NEWS/FEATURES November/December 2011
EASTSIDE
Page 5
Computer Graphics teacher is always Hird ■ By Juliet Brooks (‘13) and Prashasti Awadhiya (‘12) Eastside News/Features Editors
Several students have had the scarring experience of calling a teacher “mom.” Usually, the teacher makes a joke at the student’s expense and then continues with the lesson. Not so with Mrs. Aimee Hird. “She is very motherly,” Noy Chetrit (‘13) said of Hird as Chetrit sat at Hird’s desk after completing her assignment early. And Hird, the Computer Graphics teacher at East, does not mind being described that way. “That’s what teaching is to me,” Hird laughed when she heard what Chetrit said. “I am close to the students. I like to think that I have a connection to them.” Although Hird teaches Computer Graphics now, she studied both computers and business at her undergraduate college. She has been teaching in the Cherry Hill School District for the past eight years; she taught business and math at West, but then transferred to East when she saw the Computer Graphics opening. Right now, Hird is quite happy in F-wing. Hird said, “I love my classes, I love where I teach, and I love working with my students.” Hird enjoys getting to know her students and feeling like her students can come to her for advice. Knowing that she can help her students, present and past, shows Hird that, as a teacher, she has done something right. Another great experience for Hird is when past students return
to see her. “When my kids that graduated come talk to me, that makes me feel like an accomplished teacher,” she said. Jerry Peralta (‘13) said that Hird is a teacher on whom he can count. “She listens to kids and gives them advice,” Peralta said. Hird loves teaching Computer Graphics because it is an extremely hands-on class. “I can’t stay in the front,” Hird said. “I get a good workout, I’m always answering questions.” Hird’s teaching philosophy is to help students apply skills while doing fun activities. Her goal is to make learning something that teenagers can enjoy. Hird also wants to expand the Computer Graphics program at East. Two years ago, she created the Advanced Graphics and Advanced Application classes. She said, “I love to collaborate with Kevin Frost, the [Computer Graphics] teacher at West.” Hird is also very passionate about organizing a field trip for Computer Graphics. She said, “I would love to take the kids to Star Graphics, a place around the corner [from East] to show them real-life applications of computer design.” Hird is also active in extra-curricular activities. She has been the advisor of Anime Club for the past four years and also facilitated the Breakdancing Club last year. Hird’s energy is part of what makes her such a good teacher, and her enthusiasm carries into every facet of her job. First and foremost, however, Hird said, “I value my connection with my students.”
Kevin Yoo (‘12) and Mia Holley (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editors
(Top) Hird helps a student working with computer graphics. (Bottom) Hird teaches her classes with a lot of enthusiasm.
Eddie Lai (‘12)
Keely Baker (‘15)
Mrs. Morgan
Chelsea Morales (‘15)
We asked...
What is your favorite turkey condiment? Why did the turkey cross the road? I’m thankful for...
Cranberry chutney Gravy
Mayo
Gravy
To get away To be here To get to the from the other side man with the axe my family and my students
my family
To get to the other side
my family
life Target
Favorite holiday store:
Garage Best Buy
Bath and Body Works