PBTIL - Reilly Team1

Classes / Teachers

Diana Faridzadeh -
About myself I have this to tell. I am Puerto Rican and I am married to an Iranian. I got my BA from the University of Puerto Rico. I also hold a BA degree in History from the University of London. My original teaching certification was granted in Puerto Rico. I just completed an M.Ed. at Fitchburg State College. I have been teaching about fifteen years. I was a High School teacher in Puerto Rico. When my husband was transferred to his Massachussets job we moved up here. After my own children settled down I started looking for a job and that is how I came to be employed in Lowell. The first year was a period of adjustment as I got an elementary position, but I have come to love my job. I feel totally commited to the children I teach.
My students are very willing to learn. In a way I compare them to little sponges willing to soak all information you give them. They love to find out new information. This year's class is very small. They are great kids and I hope with this project I will be able make them feel more empowered.
Email Diana Faridzadeh

Linda Sutton -
I am a fourth grade teacher at the Peter W. Reilly School in Lowell, MA. Although technically a standard classroom teacher, my class, like all those in Lowell, is very mixed. In addition to the children whose families have spoken English for many generations, my class consists of one Indian child who speaks Gujarati, 2 children who also speak Portuguese, 3 children whose first language is Khmer, and 6 whose first language is Spanish. It is wonderful to have this mix of cultures, ideas, and backgrounds, and we are all richer for it. Many of these children were born in this country, even though English is not their native language. They are excited about being able to work together as a group with Mrs. Faridzadeh's class, and can't wait to see their research, writing, and work on the internet.
My formal education consists of an AAS in Preschool Education from SUNY at Cobleskill, a BS in Elementary Education from SUNY at Plattsburgh, and a Ma Ed in ESL from U Mass at Lowell. Teaching ESL is truly my passion, although I am very happy with my current job. I taught for 6 years in an alternative education Catholic School in Somerville, MA in the Grades of 2-5, including six different mixed-grade combinations. I then became an ESL tutor in Burlington quite by accident. I was quickly hooked, and continued there until I finished My Masters in ESL. At that time, I moved to Lowell. In my 7 years here, I have taught 4th grade ESL, standard 4th, Science and Reading specialists jobs, and taught Kindergarten. I have taken part in other grant programs and have always found that I am a better teacher by the time they are over. I am excited about this project, and look forward to sharing new ideas with others. I can't wait to learn more.
Linda Sutton

This program is supported in part by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, University of Massachusetts, Lowell.