Greetings! 

Let me introduce myself. I'm Iantha Lasoce, and I proudly serve as a Reading Teacher at Woodside Elementary. My journey in education began in 2005, encompassing a range of grades from PreK to 4th. Embarking on my fifth year at Woodside Elementary fills me with excitement as I join the Peekskill City School District community. Teaching is more than just a job to me; it's a vital part of my life and my true passion. The teaching profession is, in my eyes, an extraordinary calling. The tales your children share, their laughter, their struggles, and their triumphant efforts are invaluable gifts they bestow upon me each day. In return, my aim is to broaden their horizons and nurture their curiosity about the world.

Guiding children to become not only independent learners and thinkers but also self-reliant, motivated, and enthusiastic individuals is a joy for me. My educational philosophy revolves around the belief that all children possess the ability to learn, albeit not always on the same day or through the same avenues. Reading, a deeply personal and intricate process, involves a myriad of skills such as letter-sound relationships, grammar, background knowledge, vocabulary, comprehension, story structure, and reading strategies. It's no wonder that this multifaceted challenge can be daunting for some children. My approach to reading instruction seeks to strike a balance, uncovering the missing puzzle pieces that can boost a child's confidence as a reader. Once children feel secure, empowered, and nurtured, they are poised to conquer any challenge they face.

Beyond the classroom, I relish spending quality time with my husband and our trio of cherished boys – aged 12, 10, and 8. Hiking, fishing, and camping are among our family's treasured activities. When it comes to children's literature, Robert Munsch holds a special place in my heart.

I firmly believe that a strong parent-teacher relationship is paramount for achieving optimal school success. Throughout the academic year, I will engage with you via this website, phone calls, written notes, phone conversations, trimester reports, and parent-teacher conferences. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Rest assured; I'll make every effort to respond promptly. You can connect with me through various channels: by calling Woodside at (914) 739-0093, via email at ilasoce@peekskillschools.org, or by sending a note with your child.

Academic Achievements:

- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

- Orton-Gillingham Certification

- Master of Science in Transformative Literacy

- Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education & Psychology

- Professional Certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)

- Professional Certification in Literacy Education (Birth-6)