Hello Everyone!!!!

My name is Monica Schmidt and I am in the Childhood Special Education program. This is the beginning of my second year at Bank Street. Let me tell you about my education journey.

I am from São Paulo, Brazil. I graduated in Liberal Arts: Portuguese Language and Brazilian and Portuguese Literatures – Certified Teaching degree. For 5 years, I taught 6th to 12th grades in public and private schools.

In 2001, I married an American jazz musician and in 2002 I moved to New York. Arriving in this country, I realized the importance of continuing my studies and I embraced the opportunity to achieve my goal to become a teacher. Since the educational system in USA is different from Brazil, I went to college again and I graduated in Childhood Bilingual Education.

Last summer, I was working as an assistant teacher in a private school for children with mental retardation. This amazing experience reinforces my desire to work in this area. In addition, I worked as an undergraduate student teaching in a first grade dual language gifted and talented classroom. I have been involved in community projects, which include going to the parks and playing with children, as well as volunteering at school helping kids with their lessons in class.

Besides education, I have a passion for chocolates, cooking, and knitting. Also, I love to travel with my husband on his tours or stay at home watching a good movie eating popcorn.
This is my first class online and like some colleagues in this blog, I am very excited too. I am not currently working right now but I am interested in a 1st to 3rd grade class.

Looking forward to meeting and working with you all!
Monica