Getting to Know: Lani Pillarella, P/T Math Interventionist at Forestdale
Lani Pillarella is the new Part-Time Math Interventionist at Forestdale, working with Sarah Murray and Kelly Hart to support students mathematics. Ms. Pillarella just received her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State University, and did some practicum and observation work Forestdale. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Ms. Pillarella answered a few questions to help the entire community to get to know her.
What excites you about teaching in Sandwich?
As a career changer, I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with children after being in the hospitality industry for twelve years. What excites me the most about teaching in Sandwich is that the opportunities are limitless. There is tremendous potential to teach as well as reach children within this community while fostering new relationships within the school system by engaging new co-workers, friends and mentors.
What is your favorite teaching memory from the past few years?
While student teaching I was fortunate enough to work with my first grade class while we raised and learned about four diamondback terrapin turtles. This was a great experience for myself as well as for the students who played a major role in helping these turtles survive and later taking part in their release to the wild. The students and I cared for these turtles for several months while using them for the base of our daily lessons. The culmination of this project was a student lead presentation for the teachers and town officials. The children enjoyed hosting the presentation and showing their turtles. Mostly they were so proud of themselves and their classmates for the great job they had done.
What is your favorite memory as a student?
The kindness and understanding of my 6th grade English teacher is one of my favorite memories. After all these years she guides my beliefs of what a great teacher should be. She planted the seed that made me think about becoming a teacher. She was kind, fair, and had a way of making children believe in themselves and others. She was an inspiration.
What might we be surprised to know about you?
I am from Lafayette, Louisiana. I am a southerner at heart but have grown to love Cape Cod and living here with my supportive husband, son and daughter.
Welcome to Ms. Pillarella!