Mr. Mercier will teach 8th Grade ELA at Alma’s Frederick Douglass Campus.
What made you decide to join the Crew at Alma?
I was recruited to the Alma Crew by Dr. Gillette. One day, during my search for an opportunity to return to education, she stopped me and said: “if you’re going to work anywhere, you’re going to work with me.” Then the words of my French teacher, Mr. Emond, rang in my head: “happy wife, happy life.” So here I am!
What do you hope to contribute to Alma?
As a teacher, I hope to share my love of learning and reading with my students – and to give them the tools to continue to learn independently. As a co-worker, I hope to contribute my strength in holding the bar of excellence high for ourselves and our students.
What teacher made a difference in your life, and how?
Mr. Monahan was my religion teacher and soccer coach in 9th Grade. During one rainy practice, he broke my focus by saying: “THAT is the face of a soccer player.” I didn’t know what he meant until I went inside and looked at myself. My face, red from practicing headers, was covered in dirt, grass, and grime. I was never great at soccer (I’m still not great at soccer). But Mr. Monahan’s recognition of the work I put into the practice helped change my self-image. He helped me recognize the determination, perseverance, and resilience that have come to define my adult life.
Why did you become involved in education?
I have always been passionate about advocating for young people, and about helping young people advocate for themselves. I feel that the voices of young people are underrepresented in public conversations and need to be heard in order to fully address our communities’ challenges.
Where did you go to college or post-secondary school?
Brown University
What did you like about your college?
The Band!!!
What is your favorite food?
Crab Rangoons
What is your favorite book?
The Book of My Lives, by Aleksander Hemon