Pamela Walthall, 8th Grade English Teacher
What do you enjoy about teaching at St. Agnes-St. Dominic?
SAA-SDS has an outstanding teaching staff and a community that is very involved, and being a part of this community is an honor. Our school has a teacher-to-student ratio that I think really allows for personalized education. Smaller classroom sizes make it possible for me to give each child the one-on-one attention they deserve. On top of that, the St. Agnes-St. Dominic School community is a family.
Why did you want to become a teacher?
I was inspired to become a teacher because I wanted to make a positive difference in the future of children. For me, it is very fulfilling to stimulate and challenge the next generation to become lifelong learners. I feel I have the values and knowledge to contribute to the teaching profession and deeply impact my students. Providing my students with opportunities to grow and learn, is very satisfying and I enjoy watching my students mature into young men and women who can think critically. I believe one should have a job they love, and teaching is the job that I love.
What makes the Jr. High experience at SAA-SDS so unique?
Teaching junior high is never the same day twice. The Jr. High experience at SAA-SDS is unique because the students are given the freedom to explore their own learning styles and become independent learners. Students in our Jr High work in teams, negotiate conflict, monitor and take responsibility for their grades, and they are given the opportunity to connect with the teachers. The teachers in the Jr High encourage them to make connections across material from different classes, and to build, write, invent and experiment. We also teach the students to make responsible, safe, and ethical choices.
What do you like about teaching Jr. High students?
Jr. High students have a ready sense of humor. They are independent, and I take pleasure in watching them become creative, emerging adults that develop excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
What do you hope to accomplish as an educator?
I want to be a teacher known for developing a new generation of thinking individuals. I hope my students take away from my classes a sense of confidence and the desire to explore and embrace new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I hope my students continue to have curiosity and know how much they are loved and respected.
What are some of the ways you bring lessons to life?
One way I bring lessons to life is through technology. I integrate content and gaming when I teach. Students love playing Kahoot and Quizlet Live online to learn and practice new concepts. In addition to technology, students are easily engaged in cooperative learning, and active group discussions.
What are your favorite SAA-SDS traditions?
My favorite SAA-SDS traditions are the Big Sister and Big Brother activities we do throughout the year to reinforce the sisterhood and brotherhood that exists among our students. Also, the Torch Award, which recognizes students who live their daily lives according to the four pillars of the Dominican Charisms of prayer, study, community, and service, is another favorite tradition that highlights our school's commitment to service in honor of the Dominican Sisters who founded our school. As a Dominican Associate, I think this tradition is exceptional and makes our school stand out from others.
Hobbies?
I enjoy cooking for family and friends, spending time with family and friends, outdoor activities, attending concerts, love watching comedies.