Haley Clark (Brazil/US) is the director of music at The British School of Beijing (BSB Shunyi campus). Clark studied in Asia when she was 20 and was on the lookout for open positions in China and Southeast Asia when she came across an opening at the BSB campus. Now in Beijing for about six months, Clark tells beijingkids more about herself in our Meet the Teacher series, including the sentence she hears most from adults.
What was your favorite subject when you were a student?
Obviously I really enjoyed music, but I also really did well in math. We competed in math quiz bowls against other schools.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? What other career options did you explore before teaching?
I always wanted to be a teacher. I started tutoring my classmates when I was in junior high school and never stopped teaching.
How would you describe your teaching style?
As a music teacher, my lessons are full of opportunities to be creative and have fun, but I also am strict about respecting others and using time wisely. Basically, if you are working hard, we have a great time!
What was your favorite book growing up? What are you currently reading?
I read so much as a child – probably five books or so per week. I suppose one that stands out is A Wrinkle in Time. Right now, my reading list is a bit boring – textbooks and articles for my doctorate. When I finish the course, I can go back to choosing what I want to read!
How do you like to relax on the weekends?
I enjoy cooking or going out to eat. I love trying new foods and eating my favorite ones over and over again.
Where do you like to go on holiday?
That’s easy – beaches! I love being in the sun and near the ocean.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I wake up very early every single day without an alarm. Even on weekends. I have given up trying to sleep in.
What’s currently on your playlist?
Well, a little bit of everything. Just today I listened to the Brahms Requiem, some Brazilian music, and some pop rock.
What do you find most rewarding about teaching?
I love seeing students that struggle in other subjects excel in music and drama. You can see it in their eyes that they finally feel that they can do something well and work so hard.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
What is the sentence I hear the most from adults? Can you guess?
“I used to play the (insert instrument here), but I quit after a few years and really regret it to this day.” So, my advice: learn instruments and participate in choir, orchestra, and plays when you’re a child – you have the time!
Meet the Teacher is a beijingkids blog series designed to help the Beijing community learn more about its international school teachers. If your school would like to participate in the series, please email the school editor at yvetteferrari@beijing-kids.com
