Understanding Trauma
I have been working in education for 28 years. 4 years in Orange, NJ and 14 years in East Orange. Urban Education is close to my heart. I currently work as an Associate Director in the Professional Development and Instructional Issues Division at NJEA. My main role is the Coordinator of the NJEA ACCESS Model, a program that supports schools in need of improvement through a trauma-informed and healing-centered lens. I am the president of the Randolph Board of Education. I love to take long hikes in the woods with my dog and ride my bike with my 11-year-old daughter.
From Sounds to Success: Quick Assessments and Targeted Teaching for Phonological Awareness
I’ve been working in Franklin Township District for seven years. My current role is a 1st grade ICR-MS teacher at Franklin Park School. I was honored to be nominated Teacher of the Year at Hillcrest Elementary School in 2024, a recognition that reflects my commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences. I enjoy reading and taking road trips with my husband and best friend, Jay. We recently completed the Burlington Troll Trek which took us to 18 unique handmade trolls in their natural habitats throughout Burlington County.
From Sounds to Success: Quick Assessments and Targeted Teaching for Phonological Awareness
I have been working in Franklin Township as a Special Education Teacher for the past eight years. All of these years I have taught Resource Room at the elementary level, but this year I will be transitioning to teach 1st grade ICR-MS. I recently completed my Orton-Gillingham Multi-Sensory Reading Certification, which has afforded me this amazing opportunity! In my free time, I enjoy coaching competitive swimming and spending quality time with my husband, Andrew, and my three-year-old son, Jackson.
Stronger Together: Building Teacher-Counselor Partnerships for Student Success
This is my 10th year working in the district as a School Counselor for grades 9-12 and my 20th year in Education. I started my career as a high school English teacher in 2005. In 2016, I was recognized as Educational Support Professional of the Year and this past year I was nominated for Somerset County School Counselor of the Year. I love traveling with my family, singing karaoke, and cheering on Philly sports teams. A fun fact about me is that I lived in Switzerland for 2 years with my family before returning to Franklin.
In Our Students' Shoes: Evaluating Pedagogical Strategies When Teaching Challenging Concepts
I am a 6-8th grade Social Studies and Special Education teacher at Franklin Middle School @ Sampson G. Smith. I have been working in Franklin Township for 11 years. In addition to teaching middle school, I am also a certified NJ Life Producer Instructor and teach life insurance licensing classes part time. Last year I was recognized for having the highest licensing ratio in my region. In my free time I love traveling to new places. My goal is to travel to all 50 states before I die. As of today, I have visited 39 states.
Stronger Together: Building Teacher-Counselor Partnerships for Student Success
I have been with Franklin Township for 18 years and currently work as a School Counselor at FMS@HSC. I love to travel and spend time with family and friends!
Enhancing Problem Solving Through Schema-Based Instruction
I am currently a Math Intervention Specialist at Franklin Park School and have been part of the district for 19 years. Throughout my time here, I’ve truly valued the opportunity to grow alongside both my students and colleagues. One recent accomplishment I’m especially proud of is being recognized for my contributions as the PBS Coach. Our school was honored as a PBS Gold Level District of Distinction at the NEPBIS Leadership Forum, and I was presented with a certificate at the board meeting in recognition of this achievement.
A fun fact about me is that I love working out and spending summer days off at the beach or pool with my family.
Enhancing Problem Solving Through Schema-Based Instruction
Currently, I am an instructional math coach at Franklin Park School and have been working in the district for 16 years. I previously taught 5th and 6th grade as well as AIS at SGS. A recent accomplishment is that I potty trained my son over the summer break! I am a mom of 3 (13 year old twins & a 3 year old) and love to dance, cook and travel.
Science for MLs
I have worked in this district for the past 7 years and my role is a high school chemistry teacher. I am proud to be selected to this role of presenters alongside my talented co-teacher Maria Sfondouris. I previously was a Div. 1 athlete and before teaching I used to work as an Environmental Scientist.
Science for MLs
Since 2018, I’ve been working in Franklin, teaching English to multilingual learners and coteaching Chemistry. In addition, I’ve directed a Greek school program for K–12 students since 2013. During my summers off, I enjoy traveling—especially to my homeland, Greece, to visit with family and friends.
Community, Collaboration, and Creation
Richard's role in the district is a 6th grade ELA Language Arts teacher, who has been in the district for two years. Richard's biggest accomplishment for the school is working on many PLC teams, including the PBSIS team and restorative practices team. He loves to do work in theater, having recently acted as Dwayne in 9 to 5, and having worked on sound for Jekyll and Hyde.
Building Strong Writers with The Writing Revolution (3–5)
I currently serve as the Literacy Coach and Head Teacher at Hillcrest School. I’ve had the incredible privilege of calling Hillcrest my home since 2001, supporting students, families, and teachers for over two decades. Over the past 16 months, I’ve been on a personal wellness journey and have lost nearly 90 pounds as part of my goal to prioritize my health. When I’m not supporting literacy instruction, I love getting creative with my Cricut and Canva to design and produce custom apparel- everything from school/district spirit wear, personalized shirts and sweatshirts, as well as stickers.
Building Strong Writers with The Writing Revolution (3–5)
I have been teaching in the district for 20 years and am currently serving as a Literacy Coach at Franklin Park School. Prior to this role, I taught both 4th and 1st grade. This past school year, I was proud to mentor new teachers in implementing effective literacy instruction, helping them build strong, engaging practices for their students. I have two daughters who attend Franklin schools. When I get the chance, I love to go to the beach, sit back, and relax with a good book. I also enjoy traveling to new places and spending time with my husband, two daughters, and our two dogs.
Community, Collaboration, and Creation
Tara's role in the district is a 6-8 ELA Language Arts teacher, who has been in the district for 25 years. Tara's most recent accomplishment for the school is the student-created book mural in the 100 hall at SGS, which demonstrates her passion of combining reading and art. She loves to read, write, and draw."
Supporting Students with Disabilities- Best Practices in Data Collection
This will be my eighth year working in this district. My current role is Special Education Coach. I love to drink coffee, bake, hike, and spend time with my dog and husband!
Bridging Assessment and Action: Structured Literacy Interventions for K–2 Small Groups
This is my 21st year working in Franklin Township, and I currently serve as the Elementary English Language Arts and Intervention Supervisor (K–5). Last year, I stepped into the role of Supervisor, and I’m excited to begin my first full year—building on the work I started and deepening our district’s commitment to high-quality literacy instruction. At home, I have a blended family with two boys in 8th grade, a 6th grader, and a 5th grader—my own built-in focus group for middle and upper elementary life.
Bridging Assessment and Action: Structured Literacy Interventions for K–2 Small Groups
I am the Literacy Coach at PGM, a role I’ve held for just over six months; however, this is my 18th year in the district following many years serving as both a bilingual and general education teacher. One accomplishment I am especially proud of is that many of my former students return to visit and stay in touch, often sharing that I played a role in starting their educational journey, and I love seeing so many of them now thriving in college. A fun fact about me is that I’m a cat lover and have three cats named Sir Alex, Callie, and Cocoa (Chanel).
Supporting Multilingual Learners - SLIFE Students
I have been an ESL/Bilingual teacher at FHS for 9 years. I developed the bilingual literacy program at FHS and have been working closely with SLIFE students ever since. In my free time, I enjoy traveling - especially to my home in the Dominican Republic.
Exemplars in Action: Bringing Standards to Life in K–2
I am entering my 23rd year working in Franklin Township. I am currently an Instructional Math Coach and was honored in being selected the Educational Support Professional of the Year (2024-2025) at CRS. This year, I will continue to be an advocate for educators and the education profession. I enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Exemplars in Action: Bringing Standards to Life in K–2
Over the past five years in the district, I have had the privilege of supporting early learners as an Academic Intervention Teacher in math for grades K–2. One of my key accomplishments has been helping to close foundational math gaps by implementing targeted small-group instruction and progress monitoring, resulting in measurable growth for at-risk students. Moving forward, my goal is to deepen my impact by integrating more data-driven strategies and collaborating closely with classroom teachers to ensure every student builds a strong mathematical foundation. I enjoy spending time at the beach and socializing with family and friends.
Exemplars in Action: Bringing Standards to Life in K–2
For 18 years, I have maintained high expectations through developmentally appropriate practices that nurture the child as a whole in both General Education and Inclusion Kindergarten classroom settings. Whether I’m supporting a student whose second language is English, a student with an IEP, or one who needs extra emotional support, my focus remains the same: to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child feels valued, understood, and empowered. My goal is to ensure my students receive the structure they need and the freedom to be curious and active in their own learning no matter the challenges in education. I cherish quality time with family and exploring in nature.
Move with Meaning: Using Kinesthetic Strategies & AI to Deepen Math Engagement
I have spent my entire 10 year teaching career at FMS@HSC, this is year 11. I am a special education math teacher support 6-8th grade students at varying levels. I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Instruction Technology with a focus in STEM Education. After spending the entire summer hiding from the sun, I am looking forward to the fall for apple picking and haunted houses!
Move with Meaning: Using Kinesthetic Strategies & AI to Deepen Math Engagement
I have been working in the district for 22 years. I currently teach AIS math at the middle school. I started my career in the NYC school system where I taught math and science at the middle school and high school levels. In my free time, I like to play tennis, read, spend time with family, and watch tv.
Refresh with Brisk: A New Extension for Teacher Planning and Feedback
Refresh with Brisk: A New Extension for Teacher Planning and Feedback
When swimming in differentiation, have your RAFT at hand!
I am the newest Latin teacher at FHS, in which position I am in my second year at Franklin, having taught most recently before being reduced in force for 10.5 years at South Brunswick High School. As for an accomplishment is being selected to share my PD learnings with you that I have brought with me from my previous position that have helped me to find peace and success within my classroom. My desired goal is to help transform the goal of Latin at Franklin to seeing Latin actively used and expressed by the students akin to that of the modern languages. I am an organist and choir director; occasionally you can find me hitting the links with my golf clubs.
Supporting Students with Disabilities- Best Practices in Data Collection
I am a Special Education Coach supporting the LLD, Resource Room, and ICR programs across the district. Now in my second year in Franklin and tenth year in education, I am committed to collaborating with teachers to implement strategies that foster student independence and confidence. I look forward to strengthening meaningful connections with both staff and students throughout the district. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, exercising, and spending quality time with my friends and family.