About Me

Mission Statement:

My mission as a classroom teacher is to provide quality student-centered instruction through differentiated lessons that foster developmental, social and academic growth while engaging students in higher order thinking skills.  Also, to create and foster a caring and cooperative learning environment where students are challenged academically and are encouraged to become stakeholders in their own learning.   

Professional Background:

I have been in the Rochester City School District for over 27 years in various roles.  In the role of  bilingual teacher I have served over 16 years.  I began my teaching career providing Spanish as a second language instruction to children at a parochial school as well as to adult learners at BOCES in Livingston County.  Then, I became an elementary bilingual teacher in the city of Rochester, New York.  In 2016, I also taught in Houston, Texas for about a year where I was appointed to the position of Lead Teacher for Math.  I have spent the larger part of my career teaching elementary bilingual education in second grade.  In addition to a career in teaching, I also possess a degree in Travel & Tourism with a  background in Business Administration.  In the past, I've had the opportunity of working as a travel agent and becoming the owner of a small home-based travel agency business before the industry declined in 2001.  These rewarding careers have formed the basis of my professional success today as a classroom teacher.  My hope after retirement is to enjoy traveling abroad learning about the different cultures and sharing my experiences with others.  

Professional Committees:

In my professional career I have enjoyed participating in a number of committees including; School Base Planning Team, Library Committee, Leadership Team, Bilingual Collegial Circle, Greenhouse Innovation Summer Program, K-2 Assessment Collaborative, All Cultures Committee, and Circle of Excellence for Educator of the Year Honorees, among others. 

Education Background and Credentials:

I completed my undergraduate studies with a major in education and a second major in Spanish at SUNY Geneseo then a master's degree in TESOL at Nazareth College.  My credentials include  New York State  Professional Certification in Childhood Education Grades 1-6 and a Bilingual Education Certification.  In addition, I possess a certificate in Travel and Tourism from MBTI and Sacred Heart University in Puerto Rico as well as college credits toward Business Administration and Marketing from Monroe Community College in NY.

Hobbies & Personal Interests:

My hobbies include traveling, reading, playing tennis, kayaking, dancing, drawing, and spending time with family and friends.  Additionally, I enjoy going to the movies and eating out with my son.  My favorite movie genres include comedy, action-thrillers, and mysteries.  Also, my favorite books include Charlotte's Web by author E.B. White and Don Quijote de la Mancha by Spanish author Miguel Cervantes, among others.  

In sum, I have a strong passion for teaching, learning, traveling, exploring other cultures, and history.  Therefore, I hope to one day be able to combine all my passions in service of others and children to provide authentic learning opportunities through hands-on learning, multicultural interactions, world explorations, and enriched personal experiences.