Well, I hope the answer is obvious! YES, I LOVE my job! I'm very lucky and happy to be a Teacher (specifically YOUR child's Teacher) and you should be happy they are my student because I hope to make this a school year one they will remember for a long time to come...hopefully forever!

Q. Is there anything else I should know about you?

Well, there's a lot, but you'll find out more in due time. One thing you should know though is that I'm involved in research with Researchers from the University of Toronto (OISE). They study my program to get ideas on how to teach Student-Teachers. Pretty cool, huh? I'm sure you'll meet one of the Researchers when she comes in to view our class this year. You might also be interested to know that my ideas have been featured in a few books for Teachers. On top of that, I was recognized as one of North America's most exemplary Teachers and am featured on a website that was made for Teachers.