Biography
Alexandra Savvas
Bio
Hi! My name is Alexandra Savvas and I'm a Kindergarten teacher in Columbia Grammar and Prep, a private school in Manhattan, New York City. I co-teach with Naomi Randolph and have taught kindergarten at this PreK-12school for five years. In the lower school there are four classes in each grade adding up to almost 600 students. Our school focuses strongly on fostering a sense of community among students, their families, and the staff. We are lucky to have freedom in executing the K curriculum in a way that meets our students, and our own, needs. Along with Naomi and our assistant, Marisa, I am very excited to share the year with you!
I was born and raised in Athens, Greece in a trilingual family (Greek, English & French). I went to the University of Connecticut for a degree in early childhood education and then to Boston University for a Masters in TESOL. Living in New York City has made it possible for me to attend workshops, seminars and classes to further explore the ever changing world of education and my personal interests. I also try to travel as much as possible as I consider it an important part of expanding my education.
Prior to Columbia Grammar, I taught English as a foreign language for grades PreK-2 for four years in Greece. I also taught at programs promoting literacy for children and adults while fostering and supporting high school students' success. I have thoroughly enjoyed all my teaching experiences thus far and have learned something different from all of them. Each time I have tried to provide my students with an environment where they feel challenged, appreciated and nurtured.
My main goal as a teacher is to set the stage for my students to love learning. I want them to realize that there is always room to grow and that the possibilities are endless. I put great effort into making learning fun and exciting. I also try to instill a love for reading as I believe that this will help them be life long learners. I aim to create a community of learners in which we all motivate and support each other in taking risks. We are a team, and as such, we celebrate our personal and group achievements. I try to provide a comfortable platform for my students to explore and build their self-confidence. I want them to be as proud of who they are, their ideas, and their accomplishments as I am.
Teaching is not what I do, but who I am. I feel fortunate that I knew what my calling was from a very young age and was able to fully pursue it. Unlike many people around me - even at the end of the most exhausting day - I know that I will get up in the morning eager for the challenges, rewards, growth and especially the fun of the day ahead!
