“Look What the Ship Just Blew In”: Teacher Spotlight

STORY AND PHOTO BY DESTINY ATTAGBA, FNN REPORTER, WOODRIDGE BUREAU 

JUNE 9, 2014.  The ship just came in! This isn't any old ship, although this teacher is extraordinary like the Titanic. This is my southern accented, fourth grade teacher, Ms. Chasity Shipp! My personal opinion of Ms. Shipp is similar to that of my classmates. She is a very generous teacher and is one of the few teachers who actually wants to educate any kid that walks in her classroom. To put it plain and simple, Ms. Shipp is awesome and totally cool! 

She is a fourth grade teacher at Friendship Woodridge Academy and this is her second year teaching at Woodridge. She has taught now over six years and loves what she does.

I had an interview with this amazing teacher, and it went a little something like this:

Me: Hi Ms.Shipp, how are you doing today?

Ms.Shipp: I’m alright. How are you?

Me: Fine. So today, I’m going to ask you a couple of questions.

Ms.Shipp: Okay.

ME: What inspired you to be a teacher?

Ms.Shipp: I knew that was coming. Well, when I was younger I wanted to be a pediatrician so that I could work with babies. But as I grew up, the work became harder. So I thought teaching was the best thing.

Me: Do you have a role model?

Ms. Shipp: My mom, Oprah Winfrey, and Jada Pickett.

Me: What’s your favorite color?

Ms. Shipp: I don’t really have one, mostly bright colors.

ME: What are your favorite subjects?

Ms. Shipp: I don’t really have one.

Me:  Did you get good grades when you were little?

Ms. Shipp: Yes Ma’m,  Mom didn’t allow bad grades in her house.

ME: What part of Tennessee are you originally from?

Ms. Shipp: Memphis, Tennessee.

Me: Can you remember what elementary, middle, and high school you attended?

Ms. Shipp: Sure do! Cherokee Elementary, Dunbar Elementary, Hanley Elementary, Peabody Elementary, Fairview Middle, and Ridgeway Middle/ High school.

Me: Do you like teaching at Woodridge?

Ms. Shipp: YES!!!, Most days.

Me: What music do you enjoy listening to?

Ms. Shipp: I enjoy listening to R&B, some Rap, Jazz, Gospel, Neo Soul, Country, Pop, and Rock.

Me: What is your favorite perfume or fragrance?

Ms. Shipp: Marc Jacobs Lady Bug

Me: Where do you like to go on the weekends?

Ms. Shipp: I love to go shopping, go out to eat, hang out with friends, and other typical things like reading, working out, and enjoying movies.

Me: What is your favorite song?

Ms. Shipp: “No Who You Are” by Pharrel featuring Alicia Keys, I love the beat and it is very catchy.

Me: What do you like the most about teaching at Friendship?

Ms. Shipp: There is never a boring day, and I like everyone I am around. They inspire me to do my very best.

Me: What is your favorite dessert and why?

Ms. Shipp: I love carrot cake, cheese cake and red velvet cake or cupcakes. Umm delicious!

Me: What do you do when you are sad?

Ms. Shipp: I listen to music, or sometimes talk to myself...and online shopping.

Me: How do you feel when you’re teaching?

Ms. Shipp: Sometimes I am super happy and sometimes I have to think and I freeze.

Me: I really enjoyed this interview with you. I learned so much about you, and now so many other students and teachers will too. Thank you for your time and continue to being a super teacher.

Destiny Attagba is a 4th grade scholar at Friendship Woodridge Academy.