Meet the New Staff!
By Caroline Goggin, Godwinna Koroma-Coker, & Hanna Littmarck
October 1, 2019
Eytan Wurman - Fine Arts Director
What classes do you teach?
HS Band.
How long have you been teaching?
This is my tenth year.
Where have you taught before?
Boston and Cambridge.
Where did you go to college?
Boston University and Gordon College.
What do you like most about teaching?
Seeing students find the artist in themselves
Where are you from?
San Francisco, California.
What are your pet peeves in the classroom?
Too much paper.
What is your favorite movie?
The Room.
Will you be involved in any extracurricular activities?
Jazz Band!
Kelsea Whittemore - Math
What classes do you teach?
Algebra 2.
How long have you been teaching?
This is my 4th year in the classroom- I spent some time as a consultant coaching/training teachers.
Where have you taught before?
Cristo Rey High School in Boston and Codman Academy in Dorchester.
Where did you go to college?
University of Connecticut.
What do you like most about teaching?
My students! I love watching them learn and grow throughout the year.
Where are you from?
Littleton, MA.
Favorite quote?
“Do or do not. There is no try.” -Yoda
What sets you apart from other teachers?
My bubbly personality.
Will you be involved in any extracurricular activities?
Drama & Theater - I’ll be producing the winter competition play.
Kate Rocha - Paraprofessional
How long have you been teaching?
I started substitute teaching in 2016.
Where did you go to college?
Bachelor’s Degree from NYU, Master's in Fine Arts from The New School.
Where are you from?
Dedham, MA.
What are your hobbies?
Reading and knitting.
What do you like about Dedham?
Legacy Place and Dedham Community Theatre.
Dunks or Starbucks?
Starbucks.
Favorite quote?
“I think the most necessary quality for any person to have is imagination. It makes people able to put themselves in other people’s places. It makes them kind and sympathetic and understanding.” -Jean Webster, Daddy-Long-Legs
What was the last song you downloaded or CD you bought?
The soundtrack to Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
How do you take your coffee?
Iced with almond milk + sugar.
Michael Iozzo - Math
What classes do you teach?
Strategies for Success.
How long have you been teaching?
7 years.
Where did you go to college?
UMass-Boston and Bay Path University.
What do you like most about teaching?
Helping students to become positive members in the community.
Where are you from?
Roslindale, MA.
Where have you taught before?
Watertown Public Schools, The Guild for Human Services.
What are your hobbies?
Golf, snowboarding, and horseshoes.
Favorite movie?
Ghostbusters.
Favorite quote?
“Do or do not. There is no try.” -Yoda
Favorite apps?
ESPN Fantasy Football.
Steven Bergman - Drama
What classes do you teach?
Chorus, Acting, and Guitar this year. I am also the Adviser for the HS theater productions.
How long have you been teaching?
This is my 19th year as a teacher.
Where have you taught before?
Most of my teaching was at Littleton HS and MS.
Where did you go to college?
I have my Masters Degree from Fitchburg State, but I also studied film scoring at Berklee College of Music.
What do you like most about teaching?
I love bringing an appreciation of the performing arts to students, and watching how they “pay it forward.”
Where are you from?
Originally Miami, Florida.
What is your favorite movie?
Too many, but I just finished watching (again!) “Who Framed Roger Rabbit? “
What was the last song you downloaded or CD you bought?
I just downloaded the box that of Rush, 1989 - 2007. I'm a fan of progressive rock.
Hayley Schmidt - Paraprofessional
What classes do you teach?
I support students in all classes.
How long have you been teaching?
1st year.
Where have you taught before?
Daycare & lead kid's birthday parties.
Where did you go to college?
Bridgewater State University.
What do you like most about teaching?
Encouraging students to try their best + watching their success.
Where are you from?
Dedham/ DHS graduate.
What are your hobbies?
Walking my dog, hanging with my friends, organizing.
What are your pet peeves in the classroom?
When students doubt themselves/give up.
Favorite quote?
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in you shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." - Dr. Seuss
What was the last song you downloaded or CD you bought?
One Day by Matisyahu.
What sets you apart from other teachers?
I enjoy being here not only to make sure the material is learned, but to help students learn/grown emotionally to be able to handle life and enjoy life after high school.
Abby Zuckerman - Science
What classes do you teach?
Freshman Biology.
How long have you been teaching?
Four years. This is my 5th!
Where have you taught before?
I was teaching in Roxbury, MA which is a part of Boston.
Where did you go to college?
University of Vermont.
What do you like most about teaching?
Getting to know students and watching them get excited about science.
Where are you from?
Andover, MA.
What are your hobbies?
Cooking, hiking, rock climbing.
What are your pet peeves in the classroom?
Talking out of turn.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My AP Environmental science teacher gave us project that connected us with our community and inspired us.
Favorite apps?
Audible - I love audiobooks & podcasts.
What sets you apart from other teachers?
I like to think I am EXTREMELY patient.