Schools
ESOL Teacher Tells Students That Knowledge Is Key
Teacher wants students to know there is more then one way to "slice an apple."
Name: Celeste Roché
School:
Position: ESOL Instructor (English to speakers of other languages. Roché's classes consist of students who speak several other languages, including French, Egyptian, Albanion and Spanish.)
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Years Teaching: 24
Years at this School: 2
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Hometown: New York City
Why did you choose to teach in Dunedin?
I was a teacher at Kings Highway School for five years. When it was finally closed, I came to because the majority of my students were transferred there. I didn't know the staff at the time, but I already knew many of the students and their parents so I already felt a connection to the school and Dunedin.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Growing up, I hated school. I had a learning disability so I always struggled. After I graduated from college, I was working for a cruise line. My mother was a teacher and she told me about a permanent substitute teacher position. I applied and got the job and realized I could use my own experience to benefit my students.
What is your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part is watching my students gain confidence when they master a lesson. It's like watching a light bulb go off. I try to make them see that there is more than one way to "slice an apple," meaning, more than one way to do something.
What is your most memorable moment in teaching?
I think the fact that the kids come back to see me. On Facebook, many former students still contact me and I often get letters from parents of students thanking me.
What most hinders your ablilty to teach?
Not having enough time to get everything done. I teach both fourth and fifth grades and work with the student council and other groups.
What one idea or concept do you want to instill in your students?
I want them to know that knowledge is the key to their future, and not to give up, that you've got to keep going.
Roché has three children of her own and along with teaching and leading the recycling team at school, she also works on 's program to combat bullying. Her oldest child graduated from Largo High School, she has an 18-year-old who will be graduating from Seminole High School this year and her 13-year-old son attends 's class for the gifted.
