About Me
Hi! My name is Mary Riordan and I currently teach Spanish 2 here at Paly. I am originally from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where I first learned to love languages. I graduated with a double major of German and Spanish from Mt. St. Mary's College in Maryland and earned my Master's and teaching credential at Stanford University. I have studied abroad in Germany, Spain & Costa Rica and continue to travel abroad to complete professional development.
In addition to teaching Spanish, I have also been a 9th grade Teacher Advisor here at Paly. I found this position highly rewarding and, when teaching full time, look forward to rejoining that team. Although school is an institution of learning, I deeply am committed to supporting the whole student and look forward to getting to know each of you personally.
In addition to teaching Spanish, I have also been a 9th grade Teacher Advisor here at Paly. I found this position highly rewarding and, when teaching full time, look forward to rejoining that team. Although school is an institution of learning, I deeply am committed to supporting the whole student and look forward to getting to know each of you personally.
Where to Find Me
Thoughts on
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I will be teaching 60% this school year, which means that I will only be on campus 3 days/week. I will be teaching periods 2 & 4 in room 401 and period 6 in room 403. My office is located in the library building - there is a poster of a soccer player on the door. For tutorial I can be found in room 403. If you have a question or concern, please email me at [email protected] so that I can respond quickly, whether I am on campus or not.
Technology is an integral part of a multifaceted approach to language education. Students are naturally drawn to technology, and as such, incorporating it dramatically increases their motivation. In addition, certain types of technology enable student to take the initiative on their own learning. By creating & posting instructional videos online instead of lecturing in class, I can provide students with the choice of when and where they learn the new material. For lower level language instruction, targeted, rote practice is an important step in memorizing new vocabulary and grammar concepts. Nowadays many websites and mobile applications offer flashcards, games, and structured activities that can be attempted repeatedly, thus enabling students to work towards mastery. In addition, some offer quizzes whereby students can test their comprehension. These technologies provide immediate feedback; something teachers are rarely able to provide for a class of students. I plan to incorporate technology into this course to offer more student autonomy, increase motivation and provide additional learning and practice activities. Students can also make cross-cultural connections via social media and extend their learning by watching the news or listening to the radio in Spanish.
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Our Community
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I believe that high school can be a great time in students' lives - I had a great time in high school. To really enjoy Paly, you need to become a part of the school community. That means interacting with other students - and staff. PARTICIPATE!! There are lots of opportunities to get involved on campus - from clubs to sports to peer tutoring - and I encourage you to do so. Throughout the year I will post challenges on this site for you to consider. Challenges may be personal goals, like getting 8 hours of sleep each night, or they may be communal - for example, say "Hi" to classmates when you see them outside of class. We can always be better. With these challenges, I encourage us to become better, nicer, more balanced, and more connected as a community.
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