Zoe
Filippidi
Position: English Teacher
School Level: Elementary School
Microsoft Innovative Education Expert
Microsoft Certified Educator
Employed Since: 2014
My name is Zoe Filippidi, and I was born in New Jersey, USA, to Greek immigrant parents from Aperi, Karpathos. My native language is Greek.
I received my primary and secondary education (elementary, middle, and high school) in English in New Jersey while also attending Greek language classes in church schools, where I was raised with Hellenic-Christian ideals. Frequent summer visits to Greece fostered my love for its natural beauty and vibrant life, leading me to decide to relocate permanently.
My love for children, from a very young age, led me to pursue a career in education during my university years. My first experience working with children was as a volunteer assistant at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Clifton, New Jersey, both at the Sunday School and Greek School.
My goal was always to provide love, understanding, persistence, and patience.
My educational philosophy is that every teacher has the daily opportunity to change children's lives and future by helping them achieve their personal goals successfully.
If a teacher manages to inspire students to seek knowledge, that inspiration will last not only while they are in the classroom but throughout their lives.
I began my studies in 2004 as a teacher of elementary and middle school education (Bachelor of Arts in English Writing & Elementary and Middle School Education) at William Paterson University, graduating in 2009. The following year, I completed a Master's degree in Special Education (Masters Teacher of Students with Disabilities) at William Paterson University.
While studying, I worked as an assistant teacher at Kiddie Academy of Totowa, working with children aged 2 months to 6 years. For my bachelor's and master's degrees, I completed supervised teaching at William B. Cruise Memorial School, Memorial Middle School (2008), and New Roberto Clemente.
After completing my studies, I worked as a teacher in parallel support at George Washington Middle School from 2012-2014.
Since 2014, I have been teaching English at "RODION PAIDEIA" (Kindergarten and Primary School) and at "RODION MATHISIS" since 2015. During my 10-year teaching career, I have passionately, enthusiastically, and diligently shared my innovative pedagogical ideas and knowledge with my students.
In my teaching practice, I apply all educational methods and general and specialized pedagogical knowledge acquired during my university and postgraduate education. As a native speaker, I teach spoken English fluently and utilize every technological tool to make the lessons more enjoyable and interactive for the students.
My interest in modern educational developments is ongoing, and I participate in seminars and workshops on topics such as learning difficulties, the use of new technologies in the classroom, the evolution of examination systems at Cambridge University and Michigan State University, and various pedagogical training sessions.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling to explore different cultures, listening to music, and taking photographs. I adore my three younger siblings and always enjoy walks with my dog, Rocky.
