Letters From Teachers:

• Acting to learn, learning to act
• Born to teach
• Passing on a positive impact
• Why do I teach
• Learning together
• Loving the subject and the students
• Leading through our commitments
• Small victories keep me coming back
• Hands-on interaction draws me to teaching
• Awsome students inspire me
• Myriad reasons draw me to teach
• Taking pride in teaching
• Rediscovering the world through students' eyes
• Students' self-confidence is greatest gift
• Making a difference

Christian P. Milord:

Learning together

I have attended numerous private and public schools in four countries, and received my B.A. at the University of Winnipeg. Next, I completed a four-year tour of duty in the U.S. Coast Guard and later got started in the teaching program at CSUF. The faculty members were very helpful to us student teachers as we labored through our courses and internships. I earned my credential in 1986, as well as an M.S. in Education Administration in 1988, and supported my studies by chauffeuring limousines. I recall good memories of Drs. Beckman, Callison and Rothstein, among others.

After graduation, I taught the upper elementary grades for three years, then taught ESL to corporate personnel in Japan. Upon my return, I taught Driver Education and ESL for a year in Sacramento. Next, I tried to decide if I wanted to teach elementary school, junior high or high school for the next few years. Following a productive stint of substitute teaching, I settled on junior high because the students seemed more open to learning. A teacher can guide them toward success through academics, activities, and character development. Moreover, one can specialize in one or two subjects, and get involved with clubs or other school programs.

As a junior high school teacher for seven years now, I motivate my students by sharing my learning experiences. Since I enjoy reading, speaking, and writing, I encourage students to read widely and practice many writing genres. It's great to see their improvement after all the hours of hard work and devotion. Finally, several individuals through the years have inspired me to continue in the challenging and rewarding teaching profession.

Christian P. Milord,
MS Ed. Administration, '88
Fullerton, CA

Loving the subject and the students »