TEACHER FEATURE
ms. rubio, grade 7 teacher
Describe a lesson plan that exceeded your expectations when you taught it.
One of my favorite lesson plans is to take the 7th grade students on bike rides during our Mechanics block. We learn the simple machines that are associated with a bicycle and we also learn the rules to riding a bicycle safely in the city. It meets the 7th graders in their need to go out and explore the world beyond their immediate community, and it also meets them because the world has very specific rules/boundaries that must be followed or serious consequences can occur. It's a great way to meet the class in a very practical way. I love the Mechanics block, I love biking, I love the kids, and those loves come together in 7th grade.
ms. bella, grade 2 assistant & before Care
Students and teachers have a special connection. How do you make those connections?
The special connections happen when you truly listen and care about each voice. I love getting to know each and every one of the children at The Waldorf School of Atlanta, all of their quirks and idiosyncrasies. I have been blessed this past year to be somewhat of a “school fairy” and step in wherever I am needed. This gives me the opportunity to connect with the entire community of students.
ms. novak, eurythmy assistant &
extended day director
Students and teachers have a special connection. How do you make those connections?
I am fortunate to have connections with so many students since I wear many hats at WSA. For me, working in Extended Day over the years has given me a wonderful opportunity to really connect with students individually. I make these connections since I love the kids and I am interested in knowing more about them.
MS. EVANOVICH, GRADE 3 TEACHER
What’s the most hilarious thing a student has ever said in your class?
When I worked in the Kindergarten, a student had a really rough couple of days and her mom made her come back inside at dismissal to apologize. She said, "Ms. Evanovich, I'm really sorry about today, and I'm sorry about tomorrow too."
ms. silk, grade 4 teacher
What can you cook to perfection? Are you willing to share the recipe?
I love to cook my mom's prosciutto pasta. It is one of her classic Italian recipes that we all love. The marjoram is key :) And definitely, just come join me and my mama in the kitchen. Bring your fresh tomatoes and sherry!
ms. pins, early childhood teacher
Why Waldorf?
For me, it's a place that values and encourages real human connection and touch, which is what feeds and nourishes our souls.
ms. sondi, early childhood teacher
In which other teacher’s class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?
I would like to enroll in Ms. Annie's class. When my family came to the school, we opted to enroll both children in the five-day program. I regretted not putting my daughter in Ms. Annie's... I'm still not over the loss!!
mr. edelstein, ukulele teacher
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
There’s no traffic on the extra mile.
mr. smith, grade 8 teacher
What’s the most hilarious thing a student has ever said in your class?
One of the funniest moments in my teaching career happened when my last class was in 1st grade. The playground for 1st grade was where the garden is located now. On rainy days the students loved to get into their rain jackets and boots and stomp around in puddles or play in the torrents of running water that flowed past them off the precipitous parking lot above.
One such day, a large group of children began working together to build structures to stop the water or make large pooling areas where the water was flowing downhill. They brought sticks, rocks, leaves and wood chips and packed them together working in beautiful harmony with each other and building a strong sense of togetherness. As the industrious mood reached a pitch, one student started a chant that all others soon joined in. "Dam it! Dam it! Dam it!," rose their charming voices, and I hid my face as I choked back the laughter inside and looked for any other adult in sight to witness the moment.
This story was even funnier when I told that class what happened when they reached 6th grade and could appreciate it properly.