Ms. Watkins is a new addition to Pace’s English and drama staff during her eighth year of teaching. She loves teaching English to students more than she loves English itself.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

What subjects do you teach?

I teach AP Literature, ELA 10, and ninth grade drama.

What were the previous schools you worked at before Pace?

Yes, I was at a school called Bronx Compass in the South Bronx in my first five years and absolutely loved it, but it was time for me to go. So I moved to a school in Harlem, Urban Assembly of Global Commerce, and it just wasn’t the right fit for me, so I looked for something new and ended up here at Pace.

Can you tell me the reason why you ended up choosing Pace?

I actually ended up having a lot of options, thankfully, when I was looking to change schools. I had several offers, but when I came here for my interview, I got to meet with the roundtable of the staff here including Mr. Sowiski. The vibe that I got from everyone was just unreal. I loved everything about it. I also met you Erick, that first day and your warmth-like-generosity and willingness to help really made me feel like this was the place to be.

Do you have any hobbies outside of school?

I ride horses. Crazy story: I had two horses that died in a barn fire. So I haven’t ridden since, but it’s my passion that I absolutely love. I love yoga, the theater, and opera, I enjoy that a lot.

Is there something you’re hoping to bring to Pace?

I think Pace has run pretty well like from everything that I’ve seen. As you know, I’m very new here since I’ve only been here for a couple of months, but I love that the students are so into all of the extracurriculars. As you know, I’m assisting with SGO, so I’m hoping that this is a good fit for all of us. I think you can see that I have my own brand of trying to make kids feel welcome. My big thing as a teacher is helping students realize their full potential, and to grow as a whole human being. So, that’s what I hope to do with all of the students that I meet and interact with.

What has it been like so far teaching at Pace?

I love the kids. I find you guys so warm, open and receptive to me and what I’m teaching and that’s always such a welcome feeling, especially considering I’m a new teacher. It’s nice to have that type of reception. Yeah, honestly, I am happy every single day. I have a crazy workload and I have a long commute home, but I’m happy every day.