A final e-interview from Carmel Schettino, a faculty member in mathematics at the Emma Willard School (NY), who spent some time at Christel House South Africa in Cape Town to share her expertise and learn more about Christel House. She's pictured above with one of our fifth grade classes.

If you haven't yet, read her first and second updates from her trip.

What did you learn about math education at CHSA and what did you share that you think resonated with students/teachers the most?

I think that math at CHSA is in an interesting and challenging dilemma. They are following a national curriculum set by the country of South Africa, which in and of itself has its own problems, but the school has the desire to improve upon that national curriculum in mathematics as well. If they do that, they will not only have to fulfill the standards of the national curriculum, but give themselves additional standards as well like higher-order problem solving skills and others. It will be an interesting issue to face, while not adding too much extra work to their already busy curriculum.

What made the strongest impact on you?

The strongest impact was definitely seeing the students in class and in assembly. Being a part of the community, even for a short time, was really the memory of a lifetime. On a number of occasions, someone would say to me, "you are now part of the Christel House family" and I think they really meant it.

What would you share with the public about Christel House and our students?

What I said to the senior school during my "farewell" assembly time, was that they may not realize what a gift they give to any visitor who comes to their school. It is an amazing experience to be able to see the strength that this community has and the achievements they can accomplish together. I believe that the visit has changed me as a person.

Why is it important to visit a school first hand?

As an educator, there are many things that may seem like a good idea "in theory", but in practice are difficult to imagine. Christel House seems to have been built on an ideal, but it is amazing to see that the practice comes pretty darn close to the vision. However, seeing the school first hand allows you to gain such an amazing sense of perspective and understanding that I'm not sure one can have without actually being there.

What else would you like to share?

I really do believe that this trip has made a huge impact on me as an educator. I am in awe of what the teachers at CHSA do every day, with their time, energy, emotion -and they do it all with professionalism and collegiality. Very impressive, wonderful people.

Thanks Carmel, for your visit and sharing your expertise. You ARE now a part of the Christel House family.

If you're interested in offering your expertise or visiting one of our Learning Centers, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Labels: faculty, math, South Africa, testimonial, update, visitor

An update to this previous post, Carmel Schettino expands on the developments of her visit to Christel House South Africa...

What have been a couple highlights of your experience thus far?

I would have to say that having individual conversations with some of the faculty members have been true highlights - seeing their work with the children, hearing their personal stories about teaching and being connected to the learners. The commitment they all have to seeing each child as a whole individual and knowing their backgrounds as a learner and a person is so commendable. Also, I have loved being in class with the children. They are so outgoing and friendly. The small moments of them asking me questions about the US, teaching me about their currency and trying to show me how to roll my R's which is second nature for them! I also helped teach an Algebra class and observed a professional development workshop on technology training which many of the teachers attended.

What fascinating things have you learned about Christel House?

The most fascinating things I have learned are the great achievements they make with respect to the academics with these children. Although they come from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds, because of the amazing education they are receiving, these students are achieving at or above the average level of the rest of South African schools. Considering the home environments in which these children must do their homework or be supported when not in school, it's a major accomplishment that they are doing so well. It's a testament to the spirit and passion of the learners and teachers here.

How would you describe the impact you are seeing that Christel House has on the students and their families?

From seeing the students in their own Christel House community, it is clear to me that this place is their family away from home. In assembly, they joyfully join together as a group and it's very clear that the impact of Christel House is a very positive one. The smiles on their faces and the feeling of belonging that exudes from the large group is an amazing one. I was lucky enough to be at an assembly where the school celebrated four talented students who had written winning essays in a national contest about their mothers. Their mothers were present and I could definitely feel the impact of Christel House on these students' families as the pride of those moms was clearly apparent.

Carmel is a visiting faculty member from the Emma Williard School in New York.

Labels: faculty, math, South Africa, update, visitor

Carmel Schettino (pictured with Principal, Ronald Fortune) is a mathematics faculty member at the Emma Willard School in upstate New York and is visiting Christel House South Africa to assist our teachers in math assessment, curriculum and other projects. Below she answers a few quick questions...

What was the impetus for your visit to Christel House South Africa?

Along with creating a working relationship between Emma Willard and Christel House, part of sending me specifically was my experience in working with teachers in schools throughout the US in many professional development areas related to math education. Ronald Fortune's passions about having an excellent math program at Christel House is pushing him to ask critical questions about their curriculum and pedogogical choices. I believe part of my role here as an outsider is simply to give another perspective on what they are doing and give my insights from my knowledge and background in different areas such as progressive pedagogical methods, technological resources, and other philosophical questions. Since my doctoral work centers around gender equity and social justice issues related to mathematics education, I am also learning a great deal about the challenges that Christel House faces with regard to the diverse background of its students.

What is your plan for the time you’re there?

Currently, I am beginning classroom observations and met with all math teachers yesterday to get a general sense of their vision of the math classrooms. It was very informative and I got insights into how much they enjoy teaching math. I will continue observing classes and hopefully interacting more with the children. I have begun one on one conversations with teachers as they informally come and ask me questions. Tomorrow I am going in to do a lesson with a high school teacher to help out with a technology piece that might add something to a topic, and hopefully next week I will do more demonstrations like that. I also hope to do a mock lesson for all teachers as well.

How have the first few days gone?

I have found the teachers here to be totally dedicated and committed to the students. Although this may happen at any school, this is particularly true here at Christel House. They have a way of looking at every child's whole story in order to better understand the best way to teach him or her. So from a mathematics perspective, from a social justice point of view, the faculty seem to be finding the best ways to get their students engaged on a regular basis. The students are very outgoing and excited to learn and extremely polite in every way. I am impressed with every facet of the place.

If you would like to volunteer and share your special talent or expertise with Christel House, please contact us.

Labels: faculty, math, South Africa, update, visitor