By Annie Goodykoontz

This month’s Teacher Spotlight features teachers and staff responses to holiday questions and more. 

1. What brought you to Tempe Prep?
2. What is your favorite holiday TV special or movie? 
3. If you were not at Tempe Prep, what would your dream job be?

Mrs. Mause: 

1. My son is a sophomore at TPA. I began working at Tempe Prep at the end of his 7th grade year. I had fallen in love with the school and community, so I jumped at the chance to work at the school when the Development Director position came open. 
2. Favorite Christmas movies are “Die Hard” (yes it’s a Christmas movie!) and “Elf.”
3. Working on the other side of development – giving away money instead of asking for it. I can think of nothing more fulfilling than being in a position where I can give money to worthy causes to help them achieve their missions. 

Coach Keyon:

1. It was a community leader here in the City of Tempe that encouraged me to take a look at a vacant position. So I was somewhat recruited. I received a phone call, he told me to take a look at it, thought about it, spoke to a few other representatives, and I applied for it. It was TPA leadership that encouraged me to take a look at the opportunity. 
2. I’m sold on “Polar Express”. 
3. If I weren’t here at Tempe Preparatory Academy, my dream job would be entrepreneurship. Working around youth, encouraging and motivating, and inspiring the world we live in. Entrepreneurship, with a company called OMUWAMU (One Mess Up We All Mess Up). 

Mrs. Bitters

1. I am very good friends with the Headmaster’s wife and have known them for over 30 years! When TPA re-opened from the COVID shutdown and need was discovered for a second counselor, they invited me to apply for the job. After meeting with Mrs. Magana as the head of the Special Ed. department, I knew that she would be great to work for. I’m glad that I was right- she has been a great mentor. 
2. My favorite holiday movie is “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947). Movies from that era have a special quality that seems to be missed in current productions. I appreciate their simplicity. The actors are all great classic performers of their day (Natalie Wood, Maureen O’Hara, William Frawley, Porter Hall, etc.). Also, the story of faith in humanity is inspiring. 
3. If I weren’t at TPA, I would most likely have my own counseling/coaching practice. However, my dream job is a little silly – I think it would be really cool to be a voice over actor. However, on the other end of the spectrum, I’d also like to do research involving teacher pedagogy in relationship to online learning. My thesis paper was a research design in that area; I found it so fascinating.