Interview

Meet the Principal of the F-172 school, Pablo Roco Aguirre.

Pablo Roco was born in Chillán in 1949, The youngest of four siblings, he grew up between books, and comics, because one of his favourite hobbies was and still is reading. He lived in a very nice place in Chillán called Población IANSA.

At the age of twenty-one he decided to become a teacher, and started to study in the Escuela Normal (in those days it was the place were people studied to become teachers). By the time he got more studies int hte field of education and administration.

Nowadays he works as Principal in a very good school, which has been rewarded because of its good academic achievements.

1. Mr. Roco, can you tell me why you decided to become a teacher?

First because teaching let me develop as a person and contribute to the society, and second because I felt the vocation of teaching.

2. How difficult was to study to be a teacher?

It wasn't so easy at the beginning but it wasn't so difficult either. It was a hard work, I studied very late at night, and als it was a great responsibility.

3. How many years did you study?

It took me three years to become a teacher, and I got a University degree.

4. How many years have you been working?

I've been working for 35 years, which are divided in two periods. First, I worked as a teacher for ten years, and the rst of the years I've been working as a Principal.

5. Have you worked with kids?

Yes, when I thaugth in elementary school.

... and did you like it?

Yes, because I like to teach, and I like the energy that kids give you when you are in the classroom with them.

6. How did you get to become a Principal?

Because my boss offered me the oportunity to be in charge of a small school.

7. Is it hard to be a Principal?

Not to me, because I have studied a lot of things related with administration and education, so I think I am very well prepared to do my work.

8. Do you like to be the Principal? why?

Yes, I do. It has been a different field related with teaching and education, and in this position I can make of my school a better one.

9. Do you miss teaching?

No, I don't. I still teach because sometimes i replace the teachers who miss thir class hours. and I like doing that.

10. What would it be your suggestions for those who want to be teachers?

Be consequent, peseverant, responsible, and the most important thing is to have the vocation for this profession.