Love of Literacy: A Student Support Spotlight

Wonderful things are happening on the Philly Waldorf Campus this school year! We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our Reading Support Program to include grades 2-6. An integral member of Waldorf’s Student Support Services Team is Mrs. Theresa Stevens, our reading support teacher from Learn It Academic Services who works in close partnership with our classroom teachers to administer effective small group instruction that supports their work in the classroom. 

Mrs. Stevens is a Pennsylvania certified level II teacher with over 15 years of teaching experience, having taught in a variety of school settings and age groups, including the School District of Philadelphia. She has a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Holy Family University and completed her undergraduate work at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She continues to keep her skills up-to-date, with the latest science-based reading programs, including Wilson Reading programs. She has 3 grown children and a grandchild, and resides with her husband in Rockledge, PA.

The Waldorf School of Philadelphia’s Director of Student Support Services, Heather Mosenson, sat down with Mrs. Stevens to learn more about her approach to reading and to glean some tips and tricks for engaging our young readers.

You have dedicated your life to educating children. Looking back, what would you say you have enjoyed the most about your career?

I am a lifelong learner; I love to learn and I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for learning with all of the students that I come in contact with. I hope that it is contagious!

What do you find most rewarding about working with Waldorf students?

I am a big fan of the students at Waldorf, they seem to possess more curiosity than most, learning is everywhere, and they love their school!

What tips would you offer parents of reluctant readers?

I always tell the students if you don't like to read, you haven't found the right book yet.  Read to your children every night and make sure they see you reading!

In what ways does small group instruction support readers? 

Wow, that's a great question, teaching in small groups allows everyone to be heard, known and noticed. I am constantly taking notes when we read and adjusting to the interests and needs of each student, as best I can. Everyone learns differently and small groups allow us to differentiate for each student.

You've raised children of your own and are now the proud grandmother to a beautiful baby boy, Colin. In what ways has being a teacher shaped your approach to literacy at home?

I love books and I have always told my children that there is a book that answers any question that you have. When my children were small, I had words taped everywhere labeling cabinets and tables throughout the house. We also walked to the library every week and I did my best to read every night sometimes one on one, sometimes all three at a time.  Now with my Grandchild Colin, just turning 1, my daughter hasn't let me label her house (yet) but I find books for him for his interests, already including, plastic books since everything goes into his mouth and when he had a fever, I bought him Get Well Soon, Spot. I heard it was a hit.

What is your most beloved children's book? 

Oh my, that is a toughie! My first memory of loving a book is Dr. Seuss, my friend had a membership and got books of the month, I thought they must be rich! For my children, anything by Tomie dePaola but especially The Art Lesson. We also loved Maurice Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are. Later, The Little Prince!

What three words would your family use to describe you?

They chose, dedicated, fun and caring.

Is there anything you would like the Waldorf community to know about you?

Besides everything that I have already told you, I love nature, art, travel and especially spending time with my family and pets. 

Are there any resources (websites, books, etc.) that you would recommend to parents who want to learn more about raising strong readers?

Reading Rockets is the first to come to mind! https://www.readingrockets.org/ 

Learn It Academic Services has a parent resource site https://sites.google.com/view/learn-it-philadelphia/home

We Are Teachers   https://www.weareteachers.com/best-reading-websites/ 

Always go to your local library!  The best way to learn to read is to read, read, read!

We are so grateful for Mrs. Stevens’ partnership, expertise, and hard work as we look toward a productive year ahead!

For more information about Student Support Services at The Waldorf School of Philadelphia, reach out to Heather Mosenson, Director of Student Support Services at learningsupport@phillywaldorf.com