At WES Since: 2016
What is your philosophy on teaching?
I am passionate about nurturing lifelong learners by cultivating curiosity, encouraging teamwork, instilling a culture of thinking, and inspiring joy. Problems are simply puzzles to be solved. I teach to the whole child.
What is one of your goals as a teacher?
To provide a safe space for students to share their thinking freely, embrace mistakes, develop their identity, laugh, and self-reflect.
One of my favorite student quotes:
My brain just gave me an idea!
Recognition:
Congratulations to Mrs. Davies, who was selected as a finalist for the Washington Post’s Teacher of the Year Award!
Bio:
I became a teacher because I love to learn. While at WES, I landed in the sweet spot of second grade. Most recently, I have taken to heart my role to prepare students, and their families, for an uncertain world. To that end, I believe that skills such as flexible thinking, creativity, and growth mindset are vital to the classroom experience.
My educational background includes a B.A. from the University of Michigan, B.F.A. from The Corcoran School of Art, and M.S. from Johns Hopkins University. When I’m not at WES you can find me at the National Zoo supporting its conservation mission, hiking Rock Creek Park, exploring art, and playing games with my family and friends.
At WES Since: 2022
Why did you become a teacher?
I’ve known since a very young age that I wanted to become a teacher. As a student, I struggled with reading and there were many influential teachers along the way helped me become a more confident and strong reader. I want to be that motivational teacher for my students. My goal as a teacher is to always make learning fun and engaging!
What is your favorite quote?
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” -A.A. Milne
Bio:
I got my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University with a concentration in Reading. I have worked internationally in Nicaragua, where I taught English as a second language as part of the Barrio Planta Project. I then moved back to the U.S. to continue my teaching career by working as a reading specialist for Grades 4-8 at Bullis School and St. Bernadette School. Before coming to WES, I worked for 7 years at the Holy Trinity School in D.C. as a Grade 2 Teacher and Kindergarten teaching aid.
At WES Since: 2022
Why did you become a teacher?
Growing up I struggled in school. I had to work twice as hard as my friends did to obtain a grade that was similar to theirs. I struggled to read and write at my grade level which made me feel small and not as smart as my peers. However, my learning strategist was able to explain that I learned differently than my peers and that I need more assistance. I was diagnosed with Dyslexia. She provided guidance but also gave me the strength and the will to push through the challenges and believe in myself again. Thanks to her work and her encouragement through my schooling, I always thought I wanted to be that kind of teacher in someone’s life. My passion for working with students came from my experience as a student. I became a teacher because I want to help students see that their challenges are not their weakness but rather their strengths which could open more opportunities than one could imagine. Sometimes the people we least expect can have the biggest impact on us.
What is your favorite quote?
“The greatest glory in living lies not in ever falling, but in rising every time you fall.” ~ Nelson Mandela~
Bio:
Amina is joining us all the way from Canada! She has eight years of experience working with children, having served as a toddler teacher at the YMCA, a residential teacher at Ashbury College, and most recently as a special education assistant at the Queen Elizabeth Public School in Ottawa. She has a bachelor’s degree from Graceland University and a master’s degree in educational psychology from McGill University. In her spare time, she loves to be active through working out at a gym, playing a sport, or hiking. She enjoys cooking, exploring new places, and doing puzzles. She grew up in Kenya, and loves a good safari, too!
At WES Since: 1995
What motivated you to become a teacher?
I always loved school and learning. Even as a student, I delighted in helping classmates figure out ways to better understand what we were studying. I started tutoring younger students when I was in high school and then was a teaching assistant in college. I loved the challenge of developing methods for explaining concepts clearly and efficiently, and that reached different people with different learning styles. Plus, I grew up in a family that is enthusiastic about science and the natural world, so it seemed natural to pass along that enthusiasm to others.
If you could talk to any living person now, who would it be and why?
The British naturalist/biologist Sir David Attenborough -– for me, he embodies the spirit of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. He eloquently communicates the responsibility we humans have to be good stewards of this planet. I would be especially eager to hear his opinions on the best strategies for supporting endangered species and ecosystems.
Bio:
I am Italian, born in Rome and arriving in the US as a little girl. I grew up locally, attended Georgetown University, and have been teaching Middle School science ever since. Besides teaching science, I enjoy hiking, gardening, and films, and I am a certified Irish dance instructor. Most of all, I love spending time with my family, especially my husband and our two sons and their wives.
Awards:
2014 Bethesda Magazine‘s Top Teachers in Bethesda, MD
At WES Since: 2018
What motivated you to become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I had so many incredible teachers growing up, who inspired me to work hard and be the best person I can be. I knew from as young as second grade that I wanted to give back to the children of the future just like my teachers did for me. I wanted to inspire and help shape the minds of the future generations.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
The best piece of advice I have ever been given is from my colleague Anita Gallagher (a Grade 4 WES teacher). In the 2016 WES magazine she wrote, “Go for your dreams and take that risk, you never know where you might land!” Reading that quote as a college student inspired me to work hard toward my goal of becoming a WES teacher. With that advice in mind, I was able to do my student teaching spring 2018 here at WES, and then was hired as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher that June.
Bio:
I was born and raised in Potomac, Maryland. I have a mom, dad, younger brother, and pet dog named Dax. I attended WES from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8, and some of my fondest memories and friends have come out of those 10 years. My co-teacher, Katie Rothwell, and I work together on planning and implementing lessons for our students, as well as sending out weekly communications to parents on what is happening in the classroom. Additionally, for the 20-21 school year I was the lead teacher for the Pre-K Virtual Learners. I was in charge of planning, creating, and implementing lessons for small groups of virtual learners. When I’m not teaching, I love reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
At WES Since: 2012
What excites you about teaching your grade level?
What excites me the most about teaching nursery is how pure and honest children are at that age. The level of the genuine love and trust that they give you is humbling and incredibly rewarding.
What is one of your goals as a teacher?
My goal as a teacher is for the children to feel that they are loved and cared for no less than they are at home. My duty as an educator is to build a caring and loving relationship with each child and create a happy, joyful, and safe environment where they can shine and thrive with a high level of self-esteem and confidence.
Bio:
I am blessed that I was born and raised in the most beautiful city in the world, Saint-Petersburg, Russia. There, I attend the University of St. Petersburg, where I earned my B.S. and my master’s in science and engineering. Growing up, I was a competitive cross-country skier and spent most of my summers with my family exploring the natural beauty of different parts of Russia while covering hundreds of miles kayaking and camping. During my college years, I met my husband, Mehdi Elkassem, who is also a teacher at WES. We have three sons who all graduated from WES. My favorite things to do outside of WES are spending time with my husband and my three sons, traveling, hiking, exploring national parks, and nature photography.
