For those who do not know her, Samantha Caton teaches middle school special education. Mrs. Caton is new to New Haven. She was born and raised in Washington, Missouri. She has two dogs, which she loves dearly, two brothers and a sister.
After high school, Samantha went to Southeast Missouri State University, where she majored in Education.
When asked if she has any favorite hobbies, Mrs. Caton simply stated that her favorite hobbies involve anything outdoors.
Like many other teachers, she also traveled during the summer. Mrs. Caton went to Utah, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona.
She was asked if there is any particular place she would love to visit someday, and Mrs. Caton replied with, “Croatia or New Zealand’s South Island.”
She was later questioned on what her dream job is, and she replied with, “Being a doctor in an ICU unit.”
When asked what her favorite thing to do in New Haven is, she commented by saying, “I have never really ventured much in New Haven. I do like that it’s a small, little country town.”
Mrs. Caton also shared why she decided to move to New Haven: “I've always heard very positive things about New Haven school district. I love that it is small and close-knit.”
She later explained what she likes about New Haven.
“Same reasons I chose to apply to work here. I love my job because I have a passion to help people, given any circumstance. Teaching is just one of the many ways to help others. I love teaching kids because their brains and minds are still growing and developing, and it's really awesome to see them grow. They always make me laugh or put a smile on my face. It's a job that I don't wake up every morning dreading to go to, and I think that is so important for someone.”
When asked why she likes to teach special education, Mrs. Caton replied with, “I have a lot of patience, and a lot of the time, my job requires more patience than many other careers. The students I teach need extra assistance, and I love being able to be that person they come to for help. It's very fulfilling. If I can develop a positive relationship with them, make them feel safe, and help them reach their fullest potential, I am happy.”
She then shared some of her favorite quotes:
A quote by Juliana Hatfield: “If you want to achieve things in life, you've just got to do them, and if you're talented and smart, you'll succeed.”
“I, myself, am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions,” a quote by Augusten Burroughs.
Welcome to New Haven and thank you for teaching our middle school, Mrs. Caton.