This week's Staff Spotlight goes to 1st grade teacher, Patricia Stanfa!
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My third grade teacher, Mrs. Luttrell, was my inspiration to become an educator. She was kind and caring and made learning fun. I knew I wanted to be like her and help others one day. I played school everyday when I was a kid. I had a chalkboard and used my stuffed animals, friends, and family as my students. I would even bring home old papers and tests and make my family take them and I would grade them.
2. What’s your favorite part of working with students?
I love how students get excited about the littlest things and how eager they are to please. I love how excited they get when they understand a new concept. It is so rewarding to see their faces light up. They are also very forgiving when you make mistakes.
3. If you weren’t in education, what do you think you’d be doing?
I would love to be a house stager or work in forensics in some capacity. I would also love to write a children’s book. I started one in college and it never made it to fruition. I have also always dreamed of owning a coffee shop/bakery.
4. Do you have any professional goals you’re working on this year?
I completed LETRS training a few years ago and I am working to implement the strategies I learned.
5. What’s one thing you love most about our school community?
I love how everyone is there for each other. Everyone is truly like a family and comes together when there is a need. We also have an amazing administration at MVES.
6. Is there a particular moment in the school year you look forward to each year? I look forward to the holidays, especially Christmas with my students. I love that we can do fun activities and celebrate together. It’s such a special time of year and I love sharing it with students.
7. Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents?
Some hobbies my family and I have are camping, watching F1 racing, and spending weekends at Barber Motorsports Park.
8. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
People would probably be surprised to know I am a published poet. I had two poems published in college. People might not know I have a degree in business and I began my career in the business world. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, so I went back to school.
9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
My husband’s family immigrated to the US from Italy. They have so many stories and great memories. I hope to travel to Italy someday.
10. What’s a food you can never say no to?
It is not a food, but I can never say no to coffee! I also love spicy things like jalapenos!