Meet Angela

Angela teaches in Norristown Area School Disrict in Pennsylvania as an English Language Development teacher for first, third, and fourth graders. Her students are primarily Spanish speakers, but she has worked with students who speak Mandarin, Italian, Arabic, and more! Angela is certified to teach K-12 TESOL and K-12 Spanish and has been teaching at her current school for 7 years.  She’s also a certified Spanish/English interpreter.

If a coworker or administrator were to describe you, what are five words or phrases they would use?

Flexible, advocate, high-energy, positive, passionate

How do you cultivate kindness in your classroom?

I don't have rules for my classroom, but affirmations: we are a team, we try our best, we celebrate the successes of others, we learn from our mistakes.

What is a book that you’ve read (or read to your students) that has inspired you?

My third graders and I always seem to hang onto the story of Celia Cruz. I read the book "My Name is Celia, Me llamo Celia." There's something inspiring about this woman who fought against race and gender norms, chased her dreams, wore flamboyant outfits, and always held a bittersweet feeling about leaving her home country. Her songs about life being a carnival, our pains going away with dancing, and there not being any need for tears, always bring a smile to our faces and courage to carry on.

How did you end up in education?

I studied elementary education in my first two years of college, but knew it wasn't quite the fit. I always enjoyed being a conversation partner and tutor to international students in Hesston, and I continued to volunteer in those positions at EMU and Goshen. After my first two years of college, I really grasped onto Spanish and felt the benefits of learning another language. Once I transferred to Goshen, I was able to major in Education with certifications in both TESOL and Spanish. After student teaching in both content areas, I realized TESOL was where my passion best fit.

What is a professional goal you have for yourself this year? Or a goal you’ve had for yourself in the past?

Getting technology into the hands of my students! We don't shy away from any challenges, and that includes navigating Google Classroom on laptops, using internet for research, and coding robots. My students become technology superstars and can help their classmates with any issues so I don't even have to get involved :) The best part? Usually my students with the most limited English catch on first.

Motivation Monday

What is something you do to build positive relationships with your students?

Although we are an English language classroom, I always make sure my students know that they can use their first languages in my room. Different parts of who they are just shine when they can speak in their home language. We laugh, a lot. I let them know that I am human, that we all try our best, and that it's okay to mess up. Making mistakes is proof that you are trying. I love to look at my students straight in the eyes and tell them that I believe in them, and that they can do challenging things. I have them repeat this to themselves in a mirror if necessary. I make sure each student feels like they have a place, and that they can succeed -- keeping in mind that success looks different for each student.

What steps do you take to make your classroom equitable and inclusive for all of your students?

First and foremost, I make sure I have books that include all of my students' languages, have characters that look like them, and deal with life issues that they face. Representation is key! I provide instructions with words, writing, and pictures. I create safe routines so that they can have some predictability in their day. I make sure I tailor the activities to student interests and abilities. And I only give my students tasks that I know are achievable. I use student grouping, but also make sure that those groups are fluid. I make sure students take turns being the teachers and the learners. I have a saying, "what's easy for one isn't easy for all," and make sure that each student has access to activities that are both easy and challenging. If there is a new language represented, we always use Google Translate and listen to new vocabulary words in all of our languages. That's just the beginning :)

What strategies do you use to help navigate stress or anxiety in the workplace? OR What is something you do to practice self care?

Breathing exercises and stretching are my class go-tos. I find that what works for me, and my students, is just pausing everything for a moment. Usually a little bit of unofficial yoga does the trick... my students also love when I freeze and ask them to do ten push ups or jumping jacks... stress turns into laughter, and then we can refocus and get back to task only just 45 seconds to one minute. If tensions are a bit higher, time-lapse YouTube videos are amazing for calming students down, either when they're hyper or stressed. We watch time-lapse videos of flowers, seeds, molding fruits, and more. We take a minute to breathe and connect with nature. There are very few times that we are still worked up after a three minute time-lapse. These videos also help reinforce things that I teach! We always have units on life cycles and decomposition and mold.

What is something you’ve had to overcome (let go) as a teacher?

I can be an advocate for my students, but ultimately, I can only control what happens in my classroom. I have to make the most of the limited time that we have together, and hope that my co-workers also do their best to serve my students (giving them resources, of course). I have to teach my students to advocate for themselves when they're in and out of my classroom. And that's as far as my reach goes.

Can you think of (and share about) one day or event that has been a highlight for you in your teaching career?

When a student told me, “Miss Bishop, your classroom feels like home.”

What is the best article of clothing (or accessory!) you have in your teacher wardrobe? Why?

Denim jacket! The temperature in our building changes drastically so it's always helpful to have around. Plus, it has pockets so I can never lose anything, including my teacher ID.

What is one quote or phrase you live by? (Something you tell yourself or your students daily)

This is challenging, but I can do challenging things. (Never use the word hard!)