Staff Spotlight: Angie Filice helps kindergartners start out on the right path
by Amy Haggerty
Experiencing school for the first time can be a memorable encounter, especially with a special teacher. And kindergarten teacher Angie Filice is one of those. She expresses it best in her own words, “I love this job!” She has been teaching for 25 years and is very popular with many of the parents in the district. Filice has educated many children throughout the years, and her name comes up often as being students’ favorite teacher.
Filice sets the tone for the students’ opinion about school. She provides structure and fun learning in her classroom. When teaching kindergarten kids, she tries to remember to, “Treat them as if they are my own, from keeping them safe to supporting their needs, I always think to myself, if this was my child, how would I help and support them?”
Smith Elementary School principal Brad Edwards has this to say about Angie Filice, “She is a phenomenal teacher and a leader.”
Filice has three important tips for teachers beginning their careers:
1) Build relationships with your students and families.
2) Learn classroom management, establishing your rules and routines from the first day, and be consistent and follow through.
3) Always make time to have fun in your day. Don’t be afraid for your students to see you being “silly” and “real.” It makes learning fun.
Filice grew up in a small town like Stockbridge and graduated from Holly High School. She attended Central Michigan University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. She later obtained her master’s degree from Marygrove College in the Art of Teaching.
Filice credits her mother, Dorothea, as the biggest influence in teaching her patience, respect, love, and faith. Her mother was an elementary teacher and principal for many years. Filice stated, “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I can only hope to be half of the educator, mom, wife, aunt, grandma, and friend that my mom is today.”
“I chose to work at Stockbridge Community Schools because I liked the small town feel and it reminded me of home. It’s a very welcoming community that has supported me every step of the way.” Jane Clarke, her first principal, gave her a tour of the town and helped her find the first house to rent on the Graf Farm.
Filice married Mark Filice in 1997; the couple has been married for about 22 years. They raised their daughters in Leslie, Michigan. She.credits her two amazing daughters as being her biggest accomplishments. “I am very proud of their work ethic, empathy for others, and their commitment to their faith.” Libby is 20 years old and Paige is 16.
This community is extremely lucky to have such an outgoing teacher and positive influence in our district. She always has a smile on her face and kids love her! Filice is responsible for integrating our young children into the world and teaching them many skills they will take through life. She prepares them for the higher grades of elementary school and certain aspects of life outside of the educational system.
