Elizabeth Lima is a Fourth Grade Lead Teacher at Alma’s Sarah D. Ottiwell Campus.
What made you decide to join the Crew at Alma?
The school environment and the supportive administration.
What do you hope to contribute to Alma?
I hope to contribute to the meaningful work the educators at Alma aim to instill in their students. I hope to make an impact on students by harnessing their unique talents and abilities in and out of the classroom.
What teacher made a difference in your life, and how?
Before my mother became ill and passed away, she was an elementary/middle school teacher. Out of all of the amazing educators I have known in my academic career, my mother made the biggest difference in my life. My mother’s passion for teaching and her students surpassed mostly everything in her life, aside from her own children. More recently I have learned what kind of teacher she was through her portfolio of work and pictures she held onto with such care. My mother was genuine and caring, which made her an ideal educator. She not only loved to teach, but loved to build relationships with her students and make a difference in their lives.
Why did you become involved in education?
Working in a law office for six years helped me to see that the only piece of law I was passionate about was educating clients. I loved to build relationships with them and help them to understand the law, whether they were refinancing their home, or wanting to create an estate plan to make sure their families were taken care of. I have taught theatre for the last 12 years or so for community theatres and groups, but never thought my passion would lead me to a classroom. Once I decided to make the leap, I had my “aha” moments within weeks of being a teaching assistant. I realized that working with students and in education is where my passion truly lies.
Where did you go to college or post-secondary school?
I went to Providence College for my undergraduate degree, Suffolk University Law School for my juris doctorate, and Rhode Island College for my master’s degree.
What did you like about your college?
I will speak on Rhode Island College, as that is where my focus was on education. The program at RIC was an intensive, one-year master’s. Our cohort was a small one (5 students), which enabled us to build relationships with our professors and get real hands-on experiences in schools, even during the pandemic. The professors at RIC helped us to see what our experiences can bring into the classroom, and really focus on the students as individuals.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza, forever.
What is your favorite book?
The Harry Potter series will always be my favorite. I always reread and listen to the audiobooks.