Christina Dominguez is an elementary art teacher at Beanstalk International Bilingual School and has been in Beijing for almost two years. Like many teachers in Beijing, the US native says she always wanted to live and work internationally and when the opportunity to come to China came, she decided to take it. Dominguez shares a bit more about herself with beijingkids.
What was your favorite subject when you were a student?
When I was in school I loved art class, surprise! There, I was able to express myself in many different ways without using words. Art class also challenged me to think outside of the box and to see things in different ways.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? What other career options did you explore before teaching?
When I was a kid I wanted to become an archaeologist. I loved the idea of finding new things and traveling to different places to see new things. But as an adult the only career option I have ever considered was to be an art teacher and have never explored any other options. I knew what I wanted to be.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I try and allow as much creativity to happen in my classroom as possible in a project-based learning environment. I also drive to have student-based learning so that the student is able to have ownership of his or her own learning.
What was your favorite book growing up? What are you currently reading? I have read so many books throughout my childhood that I don’t think I could ever pick just one. Right now I am currently rereading Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
How do you like to relax on the weekends?
In my free time I like to relax by painting, going out and exploring Beijing, staying in and relaxing, or just going out to visit friends.
Where do you like to go on holiday?
There is no place I wouldn’t travel to. Right now I am slowly making my way through South East Asia and Southern China.
What’s currently on your playlist?
Right now I’ve been listening to this new band called ODESZA. It’s a wonderful band that is mainly instrumental with little to no lyrics.
What’s do you find most rewarding about teaching?
One of the most rewarding things I see is when I see the light bulb go on and understanding and inspiration cross across one of my student’s faces. Also, to see students take an active interest and become independent in their own learning experience.
Meet the Teacher is a new beijingkids blog series designed to help the Beijing community learn more about international school teachers. If your school would like to participate in the series, please email the school editor at yvetteferrari@beijing-kids.com
