Cynthia Castro Wins A 2013 Blackboard Award For Teachers

What are some of the key joys and challenges of being a second grade teacher?

I have taught many grades throughout my career and have found that I have a special place in my heart for second grade. It is that transition year from the lower to upper grades, when students go from concrete thinking to abstract thinking. It is amazing to see the growth that takes place in my students from the beginning to the end of the year. A challenge I find with being a second grade teacher is trying to meet the individual needs of students in a classroom of diverse learners.

Tell us about any special projects or initiatives you are most proud of this year.

This year, I implemented a new challenging writing unit. I tasked my students with writing a five-paragraph persuasive essay. The unit I designed allowed the students to take class discussions to the next level by putting their ideas in writing. It was gratifying to see the students’ enthusiasm and sense of accomplishment as they shared their writing pieces with their parents at a classroom publishing party.

Over the course of your career, what do you consider some of your greatest accomplishments to date?

One of my greatest career accomplishments has been taking part in the writing of the second grade social studies curriculum at my school. As the curriculum deals with New York City history, it was ideally suited to me because l am a big history buff. So, over the last decade, I have been involved in the ongoing creation of these ever-evolving units. I have designed and implemented interactive lessons that bring history to life, as well as lessons that promote creative explorations of history through art.

What drives you and keeps you motivated to continue your hard work as a teacher on a daily basis?

My motivation to continue working in this challenging profession is feeling like I am truly making a difference. It is satisfying to see your students grow academically and also mature emotionally and socially by the end of the school year—and to know that you have played a part in it. It is a proud moment for a teacher to see the students’ growth under her guidance.

For more information about the Blackboard Awards, visit blackboardawards.com

The Cathedral School

<p>The Cathedral School is a Nursery School, Pre-K 4, and Kindergarten through 5th grade co- educational day school that offers a nurturing environment while preparing young minds for a rigorous academic education rooted in the principles of Hellenism. The curriculum integrates the most up to date educational methods while adhering to the ancient Greek tradition of paideia which views education as character formation, responsibility and the pursuit of excellence in all forms.</p>

Williamsburg Northside School

<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;"> <div id="fsEl_7057" class="fsElement fsContent" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Suisse Int\'l', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; background-color: #ffffff;" data-use-new="true"> <div class="fsElementContent" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.4; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: center;">Northside's Approach to Early Childhood Education</h2> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: center;">Rooted in the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, we believe that children possess infinite potential and creativity, and when granted the trust and freedom to exercise autonomy over their own education, are able to construct their own knowledge within the context of an emergent curriculum. It is therefore our responsibility as a faculty of co-learners, to create an environment that is aesthetically pleasing, provocative in its material offerings, and supportive of the development of our students' unique identities.&nbsp;</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">We do this through a multi-sensory approach, giving value to the 100 languages of children, which includes more creative forms of expression, such as music, movement, and art. Through these modes of self-expression, we are able to differentiate our approach to the learning styles and developmental needs of each child, and communicate the value and responsibility of each voice within our community, intentionally setting the groundwork for a lifetime love of learning.</p> </div> </div> </div>

The Montessori School of New York International

<p>At The Montessori School of New York International, children are encouraged to explore all academic dimensions&nbsp;at their own pace and interest level. This tailored approach&nbsp;helps them grow in self-esteem and independence, leading them to become well-rounded, confident citizens of the world! All classes are equipped with a full complement of didactic imported Montessori materials, that encourage the absorption of concepts while playing. Music, Foreign Language, Musical Theatre, Swimming, Dance, Yoga, Science, Art, Public Speaking and Chess are part of the program as well.&nbsp;This multi-faceted program inspires curiosity, and instills a lifelong love of learning!&nbsp;Children who attend usually do well academically, and are prepared for admission to gifted and competitive programs. A unique Summer Camp, staffed by the school&rsquo;s year-round teachers, allows children from other programs to experience a Montessori summer!</p>