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This month, we sat down with Ms. Angelica to learn a little bit more about one of Escuela's newest teachers! Read on to see what she enjoys the most about teaching, and why the students at Escuela de Guadalupe have a special place in her heart.
Where are you originally from?
El Paso, Texas, and then I moved to Colorado when I was 10 years old. I attended local schools and I graduated from John F. Kennedy High School.
What was your dream job when you were in elementary school?
I always wanted to be a teacher, and I was fond of my 3rd grade Teacher, Ms. Barbara Potter. I am an English Language Learner and I don't want students to struggle in learning English. As a young child, I was often mis-placed or treated as having a learning disability. Bilingual education was rarely an option. However, when I was in 3rd grade, I was placed in a bilingual classroom. Consequently, I was fond of Ms. Potter because she took time to explain and understand my struggles as an English Language Learner. She also made the learning fun, and she didn't single me out as an English Language Learner. I also overcame a lot of my struggles because I had a strong family support system. I learned to take notes and to ask the teachers one-on-one questions.
What did you study in college?
Major: Psychology, Elementary Education (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Endorsement)
When/why did you join the Escuela de Guadalupe team?
I joined the team in July-August 2017. I am happy to be a part of Escuela de Guadalupe because I believe in the school’s vision and commitment to families, students, community, spirituality and empowerment.
What is your favorite part of teaching?
Reciprocal teaching, or "student-teacher learning". I think that the subject that has been most intriguing to me, along with literacy, has been math. I enjoy walking around the classroom and listening to student cooperation and reasoning about the methods they use to solve math problems. Math is a subject that can be taught by using different methods, but the solution is the same. I have learned to be open-minded and to listen to students’ concerns and interests instead of having my “own way” of doing things. I believe that the more I involve students, the better the outcome.
What do you do for fun on the weekends?
I enjoy watching films - particularly comedy, science fiction, and documentaries. I also serve as a greeter at my church. Welcoming people into the Church (Body of Christ) is important to me.