Vanessa Sabbagh

 

  ¡Hola!

            Imagine a passionate Energizer® bunny who, instead of playing drums, does the tango, salsa and merengue. That would be me!  Once I started teaching, I found this energy to be one of my strongest assets.  Given the fact that my Latin blood leaves little room for anything mellow or subdued, I am guilty of unleashing my enthusiasm upon my students and it tends to be contagious! I am not shy about my passions, and I love seeing my students get as excited as I am about what I am teaching.

             I grew up speaking Spanish and English in Puerto Rico. There, my high school French teacher told us that by learning French, we get to be ourselves in a whole other language. It did not fully sink in at the time because I was already “myself” in two languages. Then I moved to Paris, France. What a joy it was to realize I did not have to spend my time there as a mime, struggling to make myself understood.  I could still be me - in French! 

            All of my students have that ability as well. I want you to be yourself in Spanish. You may not be able to physically travel to somewhere like Puerto Rico during the school year, but I can bring Puerto Rico to you!  I make my lessons come to life as much as possible.  The more you apply those moments to your everyday life, the more excited you will be about learning! 

            I have taught Spanish and French at both Orange and Northwood High Schools.  Then my husband and I decided to start a family- the best decision ever! We have two amazing children and I was lucky to be able to spend time away from school to be with them. This is my first full year back to teaching and I’m ecstatic that it is at Woods Charter School!  In the short time I have had to get to know the faculty, staff and a few students, I already know I’m going to love it here!

 

¡Hasta pronto!

 

P.S.

Sabbagh is like ABBA with an “s.”