Monica Dery is an FHS English and AVID teacher. She teaches freshman Lit/Writ, 10th grade AVID and Story and Style. She has been teaching for 9 years at FHS and makes class entertaining, bringing energy into class by asking students fun questions about their day.
“I try to bring a lot of energy to class and make sure that the stuff I have them do has purpose, so they don’t feel like it’s just busy work,” Dery said.
FHS sophomore and AVID student Charlin Marasigan has described Dery as a supportive and engaging teacher. Marasigan and other students are always eager to meet her and feel comfortable talking to her even if they are not in her class anymore.
“I think she helps by, being there to support me no matter what,” Marasigan said.
Marasigan explained that the teacher’s support isn’t just academic – it extends to emotional encouragement as well.
“And she’s always there for you to talk to if you need help,” Marasagian said.
Marasigan also pointed out that this teacher empowers students to speak up for themselves.FHS sophomore and AVID student Dwight Cahiga also described Dery as thoughtful because she had helped her students stay on track and encouraged using a planner to help maintain their organization.
“She helps me review other class work and teaches me good study habits that I can use to apply into my classes,” Cahiga said. “And over a year of being in her class, I’ve learned how to develop good habits, not using my planner. It’s really helped me as a student and achieve good grades.”
Dery’s students had more to say about her supportive character, singing praises about her consideration and lenience towards conflicting schedules.
“She is one of my favorite teachers because she is very nice and really stands out compared to my other teachers,” Marasigan said. “What makes her class special is that she is my AVID teacher. I have had her since my freshman year and will continue to have her, which makes it even more meaningful”.
“My favorite thing about having Ms. Dery as a teacher is that she’s supportive and understanding,” Cahiga said. “She’s very lenient. I’m always able to talk to her when issues in my schedule come up, and her way of learning is different from other classes, because she teaches you how to do something, and then you can apply those to all your classes, which I think is really interesting.”
Many students, drawn by her approachable and kind personality, drop by during lunch or tutorials. Ultimately, Dery helps students engage, succeed and prepare for the future.
Even now, former students who are not in her class still come by to talk about their day, ask questions or get help when they really need it. Many stop in just to say hello or catch up, sharing stories about their other classes or what is happening in their lives. During lunch her classroom often fills with students not only to get help, but also to hang out. Students feel comfortable, happy, supported and truly valued, showing the lasting connections Ms. Dery creates.
