With the start of the 2019 ~ 2020 school year, several new teachers and staff members have joined the Bellarmine faculty. As some readers may already know, these new teachers are already working closely with students and other staff members here at Bell. Below are questionnaire-styled interviews of six of this year’s new teachers: Mr. Esquivel, Ms. Pelotin, Ms. Lance, Ms. Delaney, Mr. Berger, and Ms. Monaco.
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Mr. Esquivel, Valentino
Q: What subject(s) or classes are you teaching this year?
A: “Two sections of English II and three sections of Brit Lit II.”
Q: How was the teaching experience at Bellarmine like so far?
A: “I’m really enjoying the classroom interactions with the students as well as the department collaboration. Both the students and staff have been welcoming and insightful.”
Q: Is there any particular reason you chose to teach at Bellarmine?
A: “As I furthered my teaching career I was looking for a challenge. Growing up in San Jose, the name Bellarmine College Preparatory always came with a certain sense of prestige. I saw that immediately, but what really impressed me was all the positivity from the staff and the sense of community I experienced early on.”
Q: What is something you look forward to doing in the future at Bellarmine?
A: “Outside of the classroom I will also be an assistant wrestling coach. I interact with the academic side of the students on a daily basis, but coaching wrestling will allow me to see how the student’s work ethic translates outside of the classroom. Coaching provides an opportunity to further immerse myself in the Bellarmine [community], and interact with students I normally would not see.”
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Ms. Pelotin, Sophie
Q: What subject(s) or classes are you teaching this year?
A: “I am teaching French 1.”
Q: How was the teaching experience at Bellarmine like so far?
A: “I am lucky to have a class of enthusiastic and curious learners.”
Q: Is there any particular reason you chose to teach at Bellarmine?
A: “I knew Bellarmine would be a close-knit community with a lot of attention given to each student. I am also grateful for the support I get from my colleagues and administration.”
Q: What is something you look forward to doing in the future at Bellarmine?
A: “I would like to get involved in more activities at Bellarmine, once I feel totally settled in. There is so much going on!”
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Ms. Lance, Kathleen
Q: What subject(s) or classes are you teaching this year?
A: “I am teaching English I and English II this year.”
Q: How was the teaching experience at Bellarmine like so far?
A: “Teaching at Bellarmine has been great so far. The other faculty is really welcoming and helpful, and the students are a lot of fun to teach.”
Q: Is there any particular reason you chose to teach at Bellarmine?
A: “I was looking to move back to the mainland after being in Hawaii the last three years so that I could be a little closer to home. I have some family and friends in the area that recommended that I look into Bellarmine, and I am so glad that I did.”
Q: What is something you look forward to doing in the future at Bellarmine?
A: “Looking ahead at Bellarmine, I would love to get involved in some co-curriculars or campus ministry. It looks like Bellarmine has a lot going on, so I am excited to see all the different things that Bellarmine students have the opportunity to join.”
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Ms. Delaney, Bridget
Q: What subject(s) or classes are you teaching this year?
A: “This school year I’m teaching 3 sections of Geometry Honors and 2 sections of Algebra 2.”
Q: How was the teaching experience at Bellarmine like so far?
A: “I have really enjoyed teaching at Bell so far! I was warmly welcomed into the Bell faculty and especially into the math department, and I received so much support with planning lessons and figuring out the lay of the land. As you know, our math lessons are all based on collaborative group work, so it’s been fun to facilitate interactive activities and help students discover those math concepts.”
Q: Is there any particular reason you chose to teach at Bellarmine?
A: “I attended Boston College, a Jesuit college, and then worked in an all-boys school in Boston, so as a student and teacher, I was experienced in and familiar with communities similar to that of Bell. I value the well-roundedness of Jesuit education, leading a meaningful life through your work, and dedication to social justice. I also think it’s really important for you young men to be taught by younger female teachers in subjects like math.”
Q: What is something you look forward to doing in the future at Bellarmine?
A: “Though I am entirely focused on my math classes this school year, I’m hoping to get involved with an art club eventually! I love photography, drawing, and lettering so I would love to foster that creative energy in the arts at some point.”
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Mr. Berger, Peter S.J.
Q: What subject(s) or classes are you teaching this year?
A: “I’m teaching “Creed, Community, and Call” to sophomores and Ethics/Social Justice to Juniors. I’m in the Religious Studies department.”
Q: How was the teaching experience at Bellarmine like so far?
A: “My experience has been good, the students are great and the community has been very supportive and welcoming. It’s also been challenging preparing classes every day and trying to keep up with all the moving parts of school life.”
Q: Is there any particular reason you chose to teach at Bellarmine?
A: “Well, I’m a Jesuit in training, so I didn’t exactly choose Bellarmine, although I’m very happy to be here. My Jesuit superior ‘missioned’ me to Bellarmine. In other words, he sent me here to learn how to do the Jesuit ministry of education.”
Q: What is something you look forward to doing in the future at Bellarmine?
A: “I’m looking forward to helping with the wrestling team, given that it was a big part of my life when I was in school.”
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Ms. Monaco, Casey
Q: What subject(s) or classes are you teaching this year?
A: “Geo Honors & PreCalc.”
Q: How was the teaching experience at Bellarmine like so far?
A: “Teaching at Bell has been a huge change from my experiences in NY; all in good ways! The use of technology in the classroom, as well as collaborative learning strategies, have been exciting new tools for me.”
Q: Is there any particular reason you chose to teach at Bellarmine?
A: “My husband moved to the Bay Area about four years ago; figured it was my time to join him!”
Q: What is something you look forward to doing in the future at Bellarmine?
A: “I am definitely looking forward to Fall seasons starting, as I plan to support many of the athletic teams!”
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Overall, the new faculty at Bellarmine seems to be wonderful. As the Bellarmine community welcomes the new teachers into the school, Bells can hope to bond and see much more of each other in the future.