TEACHERS

I have been a teacher since 2008 and started at Dover Middle School in 2022. Before joining the DMS team, I taught English and Language Arts at various public and private schools throughout Northern New Jersey. I have a B.A. in Secondary English Education with a minor in General Music from the University of Hartford, an M.A. in Reading from Montclair State University, and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. I currently hold six New Jersey teaching certifications: Teacher of English, Reading Specialist, English as a Second Language, Supervisor, Principal, and Superintendent.  

Visit Ms. Bank's Website

I've taught here in Dover for more than fifteen years, all at the Middle School. I graduated with honors and received a bachelor's degree in English from Rutgers University, and I have a master's degree in Education from Centenary University, along with a certification in teaching English as a Second Language from The College of New Jersey. I've been married since 2003 and have three children.

I have taught at Dover Middle School since 2019, and I have many years of experience teaching in both high schools and middle schools before joining the DMS family. I got my Bachelor's Degree in English from Montclair State University and have Master's Degree credits from The College of New Jersey.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing softball, and playing volleyball. I have two daughters and a son who make me proud every day. When school is out, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend, either relaxing or traveling.

I coach fall and winter MS cheerleading and MS softball. I also advise the News Team.

Visit Ms. Kristiansen's Website

I have been teaching at Dover Middle School since 2023. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a concentration in English Language Arts from William Paterson University. I am currently working toward my Reading Specialist Degree. 

Presently, at DMS, I provide Basic Skills Instruction to 7th and 8th grade students in ELA. I love helping students find the beauty and art in the written word and build confidence as they learn to articulate themselves.

Outside of school, my passion is my family. My husband and I have four children in high school or college. I love watching them grow into themselves and find their own passions. Besides my family, I love gardening, doing puzzles, crafting, reading, writing, and being outside.

I have taught for 16 years, including the last five years at Dover Middle School. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in special education for 14 years and as a BSI teacher for 2 years. My journey has taken me to a variety of settings—private schools and public school districts in Newark, Paterson, and Orange—and each experience has shaped my teaching approach and my dedication to helping all students succeed.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Centenary University, a certification in Special Education from William Paterson University, and a Master’s in Educational Technology from Ramapo College. These degrees and certifications reflect my commitment to constantly growing as an educator and finding new ways to support my students, whether it’s through personalized learning or integrating technology into the classroom.

This year, I am teaching two 7th-grade classes and two co-taught 7th-grade classes with Ms. Bank. 

Visit Ms. Morris' Website

I joined the staff of Dover Middle School in 2007 and taught both seventh- and eighth-grade Language Arts. Currently, I teach seventh-grade Language Arts, including the Gifted and Talented section. Throughout my tenure at DMS, I have been an active member of the school community, serving as the school's Webmaster, advisor to the newspaper club, and a member of the school's Pandemic Response Team. Most recently, I co-taught the Summer Bridge Program for incoming seventh graders. Additionally, I enjoy chaperoning field trips, cheering on my students at sporting events, and attending evening events that promote the home-school connection. This year, I will continue to serve as an integral member of the I&RS and Sunshine Committees, co-advisor of the Builders Club, advisor to the National Junior Honor Society, supervisor of the Homework (Academic Assistance) Center, and technology liaison. 

Additionally, I earned a degree in English from Montclair State University, and after several years in sales and marketing communications, I pursued a teaching certification. While enrolled in the teacher preparation program at Felician College, I taught computers to students in Kindergarten through eighth grade and spent two years as a fourth-grade teacher.

This is my twelfth year teaching Language Arts at Dover Middle School. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from The College of New Jersey and a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of the Cumberlands. I am also a member of the New Jersey Association of Middle School Teachers, the National Association of Special Education Teachers, and the National Council of English Teachers.

On a more personal level, I live with my husband in Warren County. I have four adult children, three sons and a daughter, and four fur babies, two dogs and two cats. I love spending my free time outdoors, especially on the water.