Susan O’Malley Stephan, GED ’97

“As an AP Spanish teacher, I have always been comfortable using technology and our school’s learning management system to enhance my classroom instruction. The abrupt switch to comprehensive online education as a result of the COVID-19 crisis was challenging, but there were moments of learning and professional growth that will positively impact my teaching for years to come,” says Susan O’Malley Stephan, GED ’97, Penn GSE TESOL program graduate, Penn GSE Benchmark Society member, and World Language Department chair at Oxford Academy in Cypress, CA. “A fellow classmate from Penn GSE really helped me to succeed. Although it was over 23 years ago that we had studied together, we have maintained our friendship and continue to collaborate as educators. Together we were able to meet the demands of teaching online, navigate the changes to the AP test, and have success in our approach. Our experiences at Penn GSE continue to shape our practice as educators. My school district has been phenomenal at addressing the current crisis. Professional development is being provided for teaching online, and regular communication on the changes being implemented has lowered anxiety and stress. The district has also supported teachers and staff by providing virtual mindfulness sessions and online exercise classes. The district also created a virtual academy for students who want to continue to study online even after conditions make it possible to return to the classroom. The support to the students and the staff has made it possible for all stakeholders to continue to grow and learn. By enrolling in my own virtual class at our local community college, I gained a better perspective on how it feels to be a student in an online class. Continuing to learn and study enables me to grow as a teacher and be more responsive to the needs of my own students. My time at Penn GSE was a life-changing experience that has shaped me into the educator I am today.”