#readingdreamteam
Lisa Hunter
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I have experience working with multiple grade levels ranging from Kindergarten through 8th grade. I currently serve as Walker Middle School's reading coach. I am also teaching the 7th and 8th grade reading classes. I am responsible for working with all students and staff on strengthening reading strategies and progress monitor growth. Students may even see me in their science or social studies classes working on particular strategies. I am here to help all Walker students, staff, and adults at home in reading! Another responsibility I have, that I take much pride in, is assisting in RTI. RTI is Response To Intervention and involves identifying students not meeting grade-level expectations and working on interventions to help them meet those expectations. I have only ever taught at an International Baccalaureate School and thoroughly believe in the Programme.
Some non-work related things about me; I am originally from Queens, New York, which is the reason why I am a big sports fan (go Mets/Giants/Rangers :) )! I grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida and received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education K-6 from St. Petersburg College. I have also received my endorsements in Reading and ESOL. I have a Master’s degree in Reading from Saint Leo University. In my free time, I enjoy READING, spending time with my family, and anything that involves water, especially boating, surfing, and fishing. I have a three year old daughter who is my everything! My philosophy about education is that every student has the ability to learn. I value the importance of being an educator and helping each student reach their full potential.
Some non-work related things about me; I am originally from Queens, New York, which is the reason why I am a big sports fan (go Mets/Giants/Rangers :) )! I grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida and received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education K-6 from St. Petersburg College. I have also received my endorsements in Reading and ESOL. I have a Master’s degree in Reading from Saint Leo University. In my free time, I enjoy READING, spending time with my family, and anything that involves water, especially boating, surfing, and fishing. I have a three year old daughter who is my everything! My philosophy about education is that every student has the ability to learn. I value the importance of being an educator and helping each student reach their full potential.
Brendon RamsayThis will be my ninth year here at Walker and my thirteenth year teaching. I have focused my entire teaching career on Language and Literature. Throughout my entire life I have found comfort in the written word, through reading, writing, and speaking all kinds of stories. Whether it be a fictitious tale of a dystopian future where young people are forced to battle in the Hunger Games, a father going out to get milk for his family and finding himself in a time traveling adventure, or an informational article about the origins of the universe, I love anything and everything the written word has to offer. My main goal as a teacher is and always will be to further and develop students love of reading. A solid foundation in reading provides students the best opportunity for success in all areas of life.
As I said, I have always loved reading, listening to, and telling stories. Much of my teaching is based on the use of stories to relay information. I do my best to provide a relaxed environment where students feel comfortable to express themselves and go beyond their comfort zones and explore new ways of learning. Outside of reading and writing, I am an absolute Disney fanatic, visiting as often as possible, until recently of course, an avid athlete, running marathons, obstacle races, playing hockey, golf, amazing dresser, but most importantly I am a father. My daughter Reagan will be entering 3rd grade this year at Hammond Elementary, which is absolutely amazing and terrifying at the same time. She should not be this old already. Reagan is my heart, she entertains me with her terrible jokes, many of which I steal and use in class, her out of this world stories, and her absolutely wonderful heart. Spending time with Reagan and my wife Angie, at our favorite place to visit the Magic Kingdom, or simply sitting by the pool, is the absolute most important part of life. |
I am very hard to miss, my outfits speak for themselves. Whether you love them or adore them, they are bright, and absolutely amazing. If it appears they don’t match, you’re not looking hard enough!
Sarah GonzalezEmail: [email protected]
Telephone: (813) 631-4726 I have been a Reading teacher at Walker for the past 8 years, and what wonderful years they have been! A responsibility I have been working on lately is to create enrichment standards-based activities for the Literacy Design Collaborate curriculum. I believe that students of all levels are never truly done learning, and these enrichment opportunities allow students to dive deeper into the concepts of our units. I attended St. Leo University where I received a bachelors degree in Middle Grades Education and a minor in Literature. During my college years, I became Reading and ELL endorsed. Being that St. Leo was such a small university, it did not have a college football team. Enter: FSU! I grew up in Tallahassee, Florida (home of the Seminoles!) and have been an avid 'Noles fan since early indoctrination. I care infinitely more about college football, like a true southerner, but follow the NFL for fantasy football purposes. Although I'm sad football probably won't be making its way back in 2020, I'm thrilled for the return of basketball! Raptors for the win! Me, my husband Raymond, and my bulldog Holly all live in Seminole Heights and enjoy it mightily, especially the restaurants! I also love spending my time reading fantasy and graphic novels, watching all the movies, cooking for my friends and family, and spending as much time outside that I can manage. |
As an Enneagram Type 2 ("The Helper"), I identify most with our learner profile of being open minded. Being a teacher is so important to me because I believe that learning how to learn is the most valuable skill a person can have! I love how fun and funny kids are, ESPECIALLY middle schoolers, and I think that one of the most important aspects of learning is to have fun while doing it. Kids can do amazing things when they know you care, so I find that "relationships before rigor and love before lessons" is a phrase on which I build my teaching philosophy.
Melissa LoweEmail: [email protected] Telephone: (813) 631-4726 I’m very excited to be joining the wonderful staff and families at Walker Middle this school year. As a reading teacher, I have the best job ever because I get to impart my love of reading and discussing wonderful works of literature with my students on a daily basis. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Literacy from Medaille College. I hold endorsements in Reading K-12, Special Education (ESE), and ESOL. I’m currently working on completing an endorsement in Gifted Education. I have taught students in a variety of grade levels, and have worked in different positions including ESE. I fill the other parts of my life with family, pets, travel, and hobbies. My favorite hobby is reading. I love to read a variety of genres, but I’m mostly a fiction fan. I think there is nothing better than having time to relax with a great novel. I’m also a huge fan of movies. I go to the theatre whenever I can find the time. I even like to watch movies at home on Netflix because I get to bake treats to go with my movie nights. I enjoy watching the Food Network Channel and baking all kinds of different sweets. I love to explore new things and visit new places which is why I’m close to my goal of visiting all fifty states. I enjoy sharing my travels with my family, friends, and students. I believe the most lasting idea I can pass on to my students is the love of exploring and learning about the world we all share. |
Suzette Wehust- Reading Support Teacher
I grew up in Tampa and am a graduate of HB Plant High. I have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of South Florida. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to teach reading, writing, math, science, and employment skills. I have taught in Hillsborough County, Pasco County and on Yokota Air Base, in Japan, for the Department of Defense. As I begin my 3rd year at Walker Middle Magnet, I am so excited to be joining the reading and ELA departments as a reading/writing support teacher. I look forward to helping each student achieve success and enjoy the adventures that come from reading a good book.
In my spare time, I enjoy teaching dance, taking care of my horses, and gardening. I also love to read! |