Q&A: Derby Middle School Teacher Kelly Anroman

DERBY – Derby Middle School teacher Kelly Anroman isn’t afraid to try new things, whether it’s jumping out of an airplane or traveling abroad as part of a prestigious fellowship program.

Anroman, a Derby native and a mother of two (DJ, 14, is a ninth-grade student at Derby High School and Hope, 23, is a 2023 graduate of Stonehill College), was recently accepted into the ​“Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms” program.

It’s a yearlong program focusing on education around the globe and includes an online class, a professional development workshop in Washington, D.C., and a two-to-three week immersion in the culture and education system in a country outside the U.S.

In a press release, Derby Public School Superintendent Matthew Conway said Anroman’s application to the Fulbright program shows her commitment to lifelong learning.

“Her participation in this program will not only enrich her own professional journey but will also bring invaluable insights and perspectives back to our classrooms, benefiting both our students and the Derby family,” Conway said.

The Valley Indy conducted an interview with Anroman via email. The questions and answers are published below.

Valley Indy: What do you teach?

Anroman:
​“I teach eighth grade writing at Derby Middle School.”

Valley Indy: How long have you been teaching in Derby? 

Anroman:
​“I have been teaching for 24 years total; 4 years at Mercy High School and 20 years at Derby Middle School.”

Valley Indy: Why did you decide to apply for a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program? What about the program made you think it was worthwhile? 

Anroman:
​“I decided to apply for the Fulbright program because I am committed to enhancing my teaching practice and gaining a deeper understanding of global perspectives in education. Having the ability to collaborate with international educators will enable me to refine my own teaching practices within the classroom to best benefit my students. This program gives me the opportunity to continue to grow as an educator and to contribute to the dialogue surrounding global education.”

Valley Indy: The program overview on the Fulbright website talks about an online course, a meeting in D.C. and then a three-week immersion in a school community outside the U.S. Where are you in the process?

Anroman:
​“We just had our online orientation last week. There are 80 educators across the U.S. who will be partaking in the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms. The online global studies course will begin next week and run until December. The symposium in D.C. is two nights in February. 

Both Mrs. (Rachael) Caggiano, the (Derby Middle School) principal, and myself will be attending the symposium and partake in workshops and panel discussions in regard to global education. 

The trip outside of the U.S. will be two to three weeks in duration and will take place somewhere between March and August of 2025. A final capstone project will be the final component of this program.”

Valley Indy: Do you know where you will be traveling? 

Anroman:
​“I do not. I will be informed after the global studies course is completed in December. Wherever it is, I am excited to be given the opportunity to learn from the international educational community. I will definitely keep you posted when I find out!”

Valley Indy: How do these types of professional development programs help you in classrooms in Derby? 

Anroman:
​“This program helps teachers develop skills and strategies to support students in becoming engaged citizens both locally and globally. It will enhance my students’ learning as I will be able to interact with and learn from teachers and academia from other nations and bring this new learning to my students. My hope is to be able to create meaningful conversations and learning for my students so they embrace diverse perspectives and become positive global citizens.

Valley Indy: Why did you jump out of a plane over the summer?

Anroman:
​“LOL — it has always been on my bucket list of things to do. I figured if not now, when? I was nervous, but I always tell my children and my students to step out of your comfort zone because that’s how we learn and grow as individuals. My daughter (Hope) and I did this together. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to jump again.”

Valley Indy: On social media there’s a mention of you by the ​“Fund for Teachers.” What’s your affiliation?

Anroman:
​“Fund for Teachers (FFT) is a grant program that supports teachers’ professional growth. Teachers can create a proposal of their own professional learning and submit a grant to (hopefully) be awarded. In 2022, Mrs. Shelley Sheridan, Mr. Michael Gozzo, and myself were awarded a FFT Fellowship to study about Anne Frank and WWII in Germany and Amsterdam. 

In 2023, I was awarded a FFT Circle Grant to take a National Geographic’s course about digital photography and storytelling and then travel to New York City for two nights to practice these skills to implement within the classroom.”

Valley Indy: You grew up in Derby? What are the positives to being an educator from and in the community where you teach?

Anroman:
​“I grew up in Derby and attended Bradley School and Derby Middle School. I then attended St. Joseph’s High School in Trumbull. A positive of teaching in the community where I grew up and where I currently reside is that it is a small community so you get the opportunity to create relationships with students and their families outside of the school setting. I enjoy seeing my students at local sporting events or even in the grocery stores and having conversations with them, their siblings, and family members. It’s nice to see them outside of the classroom setting.”

Valley Indy: What role did your parents play in your decision to become an educator?

Anroman:
​“My parents (Dan and Maureen Foley) supported the education of my brother (David), my sister (Erin) and me, encouraging our curiosity and showing us the value of helping others. My father was a teacher in Derby, and at a young age, he inspired me to pursue continuous learning for my own growth and to share that passion for learning with others.”