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Ms. Natasha Abu-Saba,
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Math |
Where did you go to school and what is your previous job experience?
I attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD). Previous to Park Center, I worked in the Minneapolis School District for just over one year.
How long have you worked at Park Center?
My first year here was the 1997-1998 school year.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I like to make personal connections with my students and make my lessons fun. I tell stories and draw silly mental images of concepts to get students to remember them. So far, it seems to be a successful method.
Why did you choose your profession?
My mother once said, “Natasha became a teacher so that people would have to pay attention to her all day.” She was kidding, but there is some truth to her statement. I get a kick out of trying to get people’s attention and keeping it. I’ve got a big personality in the classroom. It think that’s one of the main reasons students like being in my classes.
What is your favorite quote?
The key to a happy life is a grateful heart.
In what room(s) can you commonly be found?
104
Additional Comments(hobbies)?
I teach my dog Tanner tricks, workout at the gym, and watch independent films for fun.
Advice for students going to college?
1. Learn how to type quickly and accurately before you go to college. This skill alone could save your hundreds of hours of work time.
2. If your parents and/or you can afford it, buy a computer and printer. The college computer labs are only open for limited hours, especially on weekends. Arranging your life around their time schedule is not fun.
3. You should know that you can take out more in student loans than the amount of basic tuition. Rather than working a part time job, take out %15 more in loans every year and use that for the incidentals – food, clothes, and other basic necessities. Also, if you live on campus, you probably don’t need a car. Time is a far more valuable commodity than money to many college students. Sell the car, quit the job, and focus on getting the best grades possible.
4. Wouldn’t you like to know which classes are easier than others? I mean, you are required to take x number of science classes, y number of English classes, etc… to fulfill your basic requirements. Take history, for example. If you are not majoring in history, but you are required to take a history class as an underclassman you should know something – the hardest history classes are taught by the history professors! Do you have to take their classes to fulfill the history requirement? Probably not. If you investigate your course handbook thoroughly, you will find that history classes are taught in women’s studies, art, music, American Indian studies, African American studies, etc… These classes will probably be less rigorous than the history department’s classes, they may be more interesting to you on a personal level, and they will fulfill the requirement!
NOW YOU KNOW! :o)
Biggest pet peeve?
People who expect the world to cater to them.
Sum up your career at Park Center in one word
Joyful
If you were required to find a different job than what you are currently doing, what would you choose?
Professor of Education
