The Intro

Hey! I am Tony. I graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2012 with a B.A. in Political Science. I was the first recipient at East Hartford High School to receive the Outstanding Six Year Student Award in World Language for enrolling in Spanish 4 Honors, French 3 Honors, and Mandarin Chinese 1 by graduation in 2008.

In six years, I studied a foreign language since seventh grade. I also enrolled in a non-introductory Arabic course at Manchester Community College (MCC) during my senior year at E.H.H.S. During my undergraduate years at the University of Connecticut, I focused on a dual major in Linguistics and Psychology. I pursued my academic ambitions towards a degree in Political Science so I can utilize my linguistic enthusiasm and cultural awareness to a government career.

The Spark of Light

During the last summer session at UConn, I volunteered as a Conversation Partner committed to the enrichment and exchange of English to native Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Italian, and Arabic speakers. This was the foreshadowing of my future career. After graduating by late August, I anticipated on joining the Peace Corps or the military. I also looked in teaching English as a second language abroad.

Over a year of assisting a family business, baby-sitting, and blogging on other WordPress blogs, I saw a sign for Kelly Services, Inc. looking for Substitute Teachers. I immediately called the number and scheduled an interview for Monday, November 3rd. That following Wednesday I was scheduled for an orientation. On Thursday, I substituted for Dr. Thomas S. O’Connell School, and shortly graduated from fifth grade into sixth the day after at East Hartford Middle School. The following Monday was Veterans Day. I substituted for my former P.E. teacher on Tuesday.

While I was in East Hartford High School, I bumped into a great friend of mine from the World Language Department. They were very pleased on seeing me as a Substitute Teacher. An ESL (ELL) teacher was recovering from surgery since late September. I filled in for this long term ESL assignment for over a month, and later picked up a full time position starting January 2nd, 2014 as a Bilingual Tutor. The students are very pleased with the latest news.

I learned a lot from substituting, and now may the new year bring creative ideas to engage students with my new ESL program called, “T.A.L.E.N.T.” I will be discussing this in a blog entry very soon.

I wish the best of luck in all your blogging endeavors for 2014!

Disclaimer: The contents of this Web site are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the East Hartford Board of Education  or East Hartford Public Schools District.