By MacKenzie Nguyen and Sara Walstedter
It’s the already the second month of school, which means the newness of the school year – new grade, new goals, new teachers – is starting to wear off. However, one question still going around BHS recently is: Who are these new teachers? The Branford Buzz took the opportunity to interview and learn more about them. Over the coming weeks, the Buzz will be publishing Q & A interviews with all the new staff members.
Today’s feature is on Ms. Maile Chaplar, who is a new English teacher in the Atlas program.
What subject and classes do you teach?
I teach ATLAS English. In the past, I have taught traditional English as well as Art.
Why did you become a teacher?
It took a village to raise and save me when I was a teenager. I want to be part of that village for someone else. Even if it’s just one student.
What’s your background and how did you come to BHS?
I grew up in Old Saybrook, teaching there for a short time before teaching at Morgan High School in Clinton, and I even did my student teaching at Daniel Hand in Madison. I didn’t go too far for college either, studying at Southern Connecticut State University, where I plan to go back to school for my masters. Specifically, I was drawn to BHS because of the diversity and the ATLAS program.
What do you like about BHS?
I like how BHS is so friendly. Everyone has been so welcoming, super supportive, and always checking in on me. I also like how much more diverse BHS is in comparison to other schools that I’ve worked in. It’s cool seeing students walking around who look like me!
What are your hobbies and interests?
I have many hobbies and interests, but my favorite of them all is scuba diving. I’ve been scuba diving for close to 7 years now. I try to go weekly when the water is still warm. I am involved with various Connecticut diving groups, but I have traveled to Thailand and other places around the world to dive at different sites.
Tell me about your family.
My mom is primarily Vietnamese and my dad is a mix of many European countries. If you look at my 23 and Me, almost the whole globe lights up with different colors. Through 23 and Me, I found out I have a half-sister, nieces, and nephews that our family never knew about,
What’s a favorite song, book, movie or TV show and why?
I have too many favorite books to list, but two of my favorites back from when I was in school were 1984 and Fahrenheit 451. I was angsty; dystopias were my vibe then. For movies, I love Goodfellas and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. My favorite TV show is Cheers because NORM!
