About Me

Biographical Profile: Joseph T Moller, M.A. Joseph Moller earned his B.A. from The Catholic University of America in Latin and Greek where he also studied German and French literature and was awarded a prize For Excellence in Latin. After building beach houses in Rhode Island, in partnership with two friends and starting the New Earth Wood and Stone Company, he began graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania where he earned an M.A. in Classical Studies in 1977. The son of a mathematics professor and eldest of nine children, he grew up in Washington, DC benefiting from a rigorous Catholic education, first at his local parish school then from seventh grade on at St. Anselm's Abbey School, the city's premier college preparatory school for boys. There he studied Latin for six years, French for five, and Greek for four, and began a life-long love of language study, literature, and linguistics. Married in 1976, to Regina Paliotta, who holds a doctorate in French literature, the couple have five, now grown, children (and three grandchildren) who have continued their parents' dedication to service as teachers, social workers, and therapists. In 1979 after teaching in New England preparatory schools Joseph moved his family to Meriden, CT where he still resides. Together Joseph and Regina founded Transitus House, a family-based residential therapeutic program for adolescents. That center provided milieu therapy, counselling, intensive academic tutoring, experiences in carpentry, gardening and other manual work, and outdoor programs for thirty teenagers over a period of six years. As his own family grew, Joseph transitioned into a career in IT, and Regina into a teaching career at the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy Lauralton Hall that spanned thirty years. Joseph retired after a successful career in systems analysis and technology management in 2007 as an IT Director. He then returned to his first love: teaching, which he continues to this day as tutor in Latin, Greek and English and remedial reading tutor and writing coach. He is currently pursuing a second masters degree in English literature at CCSU, and he continues to enjoy hiking, backpacking and gardening. Statement of Teaching Philosophy Latin Instruction Everyone is capable of learning Latin, and every student can benefit from the study of Latin. Many and immense benefits accrue to students who learn Latin at least to the point of being able to read, if not speak it, with proficiency (I do believe that spoken Latin has its place). Since the unique benefits of Latin are well known through tradition, anecdote, and research, it is not necessary to discuss them here. It is my belief that the study of Latin is best approached as a cross-curricular subject. Because the Latin language and Roman culture have both had enormous influence on subsequent European and American language, literature, art, and political and social institutions, a full study of Latin requires investigation of all these areas. Learning and Teaching Each student at a given stage of development presents different needs, abilities, and experiences. It is clear then that all students do not learn in the same way and, therefore, teachers must be creative enough to meet each student individually using any of the available methods or styles and adapting them as necessary Although learning is ultimately an individual responsibility and accomplishment, it is best undertaken as an interactive, or in its fullest, as a community activity. Students learn from each other as well as from their teachers. The best model for this remains the question and answer dialogue introduced by Socrates in ancient Athens. There are many tools available to support the study of Latin. Textbooks are only one of them and should not be used in isolation. Visual presentations, dramatic dialogues, even games and crafts, as well as participation in intramural and extramural groups such as the Junior Classical League are all important in the Latin classroom. Assessment Although mastery of the language may be considered the primary standard, a variety of assessments must be used throughout a Latin course so that each student has the opportunity to succeed. In no case should a student be penalized in any way for not mastering material as fast as another. As with any skill, the point is that the skill has been mastered, not how long it took to get there or how many mistakes were made along the way. All assessments should reflect this. It is of the utmost importance that academic expectations be clearly set forth at the beginning of each course, that evaluations be scrupulously objective, frequent, and available to students for timely review. Responsibilities of Teachers The role of teachers is not only to provide knowledge. Teachers must also be facilitators of discussion through productive questioning and encouragement of students= own ideas. While encouraging them to learn from one another, teachers continually learn from their students. The classroom is a community of learners where students cooperate with one another, and willingly share ideas and suggestions Teachers must also ensure that their classroom is a supportive environment conducive to learning and governed by mutual respect. It is essential that behavioral and procedural expectations be set with input from students, clearly and in writing, so that students, parents and teachers can commit to meeting them. These expectations must also acknowledge that all school rules will apply without exception. These expectations set the stage for the expeditious, objective, and respectful handling in accordance with school policies of any disciplinary issues that may arise. It is also the responsibility of teachers to communicate freely and frequently with parents, counselors, and administrators so that all may contribute to building a learning alliance with the student.

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