Longden Elementary alumni have been doing a double take when they saw World History and Government Teacher Ms. Robyn Selders on campus. Rampage conducted a Q&A to get to know the familiar teacher better.
Rampage: What are the differences between teaching fifth and twelfth grade?
Selders: There’s obviously the content and what everyone’s learning, but the biggest thing I’ve noticed is when I ask questions, the insight that I get at the high school always kind of surprises me, because I’m used to answers from fifth graders and sixth graders.
R: Do you know why you were switched from Longden to TCHS?
S: I earned my credential to teach social studies and actually, for the past couple of years I’ve been waiting for a position to open up here. It was by choice. This is where I wanted to end up.
R: What were your grades in high school?
S: I was an A-B student. I got one C and it was in World History; ironic, isn’t it?
R: Any interesting experiences in the first four weeks?
S: You know, I really loved the pep rally, just because it was the whole school and this school is more than twice the size of Longden. It made me remember my high school days and the excitement about everything. It was one of those times where I was really, really excited that I’m teaching at the high school now.
R: Have you ever had a scary driving experience involving a steep grade?
S: The first car I bought rolled down a hill and hit a pole, but I was not in it. It was a standard car, so it had a stick, and nobody informed me that you have to put the car in gear when you put the emergency brake on. But if it hadn’t hit the pole, it would’ve run into one of the busiest streets in South Pasadena.
R: Is there something that just has to be graded/organized in your house?
S: My bill; I have a very intricate filing system for all paperwork. And my children have a playroom, which has all of their toys, and everything has very specific places.
R: Is there anything you want to say to the people that will read this Q&A?
S: I want to say hi to all of my old students, because I think they’re all just starting to realize that I am here. And you know, I want to apologize, students; I’ll know you by face, but I won’t necessarily remember your name, because I’ve had a lot of students.