Mrs. Emily Pereira
How did you arrive at Iron Springs?
After trying a career in office administration and hospitality in New York City, I realized that teaching was where my heart was. While working full time, I earned my Masters of Teaching Degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College. I taught Social Studies at Brooklyn Community High School, a challenging but completely rewarding experience. Then, I had my son, Oliver, and life changed forever. City life was no longer an option, and I decided to return to my hometown. My mother had been involved with the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program, so I knew of the program. I applied, got the job, and made the move over the summer of 2013. My first year at Iron Springs was a whirlwind of fun, and my New Yorker husband is settling in to the slower pace of Cedar City!
What are you passionate about personally?
I love spending time with my family. You can rarely find me without them. I enjoy seeing my son have his first experiences, and love being with my best friend, my husband. I am always looking for time to speak with my two sisters, and my parents. We have a great time when we are together! We are all creatively-inclined, so the arts are always present within our family.
Where did you grow up? What is a fond memory you have from childhood that involved the arts?
I was born and raised in Cedar City. I remember getting really excited every summer to go to the Green Show at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. I was always involved in drama. I remember being a child onstage for SUU's production of La Boheme. I was also very involved during high school in their productions. While I occasionally performed on stage, I prefer to be backstage, working as a Stage Manager.
What are you looking forward to in your classroom this year?
This year, I am really looking forward to storytelling! Storytelling is such a rich part of our culture and heritage, and is something that integrates so flawlessly between the Utah Core Curriculum and the Arts Core. It teaches speaking, reading, and listening, and can be done in so many different ways. I'm also looking forward to having a part-time classroom! I hope that this space will put students at ease and allow them to feel comfortable to create and work collaboratively.
What should students expect from drama?
Students should expect to participate. I know that performing in front of your classmates can be nerve wracking, but I am hoping to create a community where we can share success (and failures) together! If everyone participates, it takes out some of the pressure of performing.
After trying a career in office administration and hospitality in New York City, I realized that teaching was where my heart was. While working full time, I earned my Masters of Teaching Degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College. I taught Social Studies at Brooklyn Community High School, a challenging but completely rewarding experience. Then, I had my son, Oliver, and life changed forever. City life was no longer an option, and I decided to return to my hometown. My mother had been involved with the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program, so I knew of the program. I applied, got the job, and made the move over the summer of 2013. My first year at Iron Springs was a whirlwind of fun, and my New Yorker husband is settling in to the slower pace of Cedar City!
What are you passionate about personally?
I love spending time with my family. You can rarely find me without them. I enjoy seeing my son have his first experiences, and love being with my best friend, my husband. I am always looking for time to speak with my two sisters, and my parents. We have a great time when we are together! We are all creatively-inclined, so the arts are always present within our family.
Where did you grow up? What is a fond memory you have from childhood that involved the arts?
I was born and raised in Cedar City. I remember getting really excited every summer to go to the Green Show at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. I was always involved in drama. I remember being a child onstage for SUU's production of La Boheme. I was also very involved during high school in their productions. While I occasionally performed on stage, I prefer to be backstage, working as a Stage Manager.
What are you looking forward to in your classroom this year?
This year, I am really looking forward to storytelling! Storytelling is such a rich part of our culture and heritage, and is something that integrates so flawlessly between the Utah Core Curriculum and the Arts Core. It teaches speaking, reading, and listening, and can be done in so many different ways. I'm also looking forward to having a part-time classroom! I hope that this space will put students at ease and allow them to feel comfortable to create and work collaboratively.
What should students expect from drama?
Students should expect to participate. I know that performing in front of your classmates can be nerve wracking, but I am hoping to create a community where we can share success (and failures) together! If everyone participates, it takes out some of the pressure of performing.