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Alicia Fernandez,
Excellence in Teaching Awardee
Philosophy of Teaching
My philosophy of teaching was developed through meaningful life experiences
and academic training. My parents motivated me to wonder and
question everyday experiences, and thanks to their inspiration I was
the first person in my family to go to college. Later on, dedicated
teachers were wise enough to establish meaningful connections with
the academic world. Both were preparing me for an important learning
experience: immigration. I was born in Argentina, moved
first to Canada and later on to the United States. The love for learning
and the spirit of wondering helped me to embrace
a new life and a new language. This experience helped
me to understand the challenge my students are facing: a complex,
diverse, and global world. To be successful, they will need to
be complex thinkers, and have strong academic skills. As a literacy
teacher, I work cooperatively with teachers to insure that we create
a learning environment in which, through differentiated instruction,
students will be able to take risks and develop into strategic learners
with a strong feeling of belonging to our diverse community.
Having taught different grades, I know that our students come from
diverse backgrounds, with different abilities and
interests, and distinct learning styles. I assist teachers to
implement the LA curriculum more effectively to support school goals,
and to better serve the needs
of each individual student. I help the teachers to differentiate
instruction by modeling lessons, preparing required
trainings, and providing them with resources that they need to better
scaffold their
students' learning.
I will also provide the students with the necessary tools to answer their own questions after their formal education is complete. To accomplish that, they will need to be strategic learners. In my role as a literacy teacher, I model cognitive and metacognitive strategies. Some examples of these are guided reading, modeling the thinking process, and strategies to use before, during, and after reading. My students are intentionally taught to monitor their own comprehension using strategies to problem solve when their comprehension is interrupted. When students are taught strategies and given opportunities to use them, they improve in the ability to process information and become successful learners.
Our increasingly changing and diverse society presents a great challenge
to teachers. We need to honor students' cultures and create a
sense of belonging to the new community at the same
time. I believe
that diversity is not a threat; but the opportunity
to weave a stronger community. During our reading groups, I expose
my students to literary works from a variety of cultures so they can
value other voices. As
an immigrant, I am aware that my students will need
to develop a sense of belonging to the community with open hearts and
open minds to be
successful. Parents are a key component to strengthen that sense
of community. During our Sigler Elementary Reading Night, I had
the opportunity to share many ideas with our bilingual
parents to help promote a parent teacher partnership. Some of
the ideas were: participating
in parenting and ESL classes offered at Sigler, explaining
to parents the importance of conversation and reading at home, and
talking with
their children about their culture and everyday experiences.
Education is the key that will open my students’ success in
their lives. No matter what path they will choose, the spirit of inquiry
and wondering will guide them to cope with life new challenges. As
a teacher, it is a great responsibility and a privilege to nurture
and lead them through this process. It has been the most rewarding
experience to witness their growth and to observe how they become well-rounded
individuals with self-confidence to face the future. Just as
my parents and teachers inspired me to wonder and ask questions when
I was a child; now, my students are inspiring me to find more resources
and to be a life-long learner.
Educational
/ Professional Background
University Degrees
- B.A. - Universidad del Salvador de Buenos Aires-Argentina
- M.A. - University of Ottawa, Canada
Certifications
- Translation Certificate
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Teaching Certification Program - Region 10
Professional Associations
- Parent Teacher Association
- Texas Association of Bilingual Teachers
Employment History
2003 to 2006 - Sigler Elementary School
- Bilingual Literacy Specialist
- Mentor: Bilingual Teacher on Campus
- Second Grade Bilingual Teacher
- Campus interpreter and translator
- Bilingual Vertical Team
- TAKS Reading and Math Tutor for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students
- Practical Parenting Classes for Hispanic Parents
2001 to 2002 - Shepard Elementary School
- 2nd Grade Bilingual Teacher
- Bilingual Vertical Team
- TAKS Reading and Math Tutor for 3rd Grade Students
- Campus interpreter and translator
1997 to 2001- Davis Elementary
- Third Grade Bilingual Teacher
- Fifth Grade Bilingual Teacher
- Bilingual Vertical Team
- TAKS Reading and Math Tutor for 3rd Grade Students
- Campus interpreter and translator
- Practical Parenting Classes for Hispanic Parents
- District Textbook Adoption Committee for Science
1988 to 1994
- Spanish Instructor
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Spanish Instructor for Continuing Education - Roman Catholic School Board, Ottawa, Canada
- Spanish Instructor - La Commission Scolaire d’Aylmer, Quebec, Canada
- Spanish Instructor (Foreign Affairs Personnel) - Interlangues
- Spanish Teacher (K3-5) - Heritage Language Program
1983 to 1986
- Associated Professor of Grammar and Composition - Universidad del Salvador, Argentina
- Teacher of Language and Literature (Grades 9-12 ) - Escheverria High School, Argentina
School
Principal's Recommendation
The teaching of academics and basic skills is important. All
children need to understand reading, 'riting, and
'rithmetic. Exemplary
educators bring more to the students in their classrooms.
Alicia Fernandez, bilingual literacy teacher at Sigler
Elementary,
is a master at extending her teaching to include
three additional R’s: relevance, relationships,
and rigor.
RELEVANCE - Mrs. Fernandez knows
firsthand the challenges of second language acquisition
and acclimating oneself to a new environment. She
has lived in several countries and embraces the experiences
of learning new languages and cultures. She
tells students new to our country how fortunate they
are to be in the United States where they can receive
an education. While others may see the deficits
and challenges these students face, Alicia sees possibilities
and opportunities. Her unique perspective helps
these children make meaningful connections between
their lives and the curriculum.
RELATIONSHIPS - Alicia Fernandez
is a study in contrasts " a quiet force; a
humble champion. She is respected and loved
by all who know her: parents, teachers, and
students alike.
A strong advocate for our bilingual families, Mrs. Fernandez works with our Hispanic parenting group to address topics pertinent to our Hispanic population. She tirelessly helps with teaching and translating to make these parents feel included in our Sigler family. Her welcome presence at both school and district events builds trust and encourages participation by those who might otherwise feel apprehensive.
Alicia is a mentor to all teachers. She models guided reading lessons, provides outstanding lesson plans that address skill gaps and TAKS objectives, and offers strategies to the staff on how to effectively implement multitasking into the classroom. Her knowledge of curriculum and pedagogy is superior. A true team player, she willingly steps in to do whatever is needed.
Quite often, Mrs. Fernandez works with students who struggle academically. Her quiet persistence builds their confidence to succeed. This newfound confidence positively impacts these children as they adjust socially, emotionally, and behaviorally to the school experience. Understanding reading opens the door for students to achieve in all areas.
RIGOR - Mrs. Fernandez sets
high expectations for her students. Academically,
she supports the students through her daily lessons
and extensive tutoring. Her teaching is diagnostic-prescriptive;
she assesses students' levels and spirals them
upward by accelerating their learning of skills,
objectives, and content. On a daily basis,
you can find Mrs. Fernandez with a dedicated group
of students reading both at 6:45 in the morning as
well as at 3:30 in the afternoon. Her dedication
extends to the weekend when she teaches Saturday
school. Her quiet nurturing manner inspires
her students to do their best and to take advantage
of every opportunity to learn to their highest potential.
Alicia Fernandez is an unsung hero who quietly goes
about doing remarkable things. She goes above
and beyond with her student sand their families as
well as with the staff at Sigler Elementary. All
of this is accomplished with insight and humility. Alicia
Fernandez is a rare teacher - gentle and compassionate,
patient and loyal. She is exemplary at fulfilling
her responsibilities as a teacher at Sigler Elementary
and she is an outstanding candidate for Plano ISD
Experienced Teacher of the Year.
Sandra Muzquiz
Sigler Elementary School Principal
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