Want To Get Good At Something? Immerse Yourself In It!

Joanne Derwin created spanish-immersion preschool that quickly became on of the most sought after schools in Brooklyn. We'll hear about her adventures in the education sector, obtaining UPK status and how immersion is a strong tool for development.

Segment 1

The show begins with the guest, Joanne Derwin talking about the place where she grew up and her childhood environment. She also discuss the background of her family and her schooling. She chats about her studies in college and how she got involved in environmental issues. Joanne continues the conversation by telling short anecdotes about her time and studies in Spain. She ends this segment by telling the audience how she learned to speak Spanish. 

Segment 2

The segment opens with Jeremiah and Joanne continuing to talk about how she learned more than just Spanish in Spain while studying. She learned how to be open and welcoming. Joanne talks of how she had to immerse herself in a different environment while being vulnerable. She talks about how after finishing school in Spain, she really didn’t know what she was going to do, professionally. She ended up staying in Spain, teaching English classes and teaching kids about horseback riding. She ends this segment by telling us the story of how she met her husband in Spain. 

Segment 3

This segment opens up with a conversation about preschool and childcare. Jeremiah talks of how he was first introduced to Joanne. Joanne talks about what she was working on before she met Jeremiah. Joanne always enjoyed teaching. Joanne then talks about her experience with schools and her kids. She really wanted her kids to learn Spanish. Joanne ends the segment by telling the story of how her and her business partner, Monica started their school. 

Segment 4

This segment opens with Jeremiah introducing Joanne’s school to the audience. Joanne’s school went from her living room to what it is today. She tells us about the first spaces that were used for the school. She chats about how she would call around to see if she could lease a space for the school. The school ended up being in a church. Joanne discuss how she was meticulous in creating the school’s curriculum. Currently the school is very sought after. Joanne talks of how she wants it to evolve into a community center. She says the future of the school is to continue to excel is early child care and aftercare. Joanne also says she wants to open up a second location.