Her Story
About Rochelle
Rochelle EMAMIFAR is an ESOL teacher in the Cobb County School District with about 20 years of experience in education. She began her career as a classroom teacher before advancing to her current role teaching English to speakers of other languages. In this capacity she has worked with students who are dually served in gifted and special education programs, newcomers who have been in the country less than two years, and students whose education has been interrupted. Rochelle holds several endorsements, degrees, and certificates that support her work. She is bilingual in English and Farsi and is a member of Georgia TESOL, where she participates in book clubs focused on teaching ESL students. Her professional efforts extend to advocacy, including traveling to Washington, DC, to advocate for ESOL students and their parents. Rochelle attributes her drive to her own background of limited opportunities growing up, which fueled her commitment to lifelong learning and a desire to help her students experience the same fulfillment. She values her family and her students, emphasizing the importance of treating all learners with respect regardless of language proficiency.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rochelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
My drive comes from growing up without opportunities, which pushed me to be a lifelong learner. The more I learned, the more fulfilled I felt, and I want my students to feel that same fulfillment.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have to be true to yourself and love what you do because this profession has challenges that won't be enjoyable or fulfilling without passion. Be a lifelong learner to inspire young children to grow into positive members of society.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My family and my students. Treating students with respect and not discrediting them because they don't know the language yet. Valuing their characters as they just want to come and learn.
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