Teacher Spotlight: Walden School's Ninette Paffett-Lugassy

Teacher Spotlight is where we will feature a local teacher who deserves recognition. Teachers give a lot to their students, schools and studies and we'd like to recognize them and say a simple, thank you, for all that they do.

This Walden School first and second grade teacher has only been at the school for a couple of years but already knows it is where she is supposed to be. She wants her students to learn at their own pace.

Teacher: Ninette Paffett-Lugassy

School: The Walden School

Grade/Subject: First and Second grades

Years in the industry: Two years

Teaching History:

Paffett-Lugassy graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in history from Smith College and then went on to the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education where she earned a Masters in Education in reading, writing and literacy. She is also an alum of The Walden School.

Why did you become a teacher:

I love learning in communities and because it is a way to extend the positive educational experiences that impacted my life. And it's fun!

What do you like most about your job:

I am constantly learning and creating. Plus, the kids tell the best stories. I also love reading books constantly.

What do you hope your students get out of your classes:

I hope that my students realize they are capable of generating their own answers, and that the answers are not simply held by some outside source. I also hope they develop respect for themselves, and the communities, human and non, that they are a part of.

If you could change anything about education in general, what would it be:

We shouldn't be pressuring students to learn things before they are ready. I would erase the time table. I would also like for teachers to be trusted to make curricular decisions, or decisions in general, rather than feeding textbook companies as a way to create an "objective lesson."

What do you like best about your current school:

The Walden School trusts its teachers and while there is outside pressures for specific benchmarks, the pace of the student is more respected. Also, the school has an open minded view of the world and a deep respect for nature and promoting peace.