Faculty

Our French teacher, Mrs. Crisafio, came to PALCS after many varied teaching experiences.  She elaborates, "I taught English as a Second Language (TEFL) for 3 years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mauritania, 1 year as a 4th grade teacher in a private school in New York City, 2 years in the city of Pittsburgh as a French teacher in both private and public schools, over 6 years of homeschooling my two sons and directing a French Club, and 1 year of teaching various subjects for the Einstein Academy Cyber School."

When asked why she got into teaching, Mrs. Crisafio answered, "The verb in French that means "to teach" -- apprendre can also be used to express "to learn." I became a teacher because I love learning. I have learned as much from my students as I do from textbooks and life experiences."  Further, Crisafio speaks about our school: "PALCS is a pioneering school on the frontier of education and distance learning. It is invigorating to be part of the process of trying to figure out how to make cyber instruction effective. We are encouraged to explore ways to engage students, to help them take ownership in their learning and to constantly revise, reflect and improve our teaching. "

Mrs. Crisafio is currently taking a French class through the Alliance Française and is the only teacher based in the Pittsburgh office instead of in West Chester.