Marie's Makings

As a bilingual teacher in several districts, I have found a lack of materials that introduce, explain, translate and practice specific topics in literacy, math, science, history or health. I have made numerous lessons, power point presentations and Smart Board activities in the past. I hope to share my simultaneous, dual language approach in the work I prepare for my students and colleagues.

After working with grades 1-7, in both urban and suburban environments, I find that clearly explaining what information is being presented, what students are expected to learn and how mastery of that information will be measured is crucial. These activities provide a blueprint for students to explore a concept individually, while preparing for the teachers formative assessment. When used in interactive notebooks and as feedback to parents, these lessons create a dialogue about important subjects, in English and Spanish.

Highest Student Honors, School of Education, Northeastern Illinois University, 2004

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, I was a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic. My love of the Spanish language took me to a masters of arts degree in International Education at the Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. I became an elementary school teacher in Chicago in 2005 and have since completed the bilingual endorsement and administrative certification at National Louis University.

As a mother of two teenage boys, I know how hard it is to prepare for the upcoming week. Especially when dual language programs expect biliteracy on an oral fluency, listening comprehension, written coherency and reading recall level from very young children!