- What is your role at Stevens for the SY20-21? How long have you been teaching? My role at Stevens is a lead PreK 3 classroom teacher. This is my first year as a lead teacher and I am beyond thrilled! I have been with DCPS for the last two years as a paraprofessional. Previously, I was a substitute teacher at a DC Public Charter school. I have been in education for a total of 7 years and it has truly been an amazing experience!
- What do you love most about the ECE age group? What I love most is their curiosity. I love that they are always so eager to ask questions and to seek understanding. For them, they leave no stone unturned! I also love how adventurous and bold they are. They cannot wait to see what’s next and how they can be a part of it, and they have no problem letting you know.
- Can you share a little about your teaching philosophy? I believe that teaching and learning goes hand in hand. Teachers can learn so much from their students, which is why it’s so important that student’s voices are heard. Students should be given every opportunity to thrive in a warm, safe, fun, and engaging environment. I strive to inspire and to be inspired by my students and all they bring to the table. My goal is to show students that they are unique individuals whose learning is a top priority. I want them to know that they are important and a very valuable part of our classroom.
- How can we make virtual learning successful? We can make virtual learning successful though teamwork. Teachers, parents, family, community members, and so many more! When we are all working together to support and encourage student learning and achievement, students will be pointed toward success. It takes a team, and we are all in this together!
- Some of my favorite children’s book series include Pete the Cat, If I Give a Mouse a Cookie, and The Pigeon Book Series. My favorite childhood book was The Principal’s New Clothes by Stephanie Calmenson.
- A fun fact about me is that I LOVE to sing, but I am always shy when asked to sing on the spot.
Day: August 28, 2020
Stevens ELC Staff Feature: Rob McCarthy, Music Teacher
Learn more about our music teacher and what kinds of resources he recommends for your family at home!
What is your role at Stevens for the SY20-21? How long have you been teaching? I will be the music specialist at Stevens for the SY20-21. I finished my MMEd at Boston Conservatory in 2015 and went on to teach PreK through 8th Grade music in Massachusetts. I am very excited to teach our new students this year!
What do you love most about the ECE age group? Teaching this age group reminds me that music is for everyone. Regardless of ability or background, anyone is capable of engaging in, and finding joy in, music. Just like our young learners, anyone can find joy in singing, dancing, and music making!
Can you share a little about your teaching philosophy? “If you’re not having fun then you’re doing it wrong.” It sounds simple enough but it’s true; students are more likely to be engaged if the lesson is exciting and full of joy. Especially at this age, where children learn through tactile/kinetic experiences. In order to foster interest in our subject areas, we should show the kids why we fell in love with it too!
How can we make virtual learning successful? Virtual learning will be successful if the community – teachers, families, and peers – are there to support our students during this very strange time in our lives. If we all make the commitment to our students, we will get through this with flying colors.
Are there any resources you recommend for families? As far as music resources, I just recommend any music making apps or websites that are user friendly and get kids making music quickly. For smartphones there are an endless number of apps. A fun website for students and parents to explore is Incredibox, where you can easily make your own songs.
What are some of your favorite children’s books or music resources? For Books, I love Oh, The Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss, as well as Strega Nona by Tommie dePaola.
For Music, I always recommend a cd by Raffi. Also check out 1, 2, 3 Andres! For some great bilingual children’s music.
What was your favorite childhood book or music memory? Sitting in the car with my dad listening to all of his Rolling Stones albums. Then memorizing the words to all the songs. Then singing those songs to anyone who would listen, making my dad laugh.
If you could have any super power what would it be and why? I would love to teleport!
Stevens ELC Feature: Ms. Melissa Grant, ELS (Early Learning Supports) Teacher
What is your role at Stevens for the SY20-21? How long have you been teaching? I am one of two Early Learning Supports Teachers at Stevens. This is my 17th year teaching and my 13th year in DCPS. I spent the last 12 years at Oyster Adams where I opened and taught in the ELS classroom. I also opened an inclusive Pre-k classroom and taught a year of kindergarten. I am very excited and honored to be a part of the Stevens community!
What do you love most about the ECE age group? Teaching in early childhood is pure joy! I am grateful for the opportunity to engage in creative work each and every day. I love the passion with which young children approach everything in their lives. They are compassionate and kind and fiercely love their friends. They dive into every activity with commitment, courage, and creativity.
Can you share a little about your teaching philosophy? I strive to build a warm, loving, structured, and equitable classroom community. Children thrive in an environment where they feel safe, loved, and heard. In my classroom community, children have a voice in developing the classroom community and learning space. Children learn best when they have opportunities to grow, explore, and express themselves through play, construction, creation, discovery, and design.
How can we make virtual learning successful?
- Be kind to yourselves! Give your family time to adjust to and build skills for distance learning.
- Set up a dedicated and special space just for learning. Let your child help design and build it. Think creatively! Perhaps it’s a desk, perhaps it’s a fort or a tent. You know how your child learns best. Follow their lead in creating the space.
- Communicate and collaborate with your teachers! Tell them how things are working for you. Let them be a partner with you to collaborate for success. Let your teachers be a source of support to you.
What are some of your favorite children’s books? There is so much joy and creativity in children’s literature it’s hard to choose! Here are some favorites:
Hug, by Jez Alborough (this is the loveliest little book about helping a friend)
Oh No George by Chris Haughton (his books have a sweet sense of humor and gorgeous illustrations)
What was your favorite childhood book? I loved Richard Scarry books because of the intricate and detailed illustrations. I would pore over them for days and days.
What is a fun fact to share with our families? Fun fact: I studied to be an actress before becoming a teacher! It’s been a natural transition from acting to teaching because like acting, much of teaching is about listening, observing, reflecting, and responding. I love to incorporate my musical training and singing into my teaching as much as possible.
DCPS School Planning 