Monica Faiella

Monica Faiella

World Languages

How does the APH teaching philosophy look in your classroom?

The Latin classroom is one of the most visible places to chart the evolution from rote learning to
hands-on, holistic, collaborative studies. While students have access to the traditional charts
used in learning Latin grammar in the past, we are also learning the language through reading
engaging stories about life for the Romans, completing projects independently and together,
playing games, and acting out stories, creating an experience that puts the students in touch
with the culture of the ancient Romans. Recently, we have adopted a new textbook series that
reflects the ethnic diversity of the Roman Empire and addresses the issues of class and slavery
in the city of Rome.

What excites you about The Academy at Penguin Hall?

From my first visit to APH, I noticed that the students seemed so happy. They were clearly
comfortable and at home in the building, with their peers and with the adults around them, and
they were free to express themselves openly. As both a teacher and a parent, I’m still struck by
the joy I see in the students here. This school is a warm, supportive community that nurtures all
students in their intellectual and emotional growth as they journey through high school on their
way to adulthood, and I’m so happy to be part of that journey.

Share something interesting about yourself.

Since 2013, my family and I have visited National Parks each summer. We’ve visited parks all
over the country and have learned so much through the Ranger Programs we attended. Last
summer we visited Hot Springs National Park, and other parks we’ve visited include
Yellowstone, Yosemite, Acadia, and the five National Parks in southern Utah. Our next trip will
be to Joshua Tree National Park in June.

Monica Faiella has a B.A. in psychology with minors in philosophy and Latin from Boston
University and an M.A.T. (Master of Arts in Teaching) in Elementary Education from Simmons
College.