NYSAFLT's 2020 Teacher of the Year

• Oct 2020 - Present

So grateful for the recognition by the NYS Association of Foreign Language Teachers honoring me with the Wasley award.

Chair, Modern Languages Department

• Sep 2005 - Present

I prepared rationale and plans for new FLES program PreK-5, oversaw roll out in conjunction with administration and implemented new curriculum scope & sequence with the modern language staff. Currently, teaching Spanish to Grades PreK- First Grade, and serving as Department Chair for Modern Languages. I have over 27 years teaching languages (French/Spanish) and science at K-8 levels.

Science & Foreign Language Teacher

• Sep 1988 - Jun 2013

Teaching French and/ or Spanish and Science to grades PreK-8. Designed integrated content based units with Modern Language team for new Spanish immersion program.

Chair of Science Department, Science 3 & 5th grades

• Sep 1990 - Jun 2000

Taught physical, earth, and life science units to lower and upper elementary students. Designed and implemented signature projects such as "Invent a Tool" to help the disabled using simple machines, design Recycled Materials Sailboats, Test for the Best Bubble Blowing Solution. Won grant from Toyota Tapestry to design an integrated curriculum and build a 25 foot wooden rowboat with community partners, parents and students in K-8. Generated a new K-8 scope and sequence aligned to National Science Standards. Participated in the design of new laboratory space and school wide curriculum initiative. Planned annual Science Share (across classes) and Science Week (visitors share how they use science in the workplace) events involving up to 40 parent volunteers and community participants. Oversaw preparation of school accreditation report on Science Program and prepared responses to feedback given. Show less

Research Assistant

• Apr 2020 - Oct 2020

Visiting Professor

• Jul 2015 - Aug 2019

Taught summer course on designing IPA units via Content Based Instruction for over 20 Spanish teachers from the US as part of a faculty development program. Responsibilities included working in concert with Professor teaching instructional application of technology for world language learning and incorporating cultural excursions into curriculum. Taught summer course on designing IPA units via Content Based Instruction for over 20 Spanish teachers from the US as part of a faculty development program. Responsibilities included working in concert with Professor teaching instructional application of technology for world language learning and incorporating cultural excursions into curriculum.

Curriculum Specialist & Director of Professional Development

• Nov 2009 - Jul 2019

Developed integrated Spanish curriculum with NYC standards and Common Core standards for K-5. Oversaw design of scope & sequence for Chinese & Arabic curriculum. Designed curriculum resources to support units of study and created FLES teacher toolbox as well as discipline specific content and culture kits to support teachers. Created non-fiction book series to support integration of language acquisition activities and discipline specific topics. Trained teachers in using immersion techniques for the FLES classroom Show less

Adjunct Professor

• Jul 2012 - Jul 2014

During 3 summer sessions I taught Master's students and STARTALK teacher participants how to design & teach thematic content based units based on pattern stories appropriate for K-6 grade levels. During 3 summer sessions I taught Master's students and STARTALK teacher participants how to design & teach thematic content based units based on pattern stories appropriate for K-6 grade levels.

Culture Committee

• Jan 2010 - Jan 2012

Helped to design a pilot website of cultural resources for teachers of early language learning and develop mission statement for the committee. Helped to design a pilot website of cultural resources for teachers of early language learning and develop mission statement for the committee.