PK-1 ENL Teacher: Ana Scaramella

Happy Monday Everyone!

Today I have an interview with PK-1 ENL teacher Ana Scaramella aka The Suburban Teacher. Ana started her teaching career in Brazil and is now currently working in New York. I originally found her account through my new fascination with Boom Cards due to her vast products that allowed students to learn virtually with ease when the Pandemic occurred. Here is Ana’s interview:

1. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I think I went through different phases when I was growing up. At one point or another, I wanted to be a news reporter, an astronaut. I didn't decide to be a teacher until I was a senior in high school.

2. Is there a moment that sticks out to you that you remember from school with a teacher you had growing up?

I was born and raised in Brazil and was always in love with the English language. I always wanted to speak English fluently just like an American. I had an English teacher that was all I wanted to be. Her pronunciation and teaching technique made me want to be just like her.

3. What did your teaching journey look like?

I started tutoring English as a foreign language in Brazil in 2001. I started tutoring at the school where I took English classes. I moved to NY in 2007 as an au pair but didn't start teaching until 2013. I taught at my local community college until the pandemic hit last year. I plan on going back as I love teaching adults. I love watching them reclaim their power and confidence when they are able to communicate fluently. I also taught high school ENL as well as IB Portuguese Lit. Currently, I work as a K-1 ENL teacher at a public school in Westchester County, NY.

4. What is your go-to tool you use in the classroom and why?

I love love love Boom Cards. I think they are the best thing since sliced bread. I create them and use them to target pretty much any skill my students need practice on.

5. Every teacher has something they are passionate about changing in education, what do you hope to change as a teacher?

In my field (at least in my school district), I would love to change the way English as a second language is taught. I firmly believe in the communicative approach and that learners need to master communication before anything else.

6. I see that you are a lover of BOOM cards, so am I,what is your favorite way to use them?

I answered the above question before I saw this one lol. I really am! I don't think I have a favorite way to use them in my classroom. Maybe because I work with very small groups, I found it very valuable to use them as a whole class. My students love them and I was happy to get them to move a little bit during class.

7. Any advice for a new teacher you wish you had known?

I had a very bad first experience as a classroom teacher at a public school so I would say do your research before you accept a position. Look at the turnover rate at that school, if at all possible, ask around about how relationships are built and kept, how administration appreciates teachers (or doesn't), read reviews online. Had I done that before accepting the position, I would've saved myself a lot of headache (and heartache).

8. What has been the most challenging aspect of being a teacher?

The most challenging aspect of being a teacher has been finding the time to juggle everything that needs to be done. I've gotten better with managing my time and setting boundaries but it's still a struggle.

9. A lot of people have been saying they hope things start to change in education since the Pandemic, do you think anything will change from it?

I think so. I hope so.

10. Last but not least, where do you see yourself in ten years?

Good but difficult question. I see myself still teaching students in the classroom but also helping/coaching teachers on how to create a life of their dreams. :)

Thank you for the interview Ana and Happy Learning Everyone!