As Summer Reading nears, we wanted to touch base with Mrs. Ruth Neyman, FPD’s Middle School and High School Librarian and Media Specialist. Mrs. Neyman started at FPD ten years ago as an eighth grade English teacher. She has also taught high school English, before stepping into her current role two years ago.
What inspired you to go into teaching?
I had some really great teachers over the years, plus my dad taught both high school and college students; consequently, I was always very interested in the field of education. I especially remember my high school French teacher in Presque Isle, Maine. Originally, I wanted to teach French, but I eventually settled on English because I love to read!
What do you enjoy about your role as our Media Specialist?
What I enjoy most is helping our students and faculty find great books to read and appropriate sources for their research. Our library media center is beginning to have more of a “learning commons” atmosphere. I also enjoy seeing our students and teachers come to the library for a variety of reasons: to quietly read or study, to socialize with friends, or to just simply relax during the busy school day. I recently added an “unplugged” space providing puzzles and games so it is fun to watch our students engage with those types of activities.
You have a passion for reading. How did that interest begin?
I have always loved to read, really since before I can even remember. I grew up in a home that valued and nurtured reading and learning. I am thankful for my parents who created that atmosphere.
What do you want students to know about the importance of books and literature?
The greatest thing about reading is how the reader can be transported across the boundaries of time and place and experience life in such settings as King Arthur’s court or the world of Narnia. Those experiences are both entertaining and educational!!
Why is FPD a special place to work?
Because of the people here – the entire school community! The students, the parents, the faculty, and the staff. I am especially grateful for the leadership of our administration and board! Our mission to “educate and equip students to change the world for the glory of God” guides all that we do.
Some little known facts about you:
- I was born in the beautiful little fishing village of Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada.
- When I was very young, I had an undiagnosed hearing condition which severely delayed my speech development.
- Some of the fun activities that I have done are: hiking, four-wheeling, hang-gliding, kayaking, water-skiing, parasailing, white-water rafting, snow-skiing, and snowmobiling.
Quick Answer Questions:
Favorite genre of literature: historical fiction
Favorite book or series: Oh, I don’t think I could pick just one! Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, Anne of Green Gables by Louise Montgomery, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, The Velveteen Rabbit, I Love You Forever
Hobbies: Reading outside
Favorite place(s) you have traveled: The Gulf Coast beaches, Colorado, the Saint John River valley in eastern Canada, mountains of western North Carolina
Favorite Bible verse(s):
Great is Thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-24)
Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)