ST. BARTHOLOMEW
CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Where the rich tradition of Catholic Education lives on in 21st century classrooms
Teachers of Special and
Resource & Inclusion Classes
Art
Mrs. Bradley, Art Teacher
Hometown: Germantown, MD
Education: The George Washington University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Matej Bel University (Slovakia) - MA in Education, Corcoran School of the Arts & Design, Notre Dame of Maryland University - Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Teaching, Maryland Educator Certificate- ART PreK - 12
What makes you passionate about teaching? I very much enjoy working with children and developing an interesting art curriculum to help them learn and excel as young artists.I want all of my students to succeed and especially to experience the joy of creating, presenting, and appreciating arts.
What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom? I help them develop their appreciation for art, and their self-expression, confidence, and creativity. I want my students to learn many forms of art, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art. Also, I want my students to understand that they can inspire others, as many artists do.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? They would find students talking, creating, experiencing, and appreciating visual arts.
Fun Facts: I enjoy drawing, painting, photography, image editing, playing piano, and skiing. My painting is in British Council USA Collection at the British Embassy in Washington DC.
Music
Mr. Villar, Music Teacher
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Education: University of Maryland - Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance
What makes you passionate about teaching?
I enjoy helping a student reach that "A-ha!" moment when I see them finally understand a musical concept or able to sing or play a song they were struggling with up until that moment.
What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom?
Making connections between what I am teaching and the specific hobbies and interests of my students helps capture their attention and keep them motivated to learn.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening?
Most of the time, you'll find me singing while playing the piano, leading the students in practicing songs for upcoming school Masses and other fun songs. At other times, students may be creating their own music using classroom instruments or music composing apps on their Chromebooks.
Fun Facts: I am an alumnus of St. Bart's ('91), I have been singing and playing for Sunday Masses at St. Bartholomew's for more than 20 years. I like solving word puzzles. My wife and I have two children. I love taking vacations to the beach, and wish I could do it more often.
Library
Mrs. Davison, Librarian, Asst. Principal
Hometown: Larchmont, NY
Education: Marymount University, Virginia - BA in Education
What makes you passionate about teaching?
I enjoy helping children to grow spiritually, emotionally, and develop a fondness for reading.
What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom?
I believe in patience, compassion and fairness.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening?
They would find students engaged in finding that just right book.
Fun Facts:
I enjoy running.
Physical Education
Mr. Billings, P.E. Teacher
Hometown: Harford County, MD
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology, American College of Sports Medicine - Certified Personal Trainer
What makes you passionate about teaching?
I love working with kids and inspiring them to exercise and find new activities that they enjoy.
What is your approach to ensure success in
the classroom? Success to me is having a fun and safe environment where the students can try new forms of activity in. To do this I have a structured class with safety expectations. Throughout class, students are able to work as a team, partners, and individually through multiple forms of exercise and games.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? Starting with a prayer, we move to partner warm up games, stretching, and a wide range of team sports/activities to practice skills necessary for team sports.
Fun Facts:
Traveling is a huge passion of mine, I have been to all 50 states! I enjoy hiking and weight lifting. I used to be on a competitive jump rope team where I attended the junior olympics and the World Jump Rope Championship multiple times!
Spanish
Mrs. Lazarte, Spanish Teacher
Hometown: San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
Education: National University Tucumán, Argentina - Bachelor of Mathematics
What makes you passionate about teaching?
I am passionate about seeing my students strive and learn the Spanish language. I am constantly developing creative lessons and meaningful activities that push students to their potential.
What is your approach to ensure success in
the classroom? .In my years of teaching I have learned that success comes from clear communication with students, enthusiasm, and inclusion. Reviewing the lesson plan daily with each class helps manage classroom expectations. I approach my lessons creatively and the students can see my enthusiasm. I have a student-centered approach and ensure that every student is learning at their own pace.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? If someone were to walk into my classroom, it is very possible they would see my students engaged in interactive learning activities such as: dramatization, reading aloud, singing, and skit presentations - all in Spanish.
Fun Facts:
Activities I love include dancing, traveling and relaxing on the beach.
Math Lab
Mr. Beaman, Math Lab Teacher
Hometown: Niagara Falls, NY
Education: University of Tennessee - BA in Sociology
What makes you passionate about teaching?
I love teaching because every day we make a difference in someone’s life. We inspire, support, mentor and get the chance to discover and share some of the best parts of ourselves as human beings. For more than 20 years, I coached College Basketball and worked with young men and women and their parents, helping and teaching them every aspect of becoming a student athlete. My work in local public schools prepared me for teaching math at St. Bartholomew. I love what it means to have a Catholic Education. It made me the man I am today.
What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom? Everyone learns differently. The way you teach one student is not the way you may teach everyone. However, the common goal is for everyone to learn, hopefully at a pace that comes together in time where you can see all students grow.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? You would notice right away the passion I have for my students. My students feel comfortable. There is organization and a lot of fun.
Fun Facts: I coached basketball at Cornell, UNCG, VCU, VA. Tech and The University of Alabama. I also have experience coaching the Washington Mystics and I also played professionally in Toronto, Canada. During morning recess, you will often see me playing football with the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. I love working out and reading.
Resource and Inclusion
Mrs. Brown, Resource/Inclusion Teacher
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Education: The George Washington University - MA in Education and Human Development, certified in Special Education with MSDE
What makes you passionate about teaching? I love teaching and enjoy engaging with my students positively and with constant encouragement. Research has found that passionate teaching impacts a student's willingness to learn and experience new ideas.
What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom?
A teacher needs to be compassionate, flexible, understanding, and know what is on a child's daily plate with the plans, strategies, and tools in place to help.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening?
Great minds at work, and Bobcats practicing how they learn best!
Mrs. Fogleman, Resource/Inclusion Teacher
Hometown: Williamsport, PA
Education: Ithaca College - BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology, University of Maryland - MA in Speech/Language Pathology
What makes you passionate about teaching?
I truly love working with children. It is exciting to watch them grow and learn throughout the school year and from year to year.
What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom? In the resource room, we take a highly personalized approach to meeting each child's needs. Each child is unique and I meet them where they are academically.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? They would see engaged students experiencing successes and working hard to achieve their goals.
Fun Facts:
I enjoy my time with my family, grandchildren, and dogs.
Mrs. Digges, Reading Specialist
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Education: St Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN - BA, Trinity College - Graduate work
What makes you passionate about teaching?
The delight that lights up a child’s face when they make a discovery is a privilege to witness.
What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom?
Understanding my students as learners helps me ensure engagement and motivate them to find joy in learning, even when it may be challenging.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening?
Fun and wonder! Finding joy in reading and accessing information can be silly, serious, and awesome! My goal is to foster confidence and boost a student’s appreciation for their achievements in order for them to be life-long learners.
Fun Facts:
I love crafting, beekeeping, and nature.
Mrs. Herndon, Resource/Inclusion Teacher
Hometown: Potomac, MD
Education: Boston College - BA in Special education and Sociology/Psychology. I also took many Masters level courses in Science of Special Education.
What makes you passionate about teaching? I love figuring out what every child needs in order to learn and work to their highest potential. I am also very passionate about inclusion in our Catholic schools. Every child should be able to attend their parish school.
What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom?
I believe in getting to know each child and what is motivating for them. It is important to stay positive and make sure that my students feel that positivity. If they feel good, they are more available for learning.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? They would see muti-sensory instruction and hopefully students who are engaged and having fun while learning.
Fun Facts: I love arts and crafts, time with my family, and teaching!