Michele Ridge became a teacher because she felt that she wanted to help other people and specifically people who have learning disabilities because she herself has dyslexia and she hopes to help people that struggle like she did.
Ridge said she specifically became a math teacher because it is where her learning disability does not affect her as much as other classes. Ridge said if she wasn’t teaching math as her class she would be a PE teacher. “I think it’s because math is the one class where my disability was not limiting,” Ridge said.
Sophomore Thano Naum said that he thinks Ridge is a good teacher and he likes that Ridge is always available for help during advisory and lunch. Reich also said how he likes how easy it is to retake quizzes and tests.“What I liked about her class was how easily accessible she was for help,” Naum said.
Growing up Ridge said she had a tough childhood and she said that when she was young her parents separated and she couldn’t see her mother for three years. Her education was also tough and she was being held back in second grade because she was unable to read. “My parents divorced and my dad kidnapped me and I couldn’t see my mom for three years. I was held back in second grade,” Ridge said.
Sophomore Ben Reich said that he likes Ridge because of how positive and helpful she is and also because of how much extra help she gives to her students. Reich also likes how easy it is to understand the material in the class. “Mrs. Ridge is a great teacher; she is positive, heartfelt and most of all has set her mind towards helping her students as much as she possibly can. Despite the stress of having to grade assignments for her students and always shows the students a positive side of her personality,” Reich said.
After high school Ridge said that she went to Frostburg College in Maryland. Ridge said that she enjoyed her college experience and the school she picked out was great for her. “I picked it because it was a small college, which is important for someone with a learning disability,” Ridge said.
After Ridge finishes being a math teacher she plans to retire and hopes to take trips around the world. Ridge also said that she hopes to have grandchildren. ”I’ll be retired and I hope to be taking care of grandchildren and taking vacations around the world,” Ridge said.
In terms of being a teacher, Ridge said she likes teaching at the school because of her great students. “I love it there are great kids that work hard,” Ridge said.
