Beth Senchantixay, Chugiak Elementary

DEED Spotlight on Beth Senchantixay, Chugiak Elementary

Beth Senchantixay is a third grade teacher at Chugiak Elementary in the Anchorage School District. Mrs. Senchantixay teaches the English part of the day in a Spanish Immersion Program. The students spend half the day in an English setting, and the other half day immersed in Spanish. This year the set-up has been a little different because ASD is currently engaged in virtual education to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.  So, Mrs. Senchantixay runs a 30-minute live lesson (for both math and reading), then students are given 30 minutes to practice the skill learned that day. There is an additional 30 minutes blocked for writing, spelling/word work.  Mrs. Senchantixay states, “I have to be mindful that students receive assignments from two teachers a day, so work must be completed in the 30-minute time frame.”

Technology has been an adventurous challenge this year, which Mrs. Senchantixay has overcome by learning new ways to teach in this environment. The technology learning curve is present in families as well. Some students and families are navigating easily, but thereare still a few who are learning how to manage and access material and activities. Mrs. Sanchantixay takes all of this into consideration while planning and providing support for students and families.

Even with the challenges, Mrs. Senchantixay, feels there are benefits to teaching in this environment. One is having the ability to provide great feedback in a variety of formats, including typed and video messages. Plus, the smaller than normal class size attributes to more time for one on one support and feedback for students. Offices hours also provide access for kids who need more guidance.

Mrs. Senchantixay feels offering variety in demonstrating learning is valuable. “Video submissions is one of the best parts of teaching in this environment. Watching students explain and share thinking, and learning is enlightening.”

Students in Mrs. Senchantixay’s math class used videos to demonstrate (play the "teacher") how to solve a multiplication problem using one of the strategies taught in class. “These video submissions taught more about what students can and cannot do, than a written test ever could. Plus, it offered great speaking practice.” Mrs. Senchantixay remarked.

Mrs. Senchantixay has witnessed increasing levels of confidence and engagement as she utilizes Google slides to create games, interactive slides, and slide show presentations for students. In addition, students are given video feedback and Zoom sessions to build relationships and connection. The class even had a publishing party on Zoom. The kids were allowed to wear a Halloween mask or favorite hat and read aloud original stories the student’s authored.

When asked what has been learned in this process Mrs. Senchantixay stated, “Hands down, the number one thing learned is that less is more. There is little time to teach, so every lesson must be focused and allow time for kids to practice and engage, as well as incorporate opportunities for feedback and relearning.”

Mrs. Senchantixay believes delivering bulk information is not the way kids learn, and even in this modality learning has to be modeled, experienced and practiced. So, Mrs. Senchantixay suggests reading to students, breaking out into small groups, and allow kids time to talk, solve problems, and practice skills together.  “Honestly, some days I'm really good at this, and somedays I think, ‘Why did I talk so much?’ As educators, we have to constantly strive to do better here.” Mrs. Senchantixay expressed.

Mrs. Senchantixay advises teachers not to compare. “Do not compare yourself to other teachers, as everyone has unique gifts.” Beth also suggests teachers not compare family situations or technology skills, and instead embrace that parents need teachers who are reflective, flexible, and empathetic now more than ever.

Thank you, Mrs. Beth Senchantixay for being flexible and striving to embrace learning, engage students, and show empathy to families in the learning community every day.