Caridad Alonso

Caridad Alonso

Red Clay Consolidated School District
William C. Lewis Language Elementary School
Grades 1-5
Spanish Reading Specialist

Educational History: University of Delaware
- Bachelor of Arts and Science
- Master of Education
Eleven Years Teaching Experience

"Upon graduating from the University of Delaware, I did not have a clear vision for a career path. At the time, my mother, a recently retired veteran teacher of over 35 years in the Red Clay Consolidated School District and a strong advocate for the Hispanic Community, suggested that I pursue a career in the education field. She gave me valuable advice when she stated it was a profession that would allow me to move, touch and inspire others."

Philosophy of Teaching: "Teaching is not just a job for me. It is my passion. In fact, I know I was born to do this. Each school year, I am dedicated to creating a positive instructional climate where my students feel encouraged, safe and excited to learn. My philosophy of education is a student-centered one. I see myself as a facilitator of the learning process. I strongly feel that every child has learning potential and with effective quality instruction it can be unleashed. I believe parental involvement is critical for student achievement. Teachers and administrators need to view parents as integral partners in the academic achievement and well being of their students. Schools must seek to create a learning environment where parent participation is welcomed and encouraged. For example, I am very sensitive to the culture shock our immigrant parents and students feel when they come to this country. I always try to be caring, inviting and receptive to them when they walk through the school doors. I greet and welcome them with a smile and let them know their child will be safe, nurtured, and cared for at William C. Lewis Dual Language Elementary School. I want parents to have a voice in their children�s education and will do what is necessary to hear them and get them actively involved. The teaching profession has a huge impact on the individual as well as on society. As an educator, I accept the responsibility of becoming a lifelong learner as new ideas, new technology and new ways to approach teaching become available. I thrive on opportunities to learn more, reflect upon these and put them into practice. I also have the challenge as our world becomes more diverse to find ways to meet the educational needs of each student and to make an effort to understand each individual�s experiences."

2007 Teacher of the Year Program
All 2007 Candidates
Past Recipients