TEACHERS

I have been honored to teach social studies at Dover Middle School for over 25 years. I grew up here and graduated from Dover High School in 1994! Dover Tigers, FOREVER!  

I earned my Bachelor's Degree from Regis College in Massachusetts. My alma mater is 12 miles west of Boston, which is why I am a Boston Red Sox fan.  

I live in Newton with my husband and two sons.  In my free time, I enjoy walking, yoga, and playing softball.  

It has been my privilege to teach 7th- and 8th-grade Social Studies at Dover Middle School since 2012-2013.  I’ve earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Rutgers University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University, and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.  In addition to teaching, I coach the DHS Cross-Country and DMS Track and Field teams.  Outside of school, I love to spend time outdoors, whether hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, skiing, or just relaxing.    

Welcome back! My name is Candice Pastor, and I am so excited to be starting my second year as a Special Education Teacher (In-Class Resource) here at Dover Middle School. Working alongside this incredible team was a highlight of my last school year, and I can't wait to jump back in and keep that momentum going!

My passion has always been helping students realize their full potential. This year, I am committed to holding our kids to high expectations while providing the dedicated support they need to hit every goal. Before coming to DMS, I spent 16 years teaching in Newark and Montclair (in both Special Education and Restorative Justice roles), and I hold a Bachelor's in Special Education from East Stroudsburg University and a Master's in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.

Outside the classroom, I'm usually cheering on the Mets, Giants, Liberty, and Devils, diving into a good crime novel, or spending time with my two kids and our basset hound. Here’s to another fantastic year at DMS!

After graduating from Messiah University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in History, I began my teaching career and joined the faculty at Dover Middle School in 2002.  Since then, I have taught both seventh and eighth-grade social studies.  Seeking to further my professional development, I earned a Master of Arts in Special Education from Centenary University in 2011.

Teaching is in my DNA, as my parents each spent over 35 years in education.  I am passionate about middle school education and am particularly interested in pre-Civil War American and presidential history.  In addition to my classroom responsibilities, I currently serve as one of the building’s Technology Liaisons and the 8th-grade trip coordinator.

I enjoy traveling and reading the latest historical scholarship. I live in nearby Sussex County with my wife, who is also an educator, and our two children, who are currently in high school.

I have taught 7th-grade social studies at Dover Middle School since 2020. I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Kean University and recently earned a Master of American History from Gettysburg College. Besides walking in parks and researching for work, I spend most of my free time watching soccer or reading at home.