Teacher Feature of the Week: Ms. Sassa

We sat down with Second Grade teacher Ms. Sassa for this week's visit to the Teacher's Lounge!

What class do you teach?

I teach 2nd grade!

What is your favorite thing to do outside of the classroom?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends as well as watching baseball, football, and Netflix. I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.

What is something students would be surprised to learn about you?

I sang, acted, and danced in 9 musical plays. Also, I have visited 25 American states. I hope to travel to several more this summer.
 

What is your teaching philosophy?
 

My teaching philosophy is to build lifetime learners. Teachers should be the ones guiding the learning process as students make connections and build learning strategies. I always establish a classroom that is safe, caring, and family-oriented.

What is one thing a teacher said or did that resonated with you?

My second grade teacher told me that I was so sweet and helpful to my classmates. She said, "I would make a good teacher." I always remembered that. I always wanted to be a teacher. I played school everyday. I thought about being a physical therapist for a while, but that was only after I broke my leg skiing and went to therapy. I was a candy striper for a while and voluntered in the physical therapy department.

Who has influenced you most as an educator?
 

A former colleague at Saint Martha School, Patricia Carothers, influenced me the most. Pat had a special way of reaching her 6th graders. She made them accountable for their work and those students learned that she was teaching them more than the subject. Pat built up her students as she encouraged everyone to remember that they were capable of reaching success. I met Pat early in my career, and I always admired how she interacted with her students and colleagues. Pat cared and truly listened from her heart. She gave everyone her undivided attention!  

What is the most recent book you read?

The most recent book I read was Raising Resilient Children by Robert B. Brooks and Sam Goldstein. 

What is your favorite quote/saying?

My favorite quote/saying is, “Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game!”

Ms. Sassa lives in Bensalem and holds a Masters in Elementary Education from Holy Family University.