Read the full story by Steve Smith, published by Dartmouth Alumni News
In recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week, the Dartmouth Alumni office features several alumni teachers.
The week of May 3 through 9 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. (Photo by Shutterstock)
Sociology major Marissa Lopez ’09 has taught second grade at Harlem Village Academies in New York City for the past three years. Though she discovered her passion for pedagogy as an intern at a Super Kids camp in Baltimore, it was her experience at Dartmouth that helped shape her decision to dedicate her life to young kids.
“I was the first person in my family to graduate from college,” says Lopez, who is originally from Long Beach, Calif. “At Dartmouth, my life had endless possibilities. But it all went back to the education I had as a kid that helped me get to Dartmouth. It’s my goal to provide my students with that same chance.”
Lopez enjoys project-based learning, and she recently guided students as they used found and recycled objects to create a 3-D replica of all five New York City boroughs. “I want to create an inquisitive, curious, and supportive community where kids feel free to take chances and feel inspired. I want to help them realize they are capable of so many things.”
