Spotlight on a New Teacher - Daniella D'Arcangelo

May 22, 2007 4:56 PM

What is the most important thing in your classroom?

I strive to create a community where each and every student feels empowered to express themselves with confidence, enthusiasm and respect for themselves and their classmates.

What is the most challenging thing that you deal with?

The biggest challenge I face is fulfilling the multifaceted role that goes beyond pedagogical classroom responsibilities. A teacher's role today requires them to be caretakers, which ensures, to the greatest extent possible, that their students have the foundations they need to be successful in the classroom.

What has been the most rewarding thing so far this year?

Each and every day there are numerous rewards. However, this year I was given the opportunity to take on an out of the classroom position. This position has enabled me to service a greater number of students in several grade levels throughout the school. It has been very fulfilling to know that I have been given the responsibility of reaching so many students.

What do you think is most important for a new teacher on the first day of school?

It is very important for a teacher to set clear expectations which follow through within their classroom. The follow through is key in making sure the expectations are realized each and every day.

Give us a wish list for your kids.

I wish my kids had more time to be kids! Meaning more time to play sports, play instruments, sing, dance and explore.

If we gave you $50,000, what would you do with it?

I would invest in an extracurricular program.

What do you do to relax at the end of the day?

A teacher's day is usually jam-packed and non-stop. When the day is over, the first thing I need to do is to self reflect about my teaching and the events of the day. This always helps me plan for the next day and relax.

What is the thing that you feel most proud of in your class?

I am very proud of watching my students kindly and respectfully interact with each other regardless of the time, location or context.