Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. — Nelson Mandela

Hey there! Welcome to One Smart Cookie ESL! Since this page is just getting up and running, I thought that I’d start off with a little Q & A to introduce myself a bit!

*What is One Smart Cookie ESL?

This space was created to be a place for me to share information about virtual teaching and help guide others through the hiring process. While I was a classroom teacher, I thought about virtual teaching but was so intimidated by the hiring process that I never followed through. I so wish that I had jumped in sooner! Now that I’m a year into this journey, I feel like I know enough to begin giving others the tools to get hired quickly and to feel confident with establishing a solid schedule and student base.

*Who is One Smart Cookie ESL?

Kara DeLuca is an ex- brick & mortar teacher, turned work-from-home mom who teaches virtual ESL classes in the early mornings, then goes on adventures with her little guy, coaches others through the hiring process during nap time and finishes off the day celebrating the freedom this virtual teaching job provides.

A little background: I knew in second grade that I never wanted to outgrow school, and the best way to do that was to become a teacher. My love for flair pens may have played a part in that decision too! 😉 I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a dual-Master’s degree in Literacy (1-6) and Special Education. During my 14 years as a traditional classroom teacher, I worked in a private school for students with language-based learning disabilities, as a special educator in a public school, followed by a 5th and 4th grade classroom teacher in public schools. My all-time favorite position (one that made it near impossible to walk away from) was teaching kindergarten in a Catholic school. There is just something about seeing everything through the eyes of a child who is experiences formal education for the first time- the excitement, wonder, and curiosity are just infectious!

*What will this space look like?

My plan for this blog is for it to be spot to share my personal virtual teaching journey, provide tips and encouragement for those beginning the hiring process, and to share the adventures and toddler activities that this work-from-home job gives me the opportunity to create!

Let’s Go!