Ms. Sara Pearlman
English/Language Arts
spearlman@etusd.org
310-533-4790 x8926
Education:
University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California
BA, English, emphasis in Literature
Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California
Professional Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential, English
MA, Secondary Education
University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
MLITT, Irish and Scottish Studies
Experience:
Richardson Middle School 2000-present
An Abridged and Over-Simplified Philosophy:
(The following is an excerpt from an article I wrote for Together Torrance.)
My primary role is to teach the content standards, and students’ grades should reflect their mastery
of said standards. It is unrealistic to assume that every child can demonstrate mastery the first time
out, so I encourage students to redo assignments until they receive the grade they desire. Not only
does this promote fairness, it forces students to take blatant ownership of their grade. With
traditional policies, students can assign blame when they do poorly on an assignment; in my class, if
they choose not to revise their work, the blame lies solely with them.
I also allow all my students to submit work late, without penalty, a common accommodation for
students with special needs. In fact, most of the accommodations recommended for those with
special needs—and the modifications recommended for those identified as GATE—are regularly and
readily offered to all my students: what is effective for one child is probably effective for another.
Furthermore, offering these accommodations to all children lessens any stigma that might otherwise
be perceived.
Naturally, this is not enough. As all children are unique, so too must be the ways in which I educate
them: what works for one may not work for another, and I am always willing, if not able, to do
whatever it takes to ensure that each of my students experiences success, despite ability, despite
desire.
