Our Faculty Friday Spotlight this week is on Lower Division Learning Specialist Sandra Cirrito! A 21-year teaching veteran, Sandra has been at Community since 2003. She has a master’s degree in special education, and is the go-to person when our young learners need some extra help. She also helps teach our phonics and spelling program, FUNdations. One of her favorite activities is traveling with her family. And despite being raised in Boston, she’s fully integrated to STL, and her favorite team is the Cardinals. Let’s learn some more:
Favorite subject to teach? FUNdations. I love when the children realize that what they learn in FUNdations is helpful not only in spelling words but also when attempting to read new words.
Defining moment as an educator? Seeing the smile on a child’s face when they read a book for the first time.
Community School “claim to fame”? Teaching kids to read
Best CS Memory: When my son started Nursery!
Why Community? Because it’s an amazing place to work!
Favorite spot on campus? The trail
Favorite food? Bread pudding
Favorite band/musical group? New Kids On The Block
States lived in? Massachusetts and Missouri
Hobbies? Walking, crafting, traveling with my husband and son
Pets? 2 Cats: Conte and Piccolo
Family? Husband John, child Ben
Favorite children’s author? Mo Willems
Favorite memory from your time as a student? When I had surgery in 8th grade and was out of school for 6 weeks. All of my core subject teachers came to my house to visit me for lunch.
What else is interesting about you? I ran the Walt Disney World Marathon in 2002!