Psych Teacher – Mrs. Alexander

Mary Miles
February 18, 2010
Filed under Profiles

Mrs. Jamie Catherine Alexander decided at a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. Many years later, she is in a classroom teaching the naïve about why we do what we do – psychology! When not in the classroom she manages a house with her two children and loving husband.

“A teacher. I just knew it was for me. Whenever I was little I would come home and play school with my sister and she would hate it! She would tell me, ‘I don’t want to do homework!’ then I would tell her ‘do it!’”

Alexander knew she wanted to be a teacher but the subject to teach was a mystery.

“I had NO idea what I wanted to teach. But then I took a couple of psych classes and really liked them. It just came to me.”

Everyone struggles with the main purpose in life – finding a job. Alexander had hat same struggle but had another battle to win.

“Being shy. Yeah, I hate talking in front of people; I’m just a huge mess. I went to five different schools for my Dad’s job when I was younger and being shy didn’t help.”

She overcame her shyness in the long run with becoming a teacher. Starting 14 years ago.

“When she teaches she isn’t boring, she throws in stories that go along with what we’re learning to make it more fun,” AP Psych student Katie Skonezny said.

Through her shyness she still looked up to people, and had influences who were mostly family.

“I would have to say my parents. Their really great people.”

Alexander has a great family including one sister that many people know. She’s a well-known actress who plays the main role in a great show called “Drop Dead Diva.”

“We look so much alike.”

Her sister’s stage might be in front of the camera but Alexander’s stage is definitely in a classroom.

“She keeps things very interesting. Always has good stories and jokes to tell as she teaches,” AP Psych student Ekene Ezenwa said. “I like the interaction she has with the class. She keeps it fresh.”

Alexander may be proud of her sister, but she is even more proud of other family members.

“My own children, who are 6 and 10.”

Alexander has a well-accomplished life, even while still learning more everyday with being a teacher, a Mom and a daughter.