Pradnya Mete is a new student support staff member at Westford Academy. Before working at WA, she was assisting students at Blanchard Middle School for four years. Now, she is enthusiastic about her new role at WA and she wants to continue to help students with academic concepts they find challenging. She especially enjoys assisting in math, which is her favorite subject.
Q: How long have you been a student support staff member, and where have you taught previously?
A: I’ve been a student support staff for four years now, [and] this is [my] fifth year. I previously taught at Blanchard, and overall, I really love what I do.
Q: Where did you go to college, and what is your degree?
A: I went to a college in India and I have a master’s degree in computer management.
Q: How was your first day working at WA?
A: It’s hard not to be nervous, but I have enjoyed my time at this school so far. I love working with the students here, and the rest of the teachers and student support staff have been very welcoming. It’s quite a pleasant school.
Q: How did you decide to enter the field of education, and what about Westford Public Schools made you want to work here?
A: I have always wanted to be a part of the education system, so when I arrived from India, I decided to make it happen. I’m glad I did, I love this profession very much. There wasn’t any particular reason I chose Westford, I just chose [Westford] because I lived here.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a student support staff member?
A: I love helping kids through concepts that they find difficult, in any subject, but especially in math. Math has always been my favorite subject, whether it be geometry, algebra, or even calculus. I’m not a math teacher, but students are always welcome to come to me [for] any math question.
Q: What are some goals you have this year, whether it be for you or the students?
A: My goal is to help students improve in math and solve math questions easily. I also want them to use calculators less. Technology is fine sometimes, but they don’t help students understand certain concepts. Students should ideally avoid using calculators in order to develop certain math skills.
Q: Do you have any particular hobbies that you enjoy doing outside of school?
A: I love to draw, I’m very good at drawing. I [also] love listening to music; Bollywood music is my favorite. If you asked me what my favorite Bollywood song is, I could not tell you. I also enjoy Bollywood movies.