Mrs. Gadbois - Literacy Specialist Grades 3-6

The 2010/2011 school year was my first year as the Literacy/Reading Specialist here at Spofford Pond - but I have been at Spofford Pond School for a very long time.  I say that because in addition to having a history as a classroom teacher at Spofford for 12 years, I am also an alumnus of the Spofford Pond School - having grown up right here in Boxford.  My father also attended Spofford Pond School and my paternal grandmother ran the kitchen at the school for many years.  My paternal grandmother also grew up here - attending school in North Andover before we had a formal town school in the West Boxford area.  My family has deep generational roots here in Boxford - and I draw a great deal of pride in being able to be an educator here in the community that I love so much. 

I have taught as a classroom teacher at every grade level here at Spofford Pond.  I began as a long-term substitute in 1998 in grades 5 and 6 - and then acquired a permanent position as a classroom teacher for 5 years at the fourth-grade level and 2 years at the third-grade level.  My most recent classroom experience was 3 years at the sixth-grade level.  I had two intermissions in service to have my two beautiful little boys who are now ages 5 and 3. 

The first responsibility I have as reading specialist here at Spofford is to support students who, based on assessment data, grading, and teacher observation, demonstrate that they are at risk in the area of reading.   As much as possible, this support takes place in the regular classroom in a small group setting, or sometimes with 1-1 instruction during the ELA (English Language Arts block).  My support does not replace classroom instruction, but simply supplements instruction to meet the specific needs of individual students until they are demonstrating independent use of strategies and skills to meet their grade level expectations.  In addition to direct support of students, I am responsible for being available to teachers and parents or guardians as a resource in the area of reading. 

As an educator - I could not feel more fulfilled in this position - being able to offer myself as a resource to colleagues and students alike... spending my days providing intervention to struggling readers and sharing my love and passion for the reading process.  Helping children to read has always been a calling for me and I am thrilled to have been able to take on this role.  I am looking forward to another great year!