Susan Vasselman
Commack,NY
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated teacher proudly offering background in teaching Italian at all levels. Continuously improves professional practice through coaching sessions, professional development and data-driven reflection. Successful at integrating cultural studies into a productive classroom. Adept at cultivating long-lasting and professional relationships with students.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
World Language Teacher
East Williston Union Free School District
Old Westbury, NY
09.1997 - Current
- Originally hired to teach levels I, II and III of Italian as well as beginning levels of French and Spanish. Italian was an elective language at the High School until 2007.
- Worked in the East Williston's Creative Workshop Saturday program teaching a introduction course of Italian from 1998-2001.
- Developed curriculum for Italian in the middle school in 2007 for which Italian became a choice of study in the 6th grade along with French and Spanish.
- Created curriculum and taught a college level course of Italian in 2013 through St. John's University.
- Created curriculum and taught an AP level of Italian in 2015 which is offered annually to date.
- Created new curriculum for all levels of Italian, 6th - 12th grade, to coincide with the new standards developed by the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages in the NY State Education Department.
- Encouraged creativity through the use of authentic materials such as songs, movies, and literature, in order to increase motivation towards learning a foreign language.
- Promoted an appreciation for diversity by highlighting similarities between different cultures while also recognizing unique features present in each one.
- Evaluated student performance using both formative and summative assessment techniques.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by encouraging critical thinking skills and open dialogue among students.
- Utilized technology-based resources for teaching world language skills.
- Designed comprehensive curriculum plans that incorporated various methods of instruction including audio and visual materials, online resources, textbooks, and hands-on activities.
- Advised the Italian Club which promotes and encourages the love of the Italian culture through various group activities and trips.
- Organized students trips to Italy during school breaks and one to Spain in 2000, 2001, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2023
Foreign Language Teacher
North Babylon School District
North Babylon, NY
09.1993 - 06.1997
- Taught four first level 8th grade level Italian and French classes and one special education Spanish class.
- Created lessons with strong emphasis on communicative approach toward learning a foreign language and employed diverse forms of authentic assessment.
- Advised the International Club and chaperoned student activities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - T.E.S.O.L.
CUNY Queens College
Flushing, NY06-1997
Bachelor of Arts - Italian Education
CUNY Queens College
Flushing, NY02-1992
Skills
- Oral Communication
- Organization
- Multimedia Integration
- Student Engagement
- Cultural Awareness
- Curriculum Development Understanding
- Lesson Development
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Classroom Management
- Lesson Planning
- Mastery of Grammar
- Technology
Certification
- Permanent NYS certification in Italian, Spanish and French for levels K - 12.
Accomplishments
- Awarded High School Teacher of the Year in May of 2017 by the State of New York office of the State Comptroller at the 20th Anniversary Awards Gala hosted by AIAE (Association of Italian American Educators).
- Awarded Teacher of the Month, October 2023 by AATI's (American Association of Teachers of Italian) Long Island Chapter.
Affiliations
- AATI (American Association of Teachers of Italian) Long Island Chapter - member since 1990 - This is an organization that serves to help teachers of Italian in all areas related to teaching our beloved Italian language here on Long Island. Served as this chapter's treasurer from 2015-2022.
- UNICO National North Shore chapter - member since 2021 - This the largest Italian American service organization in the United States. The UNICO National mission is to promote the image of Italian Americans, along with Italian heritage and culture, by supporting charitable, scientific, cultural, educational, and literary projects.
Timeline
World Language Teacher
East Williston Union Free School District
09.1997 - Current
Foreign Language Teacher
North Babylon School District
09.1993 - 06.1997
Bachelor of Science - T.E.S.O.L.
CUNY Queens College
Bachelor of Arts - Italian Education
CUNY Queens College
- Permanent NYS certification in Italian, Spanish and French for levels K - 12.
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