About Me
My name is Georgie Symmonds Georgákis. My last name is Greek (my husband, Giórgos, is from the Greek island of Cyprus) and is pronounced like "your car keys" except that you say "gah" in place of "car."
I love teaching at BCE! I grew up in Dallas but have lived in Austin since 1990 - when I moved here to attend the University of Texas. After receiving my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, I taught 2nd grade for a few years and then married my college sweetheart and moved to the Greek island of Cyprus (his home) for two magical years. We moved back to Austin in 1999, and I have been in and out of the classroom ever since. I also have two wonderful teenage boys and the cutest (and possibly barkiest!) dog you'll ever see! :-)
Throughout all my years in education, I have worn many different hats - that of teacher, parent, and administrator - at various public and private schools in Austin: Smith Elementary, Westlake UMC Preschool, AHB Community School, The Khabele School, and BCE (since 2015). Even during my years as an administrator, I have always been a teacher at heart. I have taught a range of ages (from preschool through 8th grade) and have discovered treasures and trials at each level. I feel alive when surrounded by kids who are questioning, creating, debating, and learning. I enjoy working right along with them, sharing my struggles and triumphs, and modeling my love of learning!
I have become familiar with many educational philosophies and techniques over the years (everything from Project-Based Learning to Total Participation Techniques), and I enjoy using a myriad of strategies to meet the needs of my students and to keep things interesting. I am always open to new ideas and appreciate brainstorming and collaborating with students, colleagues, parents, and others. My development as an educator (and human being) will continue throughout my life, and I will encourage my students to work ‘at their edge’ as well.
I always go into a new school year knowing that this is going to be the BEST YEAR YET - despite whatever challenges may come our way. I look forward to spending this year exploring, learning, and laughing with all of you!
FUN FACTS ABOUT MRS. GEORGAKIS
I love teaching at BCE! I grew up in Dallas but have lived in Austin since 1990 - when I moved here to attend the University of Texas. After receiving my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, I taught 2nd grade for a few years and then married my college sweetheart and moved to the Greek island of Cyprus (his home) for two magical years. We moved back to Austin in 1999, and I have been in and out of the classroom ever since. I also have two wonderful teenage boys and the cutest (and possibly barkiest!) dog you'll ever see! :-)
Throughout all my years in education, I have worn many different hats - that of teacher, parent, and administrator - at various public and private schools in Austin: Smith Elementary, Westlake UMC Preschool, AHB Community School, The Khabele School, and BCE (since 2015). Even during my years as an administrator, I have always been a teacher at heart. I have taught a range of ages (from preschool through 8th grade) and have discovered treasures and trials at each level. I feel alive when surrounded by kids who are questioning, creating, debating, and learning. I enjoy working right along with them, sharing my struggles and triumphs, and modeling my love of learning!
I have become familiar with many educational philosophies and techniques over the years (everything from Project-Based Learning to Total Participation Techniques), and I enjoy using a myriad of strategies to meet the needs of my students and to keep things interesting. I am always open to new ideas and appreciate brainstorming and collaborating with students, colleagues, parents, and others. My development as an educator (and human being) will continue throughout my life, and I will encourage my students to work ‘at their edge’ as well.
I always go into a new school year knowing that this is going to be the BEST YEAR YET - despite whatever challenges may come our way. I look forward to spending this year exploring, learning, and laughing with all of you!
FUN FACTS ABOUT MRS. GEORGAKIS
- I attended the BTW High School of the Performing & Visual Arts (majoring in theater & dance).
- My first job (in high school) was as a waitress at the Waffle House in Dallas.
- As a high school senior, I was voted "most likely to teach Calculus to pre-schoolers"! :-)
- My husband and I competed in ballroom dancing in college.
- Outside of school, I nanny, tutor, relax with my husband, spend time with my teenage boys (if/when they ever have time!), read, and do volunteer work.