5th Grade Homeroom Teacher

From the onset, Colegio Hacienda Los Alcaparros had a special mission: to teach and educate through an approach that envisions education as an ethical, scientific, and aesthetic practice. The Alcaparros approach also includes respect for differences and for the individual process of learning that is unique to each person. Students are active participants in this ongoing educational project that is based on promoting personal development while encouraging conflict resolution. This innovative method is aimed at forming global citizens. Alcaparros students are aware, knowledgeable, and committed to ecology and large-scale global issues. Aside from what is taught in the classroom students gain knowledge through participation at an international level in conferences and enrich their educational experience through interdisciplinary project-based learning and cultural exchanges. Pedagocial Principles One sole philosophy permeates the educational project; however, the school is made up of four different schools whereby each has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the various age groups. Each of the four schools is jointly coordinated by the Academic and Human Development Departments. The purpose of this co-work is to balance both perspectives to fulfill our mission of educating children within high standards of academic rigor, emotional stability, autonomy, and responsibility. True to our principles of inclusion and respect for individual differences, the Human Development Department focuses its work on the individual. To do this, it is integrated into the curricular programs that encourage assuming clear, appreciative, and responsible positions regarding each student’s self-development and that of others. Likewise, the Department carries out programs aimed at developing social skills, conflict resolution strategies, substance abuse prevention, responsible sexuality, ethical growth, and each individual's life project, amongst others. The Academic Development Department, on the other hand, is in charge of academics and curriculum design. The Department decides what is taught in each subject area, its scope and sequence, and the type of work required by students to reach desired standards and objectives. Since its origin in 1992, Alcaparros has consolidated itself as bilingual with high academic achievements as reflected in national and international standardized test scores. Furthermore, we are pioneers in our internationally recognized theatrical performances and musical and instrumental programs. Because we believe in the importance of learning by doing, we have designed an innovative curriculum in which formal pedagogical practices go hand-in-hand with recent educational research. Our educational program is designed to promote each student’s potential, social responsibility, and appreciation for learning.