Julie Alexander

Teacher Profile:
I was born and raised outside of Rochester, New York and came out to the New England seacoast for college in 1996.  In 2000, after a short time out west in Boulder, Colorado, I came back east to Vermont until I received a call from Berwick Academy in 2002 to fill a sabbatical replacement position. I started my teaching career here.  From here, I went to teach at two ISL schools in Massachusetts and at Boston University.  I have been fortunate to teach Spanish at the Pre-K level all the way through grade 12.  I also taught English literacy to refugees and immigrants for a short time in Chelsea, MA and also ESL in Lawrence, MA before returning back to Berwick Academy in 2011.  Spanish and teaching are two passions of mine.  My husband Ben and I live in Durham NH with our two sons, Rowen and Maxson, and our dog Daisy.  We have been so fortunate to be a part of the Berwick community.

Why do you love teaching Spanish?

Spanish-speaking countries are rich in cultures that are so different from ours.  Having lived in or traveled extensively throughout several of those countries myself, I love to try to bring those cultures to life in my classroom for my students.
How do you define great teaching? 

Great teaching is a 50/50 mix of connecting personally with students and also connecting students with the material being taught.  My goal is getting students comfortable in the classroom to take risks and making them excited about learning.  

 

What is your classroom philosophy? 

I strongly believe in using as many different sensory tools, especially visual tools, as possible in my classroom to teach the material.  Whether we are learning vocabulary or grammar or culture, using images, drawing, music, video, and movement among other sensory tools are key for making connections with the material.  

What is your favorite thing about the Lower School?

I love the kids' excitement and enthusiasm around learning and exploring new things.