Michael: An Artful Educator Inspiring Students Through Passion and Curriculum Innovation
Michael Samblas exemplifies the passionate and dedicated educators who inspire students at Commonwealth and beyond. His enthusiasm for literature is infectious, permeating not only his English 10 and Dive In classes but also extracurricular activities like the Caribbean Reading Group and movie screenings. This Miami native's story reveals a deep love for his subject matter, a commitment to curriculum development, and a passion for sharing his cultural roots with his students.
A Lifelong Love of Literature
For Michael Samblas, his life-long love of literature not only colors his English 10 and Dive In classes, but bubbles over into lunchtime and after-school activities, where he leads similarly enthusiastic students in conversations about Caribbean literature and hosts movie screenings to augment lessons on beloved classics like Frankenstein. Commonwealth students and alumni/ae consistently-and overwhelmingly!-praise our teachers for being undeniably, unabashedly enthusiastic about their subject material, whether that be differential calculus, photography, neuroscience, ancient history, or anything in between.
Michael readily admits that English was easily his favorite subject. This passion fuels his work, giving him the opportunity to share his love for literature with others. He remarks, "I’ve always loved literature, and this job gives me the opportunity to share my passion for it with others."
From Dive In to Full-Time Educator
Michael's journey at Commonwealth began with teaching English for the summer Dive In program. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to experience Commonwealth during the school year as well. "I started at Commonwealth through teaching English for the summer Dive In program, but I’m grateful that I’ve been able to see what Commonwealth looks like during the school year as well."
Currently, Michael teaches English 10, a role he embraced with characteristic enthusiasm, assembling the curriculum in a short amount of time. "I teach English 10. Honestly, I was filling a last-minute opening, so I largely assembled the curriculum in about a week by frantically looking through what has been offered in past iterations of the course."
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Curriculum Innovation and Development
Michael is not content with simply delivering a pre-existing curriculum. He actively tinkers with the lessons, particularly the short-story unit, which has evolved from a heavy focus on Hemingway. "I’ve since played around with the curriculum more, especially the short-story unit, which has gradually shifted away from the heavy focus on Hemingway it had my first year."
His dedication to curriculum development extends beyond his current role. He envisions further refinements to the lessons, especially once he has more free time after completing his Ph.D. "In the future, I hope to tinker with the lessons even more, especially once I have more free time after I finish my Ph.D."
The Caribbean Reading Group: A Passion Project
One of Michael's most exciting initiatives is the Caribbean Reading Group. This project stems from his research focus in grad school and his desire to share his knowledge of Caribbean literature with his students. "Caribbean literature is one of my research focuses in grad school. I’ve always wanted to teach a class on the subject, which can be difficult given the generalized nature of most high school English classes."
The reading group emerged from a workshop he led on Diversity Day, which generated significant student interest. He explains, "On Diversity Day, I led a workshop called 'What it Means to Study the Caribbean,' and there seemed to be a lot of student interest in doing more of this type of work, so I decided to put the reading group together as a way of testing material for an elective that I’m hoping to develop for next year."
Balancing Work, Life, and Dissertation
Michael's daily routine reflects his commitment to both his students and his academic pursuits. After getting ready in the morning, he dedicates time to working on his dissertation before heading to Commonwealth. "After getting ready in the morning, I start working on my dissertation until it’s time to head to Commonwealth."
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His commutes are often spent reading, either for leisure or for his research. "I tend to read on my commutes, sometimes recreationally but more often texts relevant to my work." At Commonwealth, he juggles various responsibilities, including meeting with students, teaching classes, grading assignments, and working on his dissertation during any free moments. "At Commonwealth, my time is split between meeting students, teaching classes, grading assignments, and continuing to work on my dissertation, which I do intermittently whenever I have a few free minutes." He feels he is now in a place where he has a better handle on work-life balance than he has in years. Feeling like I’ve got a better handle on work-life balance than I have in years!
A Deep Appreciation for Caribbean Literature and Culture
Michael's cultural roots are deeply important to him, particularly his connection to Cuban cuisine. The nostalgia of childhood favorites, like pastelitos de guayaba and ham croquettes, holds a special place in his heart. "Given my cultural roots, Cuban food will always hold a special place in my heart. I love trying new cuisines, but nothing can quite compare to the nostalgia of your childhood favorites. Some of my fondest memories involve pastelitos de guayaba (Cuban guava pastries) and ham croquettes for breakfast."
His passion for Caribbean literature is equally profound. He recently re-read Derek Walcott’s Omeros in preparation for his upcoming Caribbean Literature class, a book that has consistently floored him since he first encountered it in college. "I’ve recently re-read Derek Walcott’s Omeros in preparation for my upcoming Caribbean Literature class. As always, it floored me. It’s been a favorite of mine ever since I first read it in college."
Beyond Grades: Fostering a Love of Learning
Michael emphasizes that academic success is not solely defined by grades. He believes in fostering a love of learning and encouraging students to engage with the material on a deeper level. "I’m not a fan of grades, and consequently do not believe that getting an “A” in my class is the only mark of success."
The Importance of Arts Education
While Michael focuses on English and literature, the importance of arts education in general cannot be overstated. Programs like the Visual Arts Program at PS 84 Jose de Diego, where teachers like Ms. Gina Rios and Michael DiRaimondo inspire students, demonstrate the value of integrating art into the curriculum. These programs help children develop their artistic skills, build a foundation of literacy in the visual arts, and connect art to other disciplines.
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The Visual Arts Program at Jose de Diego focuses on art history while researching artists of different time periods and ethnicities. Students also study diverse contemporary artists and occupations within the arts while exploring a variety of media. All children from K-8 receive art classes once or twice a week, in two spacious studios fully equipped with all the art supplies needed. Student work is exhibited and celebrated throughout the school's building and classrooms, and featured in the school's annual art show Artstravaganza. Ms. GinaGina Rios is a native New Yorker, born in Queens and raised in Brooklyn. With an art degree from St. Francis College in Elementary Education and Fine Arts, she has been teaching art since 2000.In 2013 Ms. Mr. DiraimondoMichael DiRaimondo received his Bachelor’s of Fine Art from Molloy College and his Master’s of Art Education from NYU. He feels very lucky and proud to be teaching grades 4-8 at PS 84, where art and creating are a part of the everyday routine.
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