Ms. Sama’s journey into the field of elementary
education began in the year 2000 when Ms. Sama was offered a teaching position
at St. Helen Catholic Academy. Ms. Sama became the Technology Coordinator
for the school (PreK3- 8). In addition, Ms. Sama developed and taught the
Spanish curriculum for grades 5-8. Ms. Sama continued to hold those
positions until her retirement in June 2020.
Prior to Ms. Sama’s teaching position, she spent
24 years in the business world as an Assistant Manager in a bank and an
Assistant to the Security Officer. However, somehow, she knew that she would
return to the field of education.
Although Ms. Sama no longer teaches full time,
Ms. Sama still works at St. Helen’s 2 days a week assisting the administration
with various projects and daily routines. Ms. Sama continues to maintain the
position of Testing Coordinator for the school and oversees all the New York
State Exams. Ms. Sama also makes certain that all protocols are being carried
out especially for those students with IEPs. In addition to these duties, Ms.
Sama is currently undertaking the task of purchasing and maintaining
technological devices for all students in the entire school.
Ms. Sama’s love for education has always a part
of her adult life. Even before working at the school, she always took a role in
volunteering and spearheading fundraisers which were open to all children in
the community. Ms. Sama ran fundraisers such as Breakfast with Santa,
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Fall Festivals and Carnivals. Ms. Sama
also assisted the Girl Scout Leader when Ms. Sama’s daughters were part of that
organization when they were little.
Ms. Sama’s desire is to make certain that all
students have the opportunity to obtain a good arts education regardless of
financial constraints.