Stephanie Don Vito
Where do you work, and what is your position?
I've just been hired by Park Century School in Culver City as a Reading/Math Specialist.
What was the most memorable part of your SOE experience?
The most memorable parts of my experience with SOE are working on the many research projects I did as well as working in the literacy lab under the guidance of Dr. Poindexter and Dr. Colorado.
What professors inspired you the most?
Dr. Poindexter, Dr. Colorado and Dr. Serrano inspired me the most during my graduate work.
What details would you share with a colleague interested in attending the SOE?
The SOE is a place where you feel very welcomed (like being part of a family), are allowed to have your own thoughts and are encouraged to do more work in the areas that interest you the most. The small class sizes are great for learning and having group discussions and the professors are always willing to meet with you and answer any questions.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is watching students learn to read and become interested in reading more.
What features of LMU’s program best prepared you for the challenges you face in your career?
The SOE program prepared me by giving me all the information about the development of reading, reading issues/challenges, how to assess reading challenges and the many strategies there are for helping students work on their reading challenges. The program also gave me the opportunity to use the knowledge I learned in my classes in a literacy lab program with professors to help me work through how to help the students. The hands-on experience helped me put everything I learned together into real life practice.
How has the SOE's focus on social justice affected the way you see your job?
SOE's focus on social justice has helped me to think about how important it is for me to think of my students in a global perspective, to take the time to learn about them and their cultures in order to meet their needs in an appropriate way and to give them the skills and information they need to move forward. It has also
helped me rethink how I structure my time with different students.
Each student needs to have their own session tailored to their needs and cultural customs.