Bilingual Classroom Interventions

I graduated from the University of Houston in 2004 after being a teaching assistant in Aldine ISD for two and a half years. I had the honor of teaching second, kinder, fourth, third, and then second grade GT, Title I students the fourteen years I was employed there. In 2014 I ventured out and applied for my dream job in Humble ISD. Part of the time I worked with first through fifth grade, Tier 2-3 students in Spanish reading, writing and math. The second half of the day I mainly supported fifth grade science teachers with lessons, resources and science labs. The rest of the time I scheduled lab slots for first through fourth grade. The garden and the science lab were my absolute favorites. The summer of my second year I obtained my Special Ed certification for PK-12 and provided in-class support to ESL and bilingual students part time. The second half of the day I worked with students receiving special education services in dyslexia, math, reading, and writing. It was by far my best year. I had never taught students with special needs before but I enjoyed celebrating their victories as much as (probably even more than) they did. For the next two years I taught second grade, general education. It was another challenge I embraced though I longed to teach bilingual students again. My prayers were answered in 2018 when I returned to where it all began: Houston ISD. I was hired as a third grade bilingual teacher in my third Title I school. The days were long, but I am grateful for the love and support of my principal, appraiser, co-teacher, academic coaches, specialists and colleagues who took part in this journey.

Students tend to respond with enthusiasm and often cheer when they get to go to workstations or choose a "thinking partner." Most days I cannot get them to transition to their next rotation or ancillary. Some have even asked if they can stay after tutorials because they enjoy my class so much. What do they enjoy? Perhaps they gravitate toward the short videos, read-alouds with sound effects and students acting out different parts of a story, shelves filled with literature or colorful anchor charts and engaging mini lessons. But maybe they just enjoy feeling successful in their multiple-ability groups knowing that they are engaging in many opportunities to master objectives using authentic text, colored paper, markers, pens technology and realia. Once rotations are over, I collect student work and assess it with them in a flexible group, or on an individual basis, depending on the time. Before I heard about the 5-E Model for science, I used to call it "Prescribing the Scientific Method" to students. However, the longer I teach, the more I notice more of my lessons follow that pattern.

Full Scholarship to U of H from Aldine ISD, Science Teaching Equity Project, Rice Elementary Model Science Lab, Bilingual Teacher of the Year (2 times)

Education was not my first choice. In fact, it was nowhere in my agenda. I wanted to complete my biology degree until I discovered kids responded positively to my lessons. I quickly grew to love teaching. I attended the University of Houston for 4.5 years before switching to Interdisciplinary Studies though. I also obtained an Associate of Science, with honors, from Houston Community College while I was working on my education degree.

Aside from teaching elementary school, I have had many opportunities to volunteer. Some volunteer experiences include: Ben Taub General Hospital (Neonatal ICU and playroom), Science Fair judge, Science Fair Coordinator, Family Science Night Coordinator, Bilingual Spelling Bee Coach, Destination Imagination Manager and Coach, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Director, First Communion teacher of 7-10 and 11-17 year-olds. Currently I am the Confirmation and Circle of Grace Coordinator at my church. My hobbies include art, photography, religion and travel. I enjoy capturing beautiful images and bringing stories back to the classroom.