Name: Araceli Becerra

Hometown: El Paso Texas, America

Role: Elementary Lead Teacher

Favourite Quote/Words to Live by:

"If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn" - Ignacio Estrada

Favourite place you’ve travelled? 

Other than Taiwan... Greece! Never thought traveling like this would ever be possible, until moving to Taiwan.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Wow, I've had a lot of good advice come my way.. hmm lets see, the best advice... (A bit of a quote) "Courage isn't the absence of fear but acting in spite of it." Walking into a classroom every day facing what seems like a bagillion young eyes staring at you waiting to devour your every word, takes courage. And on those days that you're not feeling courageous, step boldly and use a "silly voice" to start your class.

What’s the best thing about Taiwan?

Everything... To narrow it down, I would say the people. Up till now the people have been very kind, curious, helpful and genuine.....and of course the FOOD!!! This is a food country for real!

How do you support Foresight teachers in your role as a Lead Teacher?

As a lead teacher this year, I've had to learn to juggle between teaching a class of my own and supporting the teachers. It really is the best of both worlds! Some of the things I’ve been able to do as a lead teacher; plan the lessons with different grade teams and do class pop-ins to see the plans in action, answer any questions the teachers might have, from teaching strategies to classroom management and even how to manage their teaching and planning time. Sometimes a teacher will ask me to come in to their class to assist them with a larger class activity they’ve planned for their students, at times they need extra eyes during gym time. I’ve had the opportunity to co-teach with some of the teachers, help run guided reading centers, and run the class to free up the classroom teachers to work with smaller groups of students. I feel that the teachers trust and appreciate the lead teachers, because we are also in the class experiencing everything with them.

I collaborate with teachers to ensure that they are comfortable and feel supported enough to have the confidence to teach every day. I communicate with the teachers on a daily basis to check in and offer any support they might need.

I also meet with the site director and other lead teachers to check in and give any feedback collected and to ensure that our grade teams are on track, as well as hold professional development training.

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

For me, it's the constant interaction with the teachers, being able to share my knowledge and strategies, and in return learn from them as well. I believe that, just like our students in the class, with a strong support they (the teachers) are able to excel.