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This Week's Teacher Spotlight is on Samantha Boardman.
Recently, Valley Forge Elementary hired additional staff members to assist with the ever growing student body. We are pleased to introduce one of our newest teachers, Ms. Samantha Boardman. Ms. Boardman will be teaching in a variety of capacities at VFE. Currently she is assisting the first and third grades in their reading groups. In December she will also be teaching her own first grade math class.
Ms. Boardman grew up in Chester Springs, PA and attended Dowingtown East High School. Upon graduation she headed to the University of Pittsburgh, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Applied Developmental Psychology. Ms. Boardman went on to complete her Master's degree in Instruction and Learning. During her time at the University of Pittsburgh, she had the opportunity to student teach in the Pittsburgh Public School District.
We contacted Ms. Boardman to ask her a few questions so that the students and parents could get to know her a little better. This is what she had to say........
*Please tell us about your family?
I am the middle sister of three girls! My mom works for Downingtown School District. My older sister Alex works for the Whole Foods in Devon and loves partnering up with VFES. My little sister Haley is a sophomore at the University of Miami in Oxford, Ohio. Our all girl house is topped off with another girl, our poodle named Nellie.
*What is your favorite color?
My favorite color would have to be blue... ANY shade of blue! It's a calming color and it reminds me of the ocean.
*What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
When I'm not in school I love to be with my family and friends. I love playing tennis and crafting things around the house and for school.
*How long have you been teaching? Did you work somewhere else prior to becoming part of the VFE Staff?
This is only my first year teaching! I student taught in the Pittsburgh Public School District last year and was able to substitute teach there until the end of the year. At the beginning of this school year, I started as a Reading Aide at Hillside Elementary.
*Do you have a favorite vacation destination? If so, where?
Any vacation spot is my favorite! But if I had to choose one place to go I would choose Hilton Head, South Carolina. My family has been visiting close friends there for a few years and it is beautiful and very relaxing. I love the open beaches, secluded houses, and alligators in your backyard!
Being an educator can be both a fulfilling and challenging role.
*What inspired you to become a teacher?
Ever since I was little I always wanted to be a teacher. I remember playing school with my sisters and mimicking what some of my favorite teachers would do. As I grew older, I loved working with kids and I had so many teachers that made such a difference in my life that it inspired me to want to be that person in someone else's life.
*Think back to when you were an elementary student, what was your favorite part of school or a special memory you would like to share?
My favorite memory of elementary school was when I fell in love with reading. I was a good reader from the time I entered Kindergarten, but I had very bad comprehension. It wasn't until fourth grade when we read a book that I finally enjoyed that I realized how fun reading could be. To this day, the book Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo is still one of my favorites!
*With VFES' theme of Super Heroes in mind, what is your Super Power?
I wish my Super Power was flying! In real life though, I would say my super power is seeing things through someone else's eyes. I try my best to look at situations from different perspectives so that I can better understand others' reactions and so that I can be prepared for any outcome.
Finally, we would like to appeal to your humorous side.
*If you were a fruit or vegetable, which one would you be and why?
I think if I were a fruit or a veggie I would be a grape. I am most happy when I am surrounded by people I love and grapes are never alone! They're always in a bunch!
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Volunteers Needed
theme of this year's Falcon 100 Reading Program, students who visit Libraries and Museums throughout the school year are invited to take a picture of themselves in front of the Library and/or Museum visited for a display at school (located in the 3rd grade wing). Or, students can submit
School!
