written by Lisa Metro for the fall 2019 issue of Saint Ignatius Magazine
Emily Samek’s experience as a competitive rower comes into play daily in her job as Director of the Robert M. Walton ‘41 Center for Learning. What skill sets reside in both roles? Steady confidence, a level of fixed endurance, and enthusiasm for working within a larger team. Samek works to win, but defines this particular win as the overall success of her students.
Samek is only in her second year at Saint Ignatius High School, but in that short period of time, she’s made great strides. The Walton Center is designed for students looking for assistance with schoolwork, test-taking and other academic support. Its mission is rooted in the Jesuit philosophy of cura personalis, or “care for the whole person.” In fact, the Walton Center supports the Cura Plan, which is designed by the counseling department and is the Saint Ignatius equivalent of an IEP—individualized education program.
She oversees a team of five educators that includes two intervention specialists, a reading specialist and two professional tutors, all to guide students through their academic tracks.
“I work with a committed staff that mixes patience with empathy, love with joy and really meets kids where they are,” says Samek. “Just because our students learn differently doesn’t mean they don’t belong at Saint Ignatius High School.”
Sixty-five students are assigned to the Walton Center. Some come as part of their own Cura Plans, whereas others are there based on admissions testing, or counselor or parent recommendations. The center exists for students with learning differences or learning gaps. Forty more students come in for tutoring. Others arrive looking for a quiet place to study. The center is accessible to these students before and after school and during their free periods.
“In this line of work, students can be more vulnerable,” says Samek. “To build trust is pretty remarkable. I like to be part of bringing out the best in them.”
One of the joys of her work is helping students who may not have thought that a Saint Ignatius education was possible for them. “I like the idea of being welcoming,” says Samek. “This is inclusion.”
Roger Stewart, Assistant Principal for Academics agrees. “It should be the best place in the city for meeting kids with learning difficulties,” he says. “Her vision is inclusive and compassionate and totally in keeping with what we are called to do.”
Samek enjoys being part of the Saint Ignatius community. Education is part of her core. The Elyria Catholic graduate received her bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University and has a master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction from Boston College and an additional master’s in Math Education from Harvard University. She is currently enrolled in a program with the University of Notre Dame for special education.
“I want to increase my knowledge about the learning needs of our community,” says Samek. “This program has already allowed me to present to our faculty on inclusion and intervention – the ways our teachers can continue to make all our students feel included.”