LISA STRAHLEY

Students call me Lisa

Background:

Although I was born in Miami, Florida, I have spent most of my life in this area. I went through the Union-Endicott Schools and then received an Associate’s Degree from BCC. From here, I attended SUNY Buffalo. Once I got there, however, I realized that I wanted to be a teacher. I transferred to SUNY Cortland and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I followed that with a Master’s Degree in Reading and later Reading Recovery Certification, both from SUNY Cortland.
My 12 years of teaching experience in the Johnson City School District has been rich and varied. I began my career as a fifth grade teacher with heterogeneously mixed classes under a full inclusion model. From there, I became a Reading Recovery Specialist for the district, teaching academically at-risk first-grade students how to read. During this time, I worked with the District Literacy Team to provide staff development for primary-level teachers, and I created and facilitated literacy-based workshops for parents. I have created summer enrichment and remediation programs, and I have also served as a district mentor for new teachers.

Philosophy Statement:

I believe that education is the great equalizer in our society. It is the noble task of our schools to provide all students with a safe and nurturing environment that establishes and develops in them the necessary skills to succeed in any setting. Building strong relationships and getting students actively engaged in meaningful curricula that fosters communication skills and critical thinking are a crucial means to this end. Literacy, therefore, is the key to the doors of opportunity and success in school and beyond. Developing confidence and a love of reading at an early age can lead to success in school and a life-long dedication to learning and growth.