It’s been an amazing start to the school year reconnecting with colleagues and former students from last year while forming bonds with this year’s 5th graders (Class of 2032)! My confidence as a teacher has increased drastically since last year as I’ve reflected and iterated my classroom management style, public speaking skills, and understanding of what differentiated learning looks like in a gifted learning environment.
I chose to work alongside my mentor, Cristina Veresan (Check her website out here!), for a second year as I wrap up the Nueva School’s 2-year Innovative Teaching Program (ITP). I cannot exaggerate how crucial Cristina’s mentorship has been in my teaching journey so far and this year is definitely bittersweet knowing it is the final year of our partnership. I can only wish that every new teacher has a Cristina in their life!
In other news, I’ve taken on the role of a FIRST Lego League (FLL) robotics coach for our 5th and 6th graders and am thrilled to apply my own knowledge of the FIRST Robotics program to the next generation. As some readers of this blog may know, I participated in FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) from grade 9 to grade 12 at Springside Chestnut Hill (SCH) Academy. Shoutout to team 1218! FRC is FIRST’s high school level robotics program. During my time in FRC, I gained valuable insights on team dynamics and what good coaching looks like. I had my own leadership opportunities as a team captain my senior year and I also got the opportunity to volunteer at many of our middle school FLL events. Right now, the robotics teams are currently determining what their strategies might be for this years challenge: Submerged.
For more information about FIRST Lego League, see here.
For more information about FIRST Robotics Competition, see here.
Leave a Reply