Interview with Ms. Valcourt, Math Coach at SGES

By Yuna, Angelina, and with help by Rubi
We sat down with Ms. Valcourt to find out what it is like to be a math coach here and to learn more about her life outside of school. This is what we discovered from our interview!

Do you like teaching at South Grade?
I love to teach here because of the students. They are ready to learn. They are so genuine.

How long have you been teaching?
For some time now. I always wanted to be a teacher. I was a 3rd grade math teacher before I was a math coach.

Do you like it when kids improve their grades?
I feel inspired. They encourage me. Their success is my success.

How do you feel when you teach kids?
I feel like a kid. It is fun. Different side, I can be myself. Going through the process of learning with them is exciting.

How many family members do you have?
I have a lot of family! Too many to name.

Do you have any pets?
I don’t have animals and I am not an animal person, I did have a goldfish once for about five minutes. I put it from the bag into a clean peanut butter jar as a fish bowl. It didn’t work.

Where did you go to school?
I went to school in the Bahamas before moving to Miami and then the University of North Florida. I am getting my Doctoral from Lynn University. I finish in one month!

How did you get inspired to be a teacher?
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I like to explain and break down problems. I’ve kept a journal since elementary school and I went back and read it. I found out that even then I wanted to be a teacher. I had forgotten that I had wanted to be a teacher even then.

Have you ever traveled?
Yes! I want to travel to Paris and Italy. Over spring break I went up to the East Coast and Pennsylvania. I was able to see new snow for the first time. We played in it and even ate it! I have also traveled to Haiti which was sad.

What is your favorite subject?
I don’t have a favorite subject but I love to learn. I love to read books. When I was growing up we didn’t have a lot of money so we went to the library and I would stock up. The library was my escape. My imagination would take me on travels. Now I like to read spiritual books and things that help schools improve.

Where do you go shopping?
I love to shop online. I prefer new things that are different. I don’t make my own clothes.

Who do you look up to?
I look up to my sister because she is faithful and loyal. She is very driven and is a doctor. I also look up to people who make a difference in the community and in students. People who are passionate about what they believe in.

What is your favorite sport and team?
My favorite sport is basketball and I love the Miami Heat.

What is your favorite food?
I love food! I cook my food from scratch. I like Southern food and Caribbean food. Homemade food is better!