Ms. Konieczny is a Fourth Grade Lead Teacher at the Sarah D. Ottiwell Campus.
What made you decide to join the Crew at Alma?
I was really impressed by Alma’s commitment to supporting scholars from a young age by offering a challenging and constructive environment. The implementation of an “expedition” approach to science and social studies is really exciting! I haven’t heard of other schools using this approach, so I’m looking forward to this aspect of Alma.
What do you hope to contribute to Alma?
I enjoy conceptualizing and thinking creatively, but find the most satisfaction when successfully implementing new ideas.
What teacher made a difference in your life, and how?
Teaching math this summer led me to reflect a lot on my 8th grade math teacher. In 7th grade, I was struggling to understand positive and negative numbers. It was the first time I got C’s in a class, and I was starting to shut down and doubt my ability to master math content. My 8th grade math teacher made a concerted effort to provide one-on-one support to help be conceptualize positive and negative numbers in a way that worked for me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but she empowered my math confidence. It was a turning point where I could have pushed math away and shut down, but my teacher made it an opportunity to re-engage with the subject.
Where did you go to college? What did you like about your college?
I went to the University of Florida. There is a really strong campus culture which spreads to Florida fans around the world. I was drawn to the university because it offers strong academic and research opportunities in all fields. However, the school has a negative tendency to push disparaging information under the rug.
What is your favorite food?
Blueberries
What is your favorite book?
Becoming by Michelle Obama (it’s the first book I’ve been able to power through in years)