ES SPOTLIGHT: Candess Briggs

Get to know ES Teacher Candess Briggs!
Experiential School Teacher Candess Briggs strongly believes all children have an innate desire to investigate, connect and make sense of their world. She has over 20 years experience as a lead teacher in Reggio-inspired Preschools in Australia and most recently at the Bertha Alyce School, Houston, Texas. Mrs. Briggs earned her bachelor’s degree in primary education from Edith Cowan University, Western Australia, and she went on to pursue a graduate diploma of early childhood teaching from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Victoria, Australia.

Mrs. Briggs provides a learning environment that invites curiosity, collaboration and skill development. She is passionate about the inquiry process, as it shows attendance to children’s ideas and expands their thinking and perspective.

We asked Candess some get-to-know you questions:

Who is your hero?
Currently Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s Prime minister. She is very quick witted, strives to achieve her beliefs and is respectful of others. Also a mother to an energetic 3 year old. 

What was your favorite family vacation? 
As a child we would join our Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins for a summer camp out at Lucky Bay, near Esperance, Western Australia. Not only is the location gorgeous, we were surrounded by those who loved us deeply but also gave us the freedom to explore the area quite freely. 

What would you change about yourself if you could? 
I wish I could speak another language fluently. I think this helps connect to other cultures and customs. 

What motivates you to work hard?
I love watching children make connections and gain new skills. 
And... That there is always more I can learn and try. 

What is your favorite thing about your career?
That each day, week and year is different. That you never quite know what ‘journey’ you’ll go on. 

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Completing the Rottnest Channel swim (20km from Cottesloe Beach, Perth to Rottnest Island) with three friends. We trained hard, had fun and made it! 

What is your favorite book to read?
I really enjoy biographies.

What makes you laugh the most?
My husband, Ric. 

What was the last movie watched? What did you think?
The Gentleman. Interesting way to share a story and to see Hugh Grant in a completely different role. 

What did you want to be when you were small?
A toy librarian. (This was an actual job in Australia.) I thought I could play with all the toys that no one took home!

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I’d start the day with a hike or a run followed by swim and brunch. I’d take some time to read by the pool before catching up with friends & family for drinks and eating out. 

What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
Netball. I would always prefer to play than watch.

Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
Definitely ride a bike!