Emmanuelle Roussel, B.A.

Teacher-Advisor: Middle School English Language Arts, Clubs Coordinator

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. At first, I completed a business degree in Management, mostly to appease my family. However, I went back to school shortly thereafter to get my teaching certification, as I knew that was where my true passion lay. Since then, I have never left the classroom.

I began by teaching fifth-grade Language Arts and Social Studies in the Houston public school system. I then taught middle school English, English as a Second Language, and served as an advisor at an International Baccalaureate school for fourteen years. My experience in an international school with nearly 60 nationalities and cultures has significantly reshaped my vision of education. It became clear to me that teaching also meant listening to others and sharing our knowledge in a harmonious balance. We reach our objectives as teachers when others feel good about learning. In an ideal world, teaching would be about sharing our passion with others.

Nevertheless, seeing students become more and more disengaged with learning year after year triggered in me the determination to find alternative solutions to traditional methodologies. As one gains experience and confidence, it becomes possible to explore varied techniques and strive to reach students more individually, in the hopes of making a greater impact. This has been my quest in education ever since.

I began attending many inspiring conferences to find new ways to motivate students. However, within the confines of a traditional school day, I found limitations to fully implementing those promising ideas. Therefore, I feel very fortunate to have become part of the community at Compass. I want to be a guide and collaborate with my students and peers to continue my quest and discover the power of language and education in all its forms.