Aho finds perfect fit in teaching
“When I’m doing art, and I see their creativeness come out ... or they all of a sudden get it, I feel really privileged to work here.”
Published Wednesday, January 17, 2007
What attracted Terri Aho to the School of Choice was the novelty of it. That, and after eight years of time at home with her six children, she was ready to go back to work.
“It’s new and innovative. Nobody’s really tried it before,” Aho said. “And I thought, ‘This is a great way to get back into teaching and teach part-time.”
She teaches Level 1 students in the alternative program, which allows children to come to Fergus Falls Middle School a few days per week and be homeschooled the remaining time.
Because there are children of different ages in the same classroom, Aho must recognize when she’s over the heads of the young ones and boring the older children, and find a daily balance.
“You always need to be on your toes,” she said.
The best part of her job, she said, is when that moment of understanding hits children, and she knows she was able to guide them there.
“When I’m doing art, and I see their creativeness come out, or phy. ed., and just their energy, or phonics — and they all of a sudden get it, they make the connection,” Aho said. “I feel really privileged to work here.”
Grade/subject(s): Level 1/School of Choice
Educational background: A.A. Fergus Falls Community College; B.S. Moorhead State; graduate credits at Bemidji State and St. Thomas
Originally from: Fergus Falls
Years teaching: Taught 8 years in the Perham School District. (Have been home with my children the past 8 years.)
Who or what inspired you to become a teacher?: My parents were both teachers — along with many wonderful teachers in the Fergus Falls district.
Hobbies: Biking, walking, spending time with family.
Spouse/kids/pets: Mark — husband — teacher and coach, Fergus Falls School District. Six children: Allie, 15; Abbet, 13; Abram, 11; Amarias, 8; AmzieJoy, 5; Abel, 4.
What brings you back to work every day?: The students — their smiles and eagerness to learn, along with a great staff at FFMS.
Phone number: 218-998-2467, 218-731-2467
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