Interview to Dolors Riu

        1.   When and where were you born?

I was born on the 6^th of July, 1966 here in Solsona, to be more exactly in a house in the countryside not far away from Solsona.

2.   How did you decide to be a teacher?

When I was studying in the last level of secondary school (COU). I wanted to be a teacher, a Latin translator or a librarian. My grandmother, who had a very good future view, influenced me in that decision.

3.   In which university did you study?

I studied at the Central University, in Barcelona.

4.   What levels are you teaching?

This school year I’m teaching most of  the subjects in 6^th level, in primary school. I also teach English in 4^th and 5^th levels.

5.   How long have you been a teacher?

Oh, for a long time!!!! About 20 years.

6.   What do you like the most  in your job?

Well, I love many aspects of my job!! I’ll try to tell you some of them: first of all, I like the daily contact with the children, I learn a lot with their actions and comments and this makes me feel young.  I also like my job because it’s a cooperative work, you must share your ideas with the rest of the teachers constantly: discussing, giving opinions, deciding…and for this “Educating” is  a great treasure.                                                     When you are a teacher of primary school, pupils, in general,  steem you a lot, you are a clear and important model for them, every action you do or every word you say contribute in building their personality. And so on… I could fill in many pages about positive reasons of being a teacher.

 7.   What is the worst  in your profession?

I’m only going to comment two aspects that sometimes worry me:

On the one hand, the teachers’ job is not very appreciate in the society and for the Administration. Some people only see the holidays we have or our tiny timetable. They don’t know in detail the quantity of hours we spend preparing classes, doing meetings,correcting, motivating, evaluating…

On the other hand, nowadays, “everybody can be a teacher”, everybody can give opinions about what we do or say. Sometimes, having a good relationship with the families is the most complicated part.

Finally, most of  people or institutions think that at school children must learn everything : good behaviour, habits, health, traffic education… as we are the only responsible of the education. Some parents delegate the hole education to the teachers. I think that this difficult challenge shoud be shared and family and school should walk together.

 8.   What was your first profession?

I have always worked as a teacher in Arrels School. Many years ago it was called Lestonnac school. It was a nuns’ school. It was my primary school when I was a sudent, too.

9. Why do you think English is important?

Because you need English for all: to study a carreer, to travel, to find a job, to communicate and know people from other countries,to surf the internet, to enjoy a film in original language, to understand a nice message from a beautiful song… English is hidden everywhere!!! I advice you to study English a lot, don’t waste your time!!!

10. Are you married?

Yes, I am. I’ve got a daugher and a son.

11. What kind of music do you like? Can you tell us 3 artists?

I like different styles of music. I’m very fond of Catalan groups and singers. I like some pop and rock artists, too and recently I’m very interested in Gospel singers.

One of my favourite Catalan groups was “Sau” and I also enjoy singing and listening to Lluís Llach songs. I’d like to remind one of the best rock singers “Elvis Presley” and the lovely voice of Barbra Streissand.

12. What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I love making activities with my family, sharing time with my friends, I like travelling a lot, I practise some sport, I enyoy reading, going to the cinema, singing in a Gospel chorus and learning Germany.

I hope I have helped you with my answers. I’ve enjoyed myself thinking about all these topics and I’m very greatful for giving me this opportunity. 

Thanks for your time.

Thanks to you.

                                               

Laura Algué, Maria Comellas, Ingrid Armengol.