Mrs. Pastore is retiring after teaching English at WMC for thirty-one years.. As her time comes to a close, she would like to share her parting words of wisdom and advice for all students and West Morris to take with them throughout the rest of their life.
But first, why did Mrs. Pastore become a teacher? Although her passion for teaching is undeniable, she started her career path uncertain of the outcome. “I never thought I would become a teacher.” Mrs Pastore explained. She originally thought she may become a journalist or a writer.
“I was going through school and meeting people in the teaching program, and connecting with my former friends from high school who were teachers,” she stated. Mrs. Pastore fell in love with the art due to her love for literature, English, reading and writing. “[Teaching] wasn’t my initial goal, but I am so happy it became my goal.”
Mrs. Pastore’s teaching philosophy influences how she runs her classes each day.. “I think that it has evolved over the years, but right now, I think it is ‘kindness first’,” Mrs. Pastore said. She also adds that the curriculum and the rigor of learning are paramount in the classroom, however she believes that that is a given in teaching, whereas kindness is a choice. “I think especially today, leading with kindness is really important. I think you can lead with kindness and still hold people accountable and be an effective teacher.”
Although Mrs. Pastore teaches like she was made to be an English teacher, Mrs. Pastore said that if she was able to teach another class, she would choose to teach theatre. “I just love drama, I love movies, I love live theater, I love Broadway, and I think like being part of an experience where students are being coached in that way and learning in that way, I think that’s really fun.”
Mrs. Pastore has taught an innumerable number of books throughout her 31 years at Central; however, one book in particular has always been her favorite to both teach and read. “By far, my favorite of everything that I’ve ever taught is To Kill a Mockingbird. I love it personally as a reader and I love teaching it,” she said.
She adds that she loves the novel’s theme of an unexpected hero doing the right thing when it’s hard. “It’s easy to do the right thing when everyone’s doing the right thing, but standing up for what you believe in, when everyone’s against you, I think it is an incredible theme.”
Although the book makes her emotional, she explains that the emotional aspects, especially a special passage at the end, makes the book even more incredible. “I cry every time I read it and teach it. I just love it.” Being able to share this experience with her children who attend different schools yet read the same book was a blessing for her as well.
For Mrs. Pastore,there is always an aspect of magic in her classes, but one class in particular stood out to her. This class was especially special because they bonded in a very unique way. “It was a creative writing class and a wonderful mix of students from all grades and all different classes. Whereas, you know, nothing’s tracked in creative writing as far as levels.” She explained that the students didn’t really know each other, yet came together to form an incredible bond. “Every day when we met, it was just a very special, welcoming and wonderful experience. And so from that class, I tried to continue modeling that kind of atmosphere for the years to come.”
Mrs. Pastore’s favorite book of all time is none other than Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. “It sounds funny because this is a very long detailed book… but I love it.”
Mrs. Pastore’s favorite part of this book is when the main character leaves his humble beginnings for a great opportunity to prove himself. From here, he tries to keep up a good front for his family and leave in a stoic way. However, Mrs. Pastore explained that when he gets out of sight of his family, he cries. “He says he’s mad at himself that he didn’t cry in front of his family and he says, ‘never be ashamed of our tears, because they melt our cold hearts’.”
“It’s just always been my favorite line because I feel like students that have had me, I tend to choke up in class. That’s what makes us human. To feel things, whether it’s something sad or something lovely. It made me feel like it was speaking directly to me. ‘Never be afraid of our tears, because they are what makes us human’ is kind of the essence of that line. It’s really beautiful.”
Mrs. Pastore also would like to leave the students of WMC with some parting words of wisdom:
“Lead with kindness and make your life extraordinary. It’s the words on our building, they’re not just words. That was something that one of our former principals said, and I just love that: Make your life extraordinary. And whatever that is for you, if it’s about monetary success and that’s extraordinary to you, that’s beautiful. If it’s about service, if it’s about family, whatever is going to make you happy. I think everyone deserves that and even in little ways, just to make your life extraordinary, make every day something positive.”
On behalf of everyone at West Morris, a big thank you to Mrs. Pastore for her time, passion and kindness that she has shared with our school. WMC will miss you!
