Bilingual In-Class Support Teacher

The key reason in my decision to become a teacher was to continue fulfilling the need for making a difference in people’s lives. I started having this motivation as I was growing up and I had to help my younger siblings complete their assignments. I continued this path participating in many activities in my high school years and later in life enrolling in college to earn a degree in Psychology. This motivation dominated my years of teaching as I used my knowledge as a psychologist to help my ELL students, their underserved family and their community.

I emigrated to the United States at 23 years old with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I worked in many areas like cashier, clerk, home aide and others. I started my career as a teacher in 1995, in Elizabeth schools as a substitute teacher. I left the teaching field and worked as a Psychological Therapist in Philadelphia, PA. I returned to my career in Education in 1999. I started working at Cleveland middle School as a Self-Contained Bilingual teacher for grades 6-8 as part of the looping process until June 2008. While working as a teacher enrolled in the alternate Route, I was able to complete a master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum/Bilingual in May 2007 at Kean University.

I consider that being an immigrant like most of my students and/or their family serves as a reflection of how education, hard work and motivation can change people’s life. I serve as an example to my students because I came to the United States at 23 years old with a bachelor’s degree. I worked in many areas until I was able to get an opportunity to work as a teacher through the Alternate Route program. I was able to complete my teaching program and complete a master’s degree at Kean University.

Teaching is sharing your knowledge with others. This shows that hard work and motivation can change people’s life. I am fully immersed in the culture which creates a connection between me and my students, because we can connect through songs, phrases, and events that are occurring in our community and our countries. I also motivate my students to be an active participant in our school activities, for example our schools’ dances, breakfasts, teacher/students sport tournaments and activities.

Social Worker

I have always been passionate about working with at-risk students and helping them navigate any social, emotional, and behavioral challenges they may face during their school years. Most of my work experience is with children, families, and those who suffer from mental illness. As a school social worker, I am there for my students and their families. I enjoy being an advocate, a safe space, and a support.

I am responsible for providing crisis intervention, individual and small group counseling, and assessing mental health concerns. I consult with staff to support students and address barriers to academic success. Community resources are provided to families and staff. I demonstrate genuine care and concern for the well-being of my students and establish trusting relationships with them. I also collaborate with staff to create a positive and supportive school climate that fosters student well-being and academic achievement.