NAME :
Ms. Kara Loffelmacher
SCHOOL :
Walsh Middle School
CLASS :
ESOL
SCHOOL PHONE :
512.704.0921
Hello Learners! Welcome to Walsh Middle School :) I'm super excited to
start working with you this year!! I maintain an open door policy in which I
welcome students, parents, and fellow teachers to stop in and talk any time.
My classroom is a comfortable, warm, safe place to hang out, listen and
learn. I'm looking forward to learning about you and your background as we
start the adventure of a new school year. But first, you probably want to
know a little about me. I'll start with 3 fun facts:
1. I love to travel! I have lived in New Zealand, Australia, England and
most recently, South Africa. I'm an adventurer at heart and am passionate
about learning and sharing different cultures. This year, I know I will
learn so much from each of your different backgrounds and experiences.
2. I love animals! I'm passionate about animals ranging from furry little
creatures (koalas), to big, scary creatures (sharks!). One of my idols is
the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Even though he was a bit crazy, he
was infectious, and taught us to learn and appreciate all different types of
wildlife. The picture displayed on the front door of my classroom is of me
holding a koala from a visit to his zoo in Beerwah, Queensland, Australia.
3. I love to read! My favorite genre is historical ficition - I have an
avid interest in WWII history and African history. If you have any books you
think I should check out, let me know - I'm always up for a good read :)
My Education:
1. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a
Bachelors of Science in Media Studies. At Illinois, I played tennis on a
NCAA full-ride scholarship. I love tennis, soccer, golf and Big-10 football!
2. After Illinois, I went back to school at the University of Oregon School
of Law. I graduated with my Doctor of Juris Prudence and maintain a legal
license in the state of Oregon. My emphasis was international law and
policy; specifically, European Union and Asian-Pacific Law. Studying abroad
in law school helped spur my desire to learn and understand different
cultures and societies throughout the world. Each culture is unique and
brings something grand to the table. Having been a student of the world, and
having sat in a classroom as an English learner myself, I appreciate the
complexities inherent in learning both a new language and culture.
My mission is success for all!! I will work hard as an advocate for my
students in each of their classrooms. Our goal is is to read and speak
English fluently, and be able to transfer this knowledge to all of our
classes, whether it be math, science or theatre. While perfecting our
reading, writing and comprehension skills, we will simultaneously be
mastering our ability to think both critically and strategically. And last,
but definitely not least, I hope I instill each of you with a love of
learning. Bring It On.