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Mrs. Maria Varela
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Palmetto Ridge High School
Hometown:
Naples, Florida
Class Information:
Room Number: 532
Students per Class: 30
Class Description:
Our class is comprised of students from different countries who are seeking a better life. Their challenges include learning English and fitting in with other students. We have a welcoming and safe class where students feel that they are able to express themselves and learn without fear of being criticized (i.e. accents, etc.).
Position:
English Language Learners Teacher
Needs:
We need to continue integrating technology in our classroom to optimize our learning experience. For example, headphones with microphones, classroom response system (set of 30), Livescribe 4GB EchoTM Smartpen Education Bundle, and other items.
My Philosophy:
Doing my job right the first time every time means creating a desire in my students to become lifelong learners. I don't teach a subject, I teach young people.
Personal Information:
About Me:
I am married and the mother of two amazing young ladies. Our older daughter is a sophomore in college and our younger daughter is in seventh grade. I have lived in Florida for practically my entire life ...42 years.
College and Degrees:
M.ED. - Integrating Technology in the Classroom BBA in Business Administration - majored in accounting
Activities:
Church, family, and friends.
Favorite Books:
Wuthering Heights
Favorite Quotes:
Don't ask for a light load, but rather ask for a strong back. - Anonymous
Interests:
Reading, photography, computers, camping, hiking, etc.
Employment History:
Nine years as a Collier County high school teacher. I have taught English through ELL, English 4 Honors, Spanish I, and Critical Thinking.
Why Do I Teach?:
After fifteen years as an accountant, I had a need to make a difference. There is nothing more gratifying than looking into my students' eyes and realizing that their level of understanding is increasing by the day. The majority of my students have been in the United States for less than a year. This is extremely difficult since I teach high school juniors and seniors. Their struggle is daily and their desire is great, but the limited time that we have before they graduate is too short. I teach because I care!
Percent of Students are:
     At-risk: 90 %
     High-achiever: 10 %
Percent of Students are:
     White/Caucasian : 10 %
     Hispanic: 90 %
Free/Reduced Lunch Program Enrollment:: 65 %
ESL Enrollment:: 90 %
Average number of students in class:: 25 students
Number of students I teach:: 126 students