Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I am so excited to share in this year at PS 69 Houghton Academy with you through blogging! Let me share a little about myself and my teaching experiences thus far that have lead me to PS 69 Houghton Acadmy:

Undergraduate Degree

I graduated cum laude from Houghton College with a B.S. degree in Inclusive Childhood Education with a concentration in Spanish. *What a coincidence my college's name is the same name as the school I teach now!!!

Teaching Experience

After graduating from Houghton College a semester early I moved to the Santo Domingo capital of the Dominican Republic where I taught fourth grade at a bilingual private school. While living in Santo Domingo I lived with two Dominican mujeres (ladies) who did not speak any English- so I learned Spanish very well while living with them! I returned to the states after 6 months in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York City to teach as a third grade special education inclusion teacher in the Bronx of New York City! I loved living in New York City and have many wonderful memories there. However, a very special man asked me to return to Buffalo (where I grew up!) and marry him! When I moved back to Buffalo I was hired as a fourth grade teacher at Maplemere Elementary in the suburban Sweet Home Central School District.

Master's Degree

That's right! I go to school too! :) I am working on my master's degree at the University at Buffalo! My degree is expected September 1st, 2010.


Teaching Philosophy
I believe that students will learn best in an atmosphere with a teacher who is positive and encouraging, sensitive to not only academics but also to the social and personal aspects of each student. I value character education and effectively collaborate with my students, parents and faculty to assist in all areas of each student’s development so as to prepare him/her to become a leader of his/her generation.

As an educator, it is my passion to work with students who are diverse in their learning styles and to teach according to their individual needs. It is my desire to create a classroom atmosphere where each student feels safe and comfortable to learn and where each can discover his/her potential for success.

I look forward to teaching this year at PS 69 Houghton Academy!!!