Student Teaching at a Public Pre-K in NYC
Hogar de Vida, an orphanage in Costa Rica
Hello!
My students are often shocked to learn that my given name is Roberta Sahagian, because everyone knows me as “Miss Birdy.” Think, Mary Poppins meets Ms. Frizzle meets Maria von Trapp. Children tend to gravitate towards me because of my silliness and creativity, and appreciate that I treat them with respect and kindness. Whereas parents are most interested in my emphasis on perseverance, curiosity, and teamwork. For me, one of the most rewarding parts of childcare is planting the seeds of self inquiry and new perspectives, and then seeing the results in their choices down the line.
((I am well known by my students for having strict guidelines around kindness and emotional safety. Students who have worked with me for a while will sometimes inform others before I get a chance that “Miss Birdy does not like us to say unkind things about ourselves.” ))
Services I offer:
Facepainting & Crafts for Parties
Experience & Education:
- Babysitting since 2002
- Teaching since 2009
- Certified in TEFL and TESOL
- Two years assistant teaching at Hunter Elementary.
- Eight years attending Hunter Elementary (foundation for divergent thinking skills).
- Six years attending Hunter High School (foundation for writing skills).
- Studied Education at Barnard College (Columbia University), and at SUNY New Paltz with a concentration in Math.
- Volunteered at Hogar de Vida, an orphanage in Alajuela, Costa Rica
- Link to my full CV