Interviews

Teacher's favorite Artists!

Interview by Isabella M. and Amanda

Dr. Sarver - Lea Salonga & Pentatonix

Mrs. Postalakis - Darius Rucker

Mrs. Sardanis - Billy Strings

Mrs. Dresler - John Mayer

Mrs. Polizzi - Morgan Wallen

Ms. Derecole- Morgan Wallen

Mr. Shulman- Morgan Wallen

Mr. Finnie- Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel

Mrs. Sergiano- Foo Fighters

Mrs. Zinn- Billy Idol

Mrs. Lanciotti- Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift

Mrs. Ottomanelli- Maroon 5/ Adam Levine 

Mrs. Matos- Alanis Moristt 

Mrs. Santos- Billy Joel

Mr. DeSantis- John Lennon and Bob Marley

Mrs. Reeves- Coldplay

Mrs. Dimataris- Lady Gaga

Mr. Reiff- The Beatles

Mr. Kucheruk- Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen

Sra. Gianetti- Chris Stapleton

Interview with Ms. Ciallella

Ms. Ciallella is a middle school teacher who teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade. This is her first year at Northvale and Northvale News digs deeper to find out what her experience becoming a teacher in the middle of the pandemic, was like.  (By: Elliot and Nick)

Q. Why do you teach?

I teach because I love being around students and seeing the good in everyone. I want to make a difference in their life and be there for them if I am the only constant in their life. I want to change students’ lives and I want to be there for them whether I am the twenty-millionth person they’ll meet or the only one. I just really want to make a difference.

Q. What is the best part about teaching?

I think the best part about teaching is building relationships with students and also just knowing that every day, I get to go to class and have this bond where we talk and learn together. Knowing that I can be there for my students every single day and no matter how we feel, we still show up for each other, it's the best thing.

Q. What was the most challenging thing while becoming a teacher?

One of the most challenging things while becoming a teacher was taking tests to become a teacher. I find that the testing and assessments are challenging whereas for me it's more natural to work with students and just be myself. That comes naturally to me, but assessments were always hard for me, so I think that it stressed me out. Having to pass them with a certain score and taking so many different exams brought a lot of pressure, which really stressed me out, but thankfully, I succeeded.

Q. What is the hardest part of teaching during a pandemic?

The hardest part of teaching during the pandemic is everyone’s stress level. It's harder to have expectations for our students because of what we are going through in our life right now. 

Q. How has Covid-19 changed how you teach? 

It's definitely changed how I teach because a lot of my lessons are changed day by day depending on what my students are feeling. So I take into account that we are in the pandemic and that some days they are really tired from being on their computer all day and they are really stressed. So I think teaching during the pandemic has taught me that I need to be flexible and be able to change my schedule and lessons every single day.

Q. What do you like most about teaching during a pandemic? 

I like that it's teaching me that this may be the hardest teaching year of my career and it’s teaching me discipline and resilience, and no matter what I can do it. Starting my first year during a pandemic, makes me feel like anything that is thrown at me, is nothing compared to teaching during a pandemic, so I can just be like, “Oh, I taught during a pandemic, so..” I feel like it's like teaching me to be flexible, to be understanding, to be positive during a negative time, and overall keep pushing on no matter what.

Q. What do you miss most about teaching under normal circumstances?

I miss seeing the students' faces without a mask. I'm a big smiler so I like seeing people's smiles and their emotions. I miss life before this but especially miss my colleagues’ and students’ faces. 

Q. What is the most useful advice you have received to help in your career?

The most useful advice I have received during my career is that I should base my opinions of people off on my personal experiences and to stay the positive person I am. Basically, not getting caught up in what others say, but what I believe in. A lot of people have told me to be flexible and take time for yourself during a very stressful time. Also, I have been told to make sure that I am okay, so I can be happy and radiate happiness to my students. I’ve learned to take care of myself because then I can take care of my students best. 

Q. Is there anything else you would like to share?

Although I am teaching in a pandemic, I am so grateful to teach at Northvale Public School. It makes me feel so happy and lucky to be teaching at Northvale. I love all my colleagues, students, and everyone I work with.