An Interview With St Giles San Francisco’s Married Couple Anastasiia and Temo

How did you two meet and how long have you been working at St Giles?

Anastasiia: Temo and I met in Summer 2012 during our CELTA course at St. Giles San Francisco. I’d never thought that I could meet my future husband while doing such a challenging and difficult course! I’ve been working at St. Giles since September 2014. I really love working here. The school has an amazing atmosphere; the students are so motivated and willing to learn, so it’s a great pleasure for me to work at St. Giles.

Temo: We met on the morning of July 31^st, 2012. It was the first day of our CELTA, and I was running late. There was one single empty chair left, on her right. I took it, and the rest is history! I started working at St. Giles when I finished the CELTA in September 2012, until I left for Russia in December 2012. I returned in June of this year, and have been working here since.

Why did you decide to take the CELTA?

A: It was one of the most important and challenging steps in my teaching career. It’s a course that has changed my teaching style, made me more confident and open-minded as a teacher. I’ve never regretted my choice.

T: I took the CELTA because I felt that was the best possible step in my development. I knew that it would be challenging and demanding, but I could hardly imagine how immensely it would impact my teaching style.

What do you like most about teaching?

A: I love seeing my students’ progress in learning English.

T: Helping students reach their goals, both personal and professional, then hearing back from them from some corner of the globe!

You both lead activities in the school social programme. What has been your favourite activity?

A: I like all the social activities at St.Giles. I think they’re a good opportunity for a student to explore the city, and be a part of it. My favourite activity was the Coit Tower walking tour. The students and I really enjoyed it.

T: The bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito, then taking the ferry back. It was a gruelling ride up some of those hills, but the views were absolutely spectacular.

What do you like about living in San Francisco?

A: It’s a magnificent city. There are a lot of interesting places to visit here. My favourite spot is Golden Gate Park where you can enjoy your time on a sunny day.

T: Taking the cable car to work, rolling up and down the hills, straight past Union Square, and jumping off in the heart of downtown.