Meet the CCSD Teacher: Dr. Christina Scales of Mountain Road ES!

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated teachers … and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam

Dr. Christina Scales
Mountain Road Elementary School 
First-grade teacher 

What’s the most innovative idea that you’ve tried in your classroom? 
There are many innovative ideas that go into making a classroom successful.  From the simplicity of having a classroom pet that taps into the social and emotional well-being of the class family, to providing engaging, real world independent centers for students to practice skills in order to make those skills permanent.  This also allows for small group time for reading, writing, and math in order to differentiate individual instruction for improvement. 
Who is the best teacher you ever had and what made him or her special?
My fifth-grade teacher, Gail Cooper, was the best teacher I ever had.  She was so engaging.  I remember how she always made everything we were learning real!  Stories from her life tapped into whatever subject was being taught and made new concepts meaningful.  
What can parents do to prepare their children for learning?
The best thing a parent can do for their child is to be present.  Listen to your child, have conversations, read books with your child, provide experiences and, most of all, make memories.  All these things allow children to make connections to their learning. 
What are the obstacles to getting all kids to achieve?
The constant bombardment of technology is often an obstacle that teachers battle to keep students motivated to learn.  Establishing a solid teacher student relationship is imperative in order to overcome obstacles and promote success their confidence grow throughout the year! 
#CCSDfam