This week we turn our focus to a newer faculty member, Isabella Almodovar. The English as a New Language (ENL) teacher just joined the district at the start of the 2023-24 school year.
Almodovar is certified in both English Education (7-12) and TESOL Education (7-12). She started her career in Troy, New York as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at the middle school level. Then she became an ENL teacher at Nyack High School. She said she is happy as a Goshen native to return to her old stomping grounds for her third year as a teacher.
“I have lived in Goshen my whole life and went through all the schools,” said Almodovar. “I graduated from the high school in 2017, so it feels amazing to be back home.
“I learned so many valuable lessons from many teachers at the high school and it feels so surreal to be back and have the ability to see the schools through a different lens” she said. “I am already loving my journey here and I hope to have an impact on students’ lives the way that so many teachers impacted mine.”
The ENL teacher said she wants to inspire her students to admire and love education, especially since she works hard to reflect and think about new ways to engage students and encourage them to love learning.
“I want all my students to be successful and have access to amazing opportunities for their future,” said Almodovar. “I would also love to do as much as I can within the school and Goshen community. My goal is to be involved in many different activities to build relationships with students as well as my colleagues.”
Almodovar said she looks forward to watching her students grow throughout the year.
“There is nothing better than being able to show a student how much progress they made and to see how proud this makes them,” the ENL teacher said. “It is so rewarding seeing students graduate, and seeing the smiles on their faces when they are successful.”
Outside of work, Almodovar loves to read and is a self-proclaimed bookworm. She also enjoys hiking and being outside as often as she can.
BONUS FACT: The Goshen native loves cooking and said her favorite food is “pastelillos,” because her family made them during the holidays when she was growing up.
“They have a special place in my heart, and they are also very delicious!”
Thank you so much for all you do, Isabella Almodovar! We appreciate you!