Ms. Hsiao-Frates

Born in New York, but mostly raised in Southern California, I studied English Literature and minored in Mandarin at UC Irvine - GO ANTEATERS!  ZOT! I remember my parents couldn't believe that I declared anything related to reading as my major.  They laughed because I would always fall asleep within minutes of opening up a textbook.  I think that's why I sympathize with students who have a hard time reading.  Don't get me wrong - books are awesome, but it's the expression and the artistic ability of writers playing around with words that sparked my interest.  I hope my students get to learn and share cool and inspiring pieces with me too!

I originally moved to Northern California to "just" get my credential at Cal - GO BEARS!  Teaching was the main goal, but then I met my husband; and more than 25 years later with two kids, two dogs, our fur babies, here we are.  I've been fortunate to have some great schools that have helped grow and shape my career.  I've been teaching English and Health for over 20 years now.  I started teaching Health because psychology and health have always pulled at my brain waves and heart strings.  What influences a person to be?  Stories of how people overcome challenges and are able to persevere never get old! Lastly, a few years ago, I was given the task to take on Yearbook & Journalism and our Drug Prevention Program, TUPE (Tobacco Use Prevention Education).  The learning never ends, and that's good!  I started as a middle school teacher, spent 15 years as a high school teacher.  I am blessed to be teaching at Canyon Middle School, about 7 minutes from where I live!  If you see me around town, at Lake Chabot running, or gasping for breath with my bike up and down Heyer, honk or say hi!