Staff Testimonials>>Candace Taylor-Weber

ASFM – A True Sense of Community
Written by Michelle Nessl, Third Grade Teacher
December 11, 2008

Every year around this time, the ASFM school community gathers together for their annual Christmas Posada. In addition to spreading holiday cheer, this event also symbolizes the closeness and team efforts that take place among staff members on both the Missouri and Huasteca campuses all year long.

Last evening at the Posada, I was looking around remembering the many people whom I have relied upon and worked with during my three years here at ASFM. The amount of giving and receiving at this school is astounding. The gifts of time, energy and patience are just a few of the many contributions that are ever present.

The first time I witnessed this phenomenon was the day I arrived to teach in Monterrey. Even though this was my first international school experience, I felt comfortable and secure from the start. What I saw then remains steadfast today. For example, there is a hard working maintenance staff to help with any home or classroom needs. In addition, there is a solid support staff to assist with common living concerns like appointments, utilities, money matters, etc. These workers become your friends; the friendly faces you see around every day; people whom you want to help in return. It’s more than just a feeling of security… it’s a feeling of home.

Once the basic needs are met, it becomes apparent that others’ willingness to help and participate in this school community goes beyond the fundamentals. For example, in the spring of my first year at ASFM, my students performed their own rendition of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. As I prepared for the show, I was not alone. The music teacher worked with the kids on their songs, and volunteered her time to play piano in the performance. The art teacher helped my students paint the backdrops, and the audio-visual team helped run rehearsals with lights and sound. On the day of the big show, the other third grade classes were seated in the audience alongside parents, teachers and administration. It was truly a team effort and celebration!

It’s true we have fun at ASFM with our students and with our friends. However, we also have a fair share of hard work – a time when this sense of community is most useful. In the elementary school, we work in teams of 8 to tackle and optimize teaching and learning. We build content area units, write literacy plans and strategize on ways to improve student achievement. When the going gets tough, we talk it out and problem solve together. Everyone pitches in to do their part and then some. We lean on each other if we need to and we laugh a lot. We are not just colleagues, but good friends.

Now the time has come to build a new elementary school. I know it’s a quick project, but don’t worry, it’ll get done – the foundation of care, support and commitment to this community is already in place.

Michelle Nessl
Grade 3 Teacher
2006-present

Professionally, you will find ASFM to be a very high caliber teaching environment. As educators, we are often looking at ways to improve and increase our own learning as well as our students'. You can find opportunities for professional development on campus through teacher inservice days, or off campus at trainings or seminars. Depending on your interests, you can become involved in a variety of decisions that are made here at ASFM, such as resources used, implementation of grade-wide programs, team/curriculum leadership, or participation on various committees. In addition, the students and their families are great. Parents help out in the classroom, and would love to help you out in any way they can (classroom projects, class parties, decorating, organizing field trips, etc.). Prepare yourself for a social group of kids, but do note that they are genuinely good and express a true interest in learning. The children are curious and always want to know more, which is one of the things I enjoy most about being a teacher. You will even be assigned a host family, who becomes your "adopted" family away from home. These parents are wonderful, and really make you feel welcome!
When I was recruited, I remember hearing somewhere that teachers at ASFM work hard, but play hard. I can't begin to tell you how true it is!! :)