Education shapes our future culture and society. It helps people become productive citizens and to realize their dreams. It shows us all the importance of hard work and helps us grow as human beings. As a teacher, I want to help children to unlock their true potential through the love of learning and the thrill of discovering a new language.
Mixed Abilities Groups
To create the right conditions for learning new skills, I model some of my learning strategies from Montessori concepts. I find it helpful to group students with mixed abilities together as a way of fostering opportunities for peer learning. By helping others, students with advanced abilities also develop leadership skills. As with the Montessori philosophy, I strive to create the right environment, materials, and instruction for learning. I encourage children to use content and resources to learn independently in addition to teacher-led lessons.
Scaffolding
Learning a language is a combination of the acquisition of knowledge and practice through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. I expect diligent work, attention, and participation but in return I offer engaging and well-designed lessons. I use a variety of techniques in my classroom such as audio visuals, interactive activities, group discussion, and creative questioning to generate curiosity. I build on each concept using scaffolding methods when having students write or speak or perform. Topics are reinforced through independent work and projects.
Balance of Authority & Empathy
I build a classroom environment based on mutual respect between student and teacher. The key to a healthy learning environment is striking the right mix between authority and empathy. As a teacher, I believe in structure and setting boundaries. But I also ensure my students know that I care and am approachable. I have high expectations, because I know that every student is capable. I believe that simply showing a student why participation is important can often inspire a correction in behavior.
Understanding Individual Needs
Every student has a unique situation. As a teacher I strive to understand individual needs and connect with students personally. I take inspiration from my own 5th grade teacher. I was dealing with a personal challenge and my teacher cared enough to help in partnership with my parents. She handled the situation discreetly, with care, and free of judgement. The situation improved when it could have easily become a disaster. In class, she held me to the same expectations as other students, instead of focusing on my challenges. I never felt inferior or self-conscious and this helped me to build confidence.
Genuine Connections
I am a dedicated, persistent, empathetic professional who strives to have a lasting impact by helping students acquire a new language. My goal is for students to leave my class with a positive impression of life and learning by developing genuine connections with other students and making them feel valuable.
As a conscientious, eager, inquisitive learner, I know I can learn a lot from students and colleagues and look forward to collaborating with the education community to ensure students have access to the best level of instruction possible.
Samantha Pascale teaches Italian, English and Spanish in virtual environments. Her goal is always to help her students advance their communication skills and build confidence.
psstaff
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