By Shane Cepalia – News Editor

Mrs. Almonte has been teaching for over 30 years. Advocate Staff Reporter Shane Cepalia interviewed Almonte about her career.

Shane Cepalia: How long have you been teaching French?

Mrs. Almonte: This year is my 36th teaching French. For 24 years, I split my time between French and History. I taught French and Russian History, French and Modern social issues, and French and Global Studies. For the past 12 years, I have been teaching only French due to increased enrollment.

SC: Why did you decide to be a teacher?

MA: I wanted to share my love and excitement for History and French with students.

SC: How has COVID-19 affected your classes?

MA: I have become much more proficient using technology! I have had to accept that I cannot do as many hands-on activities as I did before. I had to get creative to try to do digital activities that were engaging and fun. I learned that students learn better and stay on task more, when we complete a worksheet or practice together in class. 

SC: What has your experience at Law been like?

MA: I LOVE Law. I taught at Foran for 22 years in a room with no windows! We have windows here. It is wonderful. I tell everyone – Law is like a family. Kindness abounds and we really look out for one another.

SC: Is French or English your first language?

MA: Being born in France, my parents had a housekeeper who was French watch me, so she would read me stories in French, so I think my first words were in french. I know my brother’s was pickle “cornichon”. But once we moved back to the states when I was three I was brought up to speak English.