2nd - Waldeck

Nadine V. Waldeck Staff Profile:

Educational Background: (degrees or certificates, colleges/universities attended): B.A./American History/Political Science Double Major, Rutgers University, 1980, Secondary Licensure Program/Social Studies 7-12th Grade, College of Santa Fe, 1999, Elementary Licensure Program, New Mexico Highlands University, 2000. M.A./Curriculum & Instruction/Reading NMHU, 2007, Adminstration Licensure Progran /K-12. 2013. Endorsements: Reading, Social Studies & Gifted.

Grade Level or subjects taught or role in our school this year: 2nd. Grade (20 years)--Responsible for planning and implementing curriculum for reading, language arts, math, social studies and science for students of varying abilities in a diverse setting, using whole and small group activities and tailoring curriculum to meet individual needs. This year, we are also implementing a school-wide positive behavior program called PAX, which is Latin for peace.

Grade Level or subjects taught in previous years: 1st. Grade at Pojoaque Valley Schools. Instructional assistant in a one/two multi-age classroom at Atalaya, and Student Teacher, secondary (8th Gr.) at Alameda Middle School in American History/Civics. I have subbed (when my daughter was young and I needed flexibility) long and short term in schools across Santa Fe (elementary and high school), both public and private. However, El Dorado has always been my primary school for most of my adult life because my daughter went here for K-6, I was always here subbing, and then I ended up teaching here. So, I've been coming over here for 24 years.

Hobbies or Interests: Reading (fiction, history, current events, historical fiction, art books, children's literature and new books), cooking, plays, movies, hiking, poetry and ancestry.

What do you love about teaching? I enjoy helping children grow in their abilities as young learners through becoming better readers, writers and thinkers. I also teach the whole child, so I'm constantly trying to help children be better people through great stories and reminding them of right and wrong, manners, and kindness. I love that every day is new and a chance to make a difference. I learn things from the children as well because teaching is a two-way exchange. I learn about myself and reflect on the many interactions I have daily. Basically, I want the students to like school as much as I did as a kid and be well prepared for what's next in their academic careers.