Hello! My name is Sarah Spiegel. My first teaching job was at an inner-city public school in Chicago teaching fourth grade. I loved connecting with the students and sharing in their lives. Many of those students had serious challenges and it was so gratifying to be a part of their academic successes. I remember tears coming to my eyes the first time a young boy, who started the year unable to add 2+2, learned his times tables.
After getting married, I moved to Toronto and soon began working at a private day school, which was a big change from my previous job. The goal was the same, to instill a love of learning in my students and to help them succeed. I was disheartened when I saw how the education system was failing struggling readers. This led me to become an Orton-Gillingham Certified Educator, to help all children become successful readers. I have seen O.G. work and transform students’ lives by increasing their self-esteem and proving to themselves that they are smart. This year I’ve taken on the new challenge of teaching Grade 1. Crestwood is an incredible school and I’m very excited to be working here.
–Sarah Spiegel, 1A Teacher
