This year, the Institut de la Tour has welcomed a few new teachers to the AS crew. As amateur journalists and curious writers, we volunteered to get to know the new members of the AS Boss Squad™. And so, we channeled our inner Ellen Degeneres and interviewed them so that you could get to know them as well!
Mrs. Leistiko
Hi! Let’s get started, shall we? First of all, how are you today?
Good!
Perfect, okay! Where do you come from?
Well, I’m from California.
Really? When did you move here?
I moved to France about 5 years ago, but I was living in Grenoble before, and this is my first year in Paris.
How are you enjoying Paris so far?
I really enjoy it. I kind of really like the fact that I can walk to work in the morning, which is quite rare and, well it’s nice!
Where did you previously work?
I worked at the University of Grenoble, where I worked in the language department, obviously! *laughs*
So did you also study in that University?
I did, yes! I did my bachelor’s degree in California, and then I went to Grenoble to get my Master’s degree. I studied literature and language.
What do you do outside of work? Hobbies, I mean.
Let’s see… I try to go to expositions and things like that as much as possible, but I’ll be honest I’m usually pretty lazy on weekends, *laughs* and I like to exercise, go for walks, unfortunately catch up on grading! *laughs* Because obviously I can’t get everything done during the week.
Right! So do you have a favorite movie or TV show? Anything you would like to recommend?
Let me think…. Well, I’ve always really enjoyed “American Beauty”. I definitely recommend that. Other than that, I can’t really think of TV shows I like on the top of my head, but I do watch a lot of TV!
That’s fine. Thank you so much
Ms. Spivey
First off, where do you come from?
I come from England. Cambridge, actually!
When did you move here and why? Do you like Paris?
I moved here in September, because I got the job! I do really like Paris. I’m getting used to the Metro, although I’m not much of a public transportation person.
What made you decide to work in this school?
I’ve always loved teaching. I guess I liked the idea of working in France, and the fact that there is an Anglophone Section is great!
Where did you previously work?
Well, I finished my degree in July, but I was studying and taking small teaching jobs in Andorra and in the Alpes.
Why did you become a teacher?
I find that working with kids is much more interesting than, you know, with adults. They are just more responsive to what you tell them. And anyway, I would just die if I was stuck behind a computer all day! *laughs*
What did you study to become a teacher here?
French and English literature, mostly, like Renaissance writing.
What do you outside of work?
Rowing! I’m in a competitive sports club, the ACBB of Pont de Sèvres. It does take up a lot of my evenings, but it is fun.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to all sorts of music! I’ll check out the charts, if I can deal with new songs. Other than that, lots of Classical and Folk music these days.
Do you have any recommendations for our readers?
Well, I’m quite into Joan Mitchell! Rihanna has always been a favorite as well *laughs*, but you won’t put that in the article, will you? (Sorry, Ms. Spivey, we put it in)
Ms. Wiliams
What is your role at the Anglophone Section?
I am the administrative assistant, so my role is to support the teacher and help them, organize trips, organize the testing for new students.
What do you like about that?
It is nice to get to talk to a lot of different people everyday, like helping the older students in their higher education applications for foreign Anglophone schools.
How long have you been living in Paris?
3 years in Paris but working at Institut de La Tour since May 2016.
What were you doing before arriving at La Tour?
I worked as a freelance writer in Paris, so without a contract with someone, self-employed basically.
Where did you study?
I studied French literature at Oxford in England, since I am British.
With what perspectives did you came to France?
I came to France because, first of all, I wanted to live abroad but also to improve my French.
What do you plan for the future?
Getting a master first during the next few years probably in Paris, I don’t plan on getting back to England any time soon.
Do you enjoy life in Paris?
I really like it, it is a lovely city, I live in the 11th arrondissement near the canals which a really nice area. There is so much to do, and also nice people. I love it!
How is it different from where you lived before?
I grew up in a tiny village; with only twelve houses, in the countryside so it is completely different from here. No comparisons!
-By Emily B. and Armand K.
The Tower Times Blog 