Staff Testimonials>>Sarah Fleming

January 2008.

When I got hired to work at ASFM, they took a chance on me. I was fresh out of teacher’s college, idealistic and ready to make a difference. What a place to begin your career! I certainly felt the pressure to impress, but after arriving in Monterrey, I was quickly put at ease.

My arrival was relatively smooth. Obviously, there were some huge transitions to be made, but the school supported my personal and professional adjustment process. From an orientation to the city, unpacking the curriculum and being available for housing requests, the school made themselves readily available (aside from helping us adjust to the early wake up times)!

At ASFM, they offer the fine balance between support and independence. If you work hard and exude confidence in the classroom, they offer trust in return. However, whenever I felt overwhelmed or lost, there was a well-developed infrastructure of support in place. Whether being supported by my direct grade-level team, coaches or administration, there is always a place for me to turn.

As a first year teacher at ASFM, I have never worked harder in my life. I am required to do a significant amount of intentional planning, professional development, and of course, teaching! Amidst this schedule, I have also found the time to help organize a drama club and participate in curriculum development and unit building. However, the climate at ASFM makes you want to put in such an effort. Even though I am a first-year teacher, I feel valued, supported and challenged by the dynamic work environment.

While my journey here at ASFM has only just begun, I can honestly tell you that to spend any amount of years at ASFM is a blessing: both personally and professionally. Just be sure to bring a good alarm clock!

Sarah Fleming