Educator Spotlight |  Lydia Binanay (World Language Educator)

1.) What do you love most about the subject area you teach?

I love exposing them to other cultures from French-speaking countries worldwide as it increases compassion for others.  Additionally, seeing students grow in confidence as their language skills progress is very gratifying.
 

2.) How long have you been in the teaching profession?

I started teaching right out of college 21 years ago! I did take a break from the classroom to stay home with my children, but even then, I felt like their teacher.
 

3.) If you were not a teacher, what profession would you have chosen?

I would maybe have been a flight attendant, as that would have allowed me to travel, practice my language skills, and care for others while also staying close to my family.
 

4.) What makes Gibbons a unique/different place?

At Gibbons, students are empowered to be leaders, creators, and contributing members. That might mean they are leading a team, starting a club, or just sharing their feedback with educators, administrators, and the larger community. Furthermore, educators and students are able to connect spiritually through prayer, sacraments, and tradition. Through that Catholic environment, students are given the tools and space to thrive, both emotionally and academically.
 

5.) What is your favorite Gibbons tradition?

My favorite Gibbons tradition is small but mighty: prayer before every class. It helps us to center and connect and sets the tone for the rest of the class. Some other fun traditions that I look forward to are Freshmen Welcome Day and Baccalaureate Mass in the Cathédrale, which are bookend moments that define time well spent at Cardinal Gibbons High School.