My Certifications

~Mathematics

~Earth Science

~Special Education

~CTE Carpentry

Grades: 8-12 Mathematics

I began teaching for the NYC DOE in District 79 (the Incarceration District). I worked in Phoenix Academy in Shrub Oak NY (You can see the big crucifix as you are heading south on the Taconic on the right). It was a lockdown facility where troubled youth who got caught while engaged in illegal activity got sent as an alternative to Riker's Island. I taught Algebra 1 for four years, and was proud to have bumped up from a 61% pass rate of my predecessor to a 100% pass rate on the State Exam. I stayed under their employ until the school was shut down as behaviors became more violent and the program was looked at more as a get out of jail free card than a rehabilitation center.

Grades 8-12: Earth Science

For two years I taught Earth Science at Mount Pleasant Cottage School, which is a residential, sleep away school predominately serving emotionally disturbed youth. Upon getting hired, the principal at the time informed me that 2 students in the history of the school had passed the Earth Science Regents. State exam scores are generally low across the board here due to lack of attendance, and student disinterest . Point of the story, in my first year teaching there, I had 3 out of the 4 students who took the regents earn passing marks on the state exam, and the following year I was 4 out of 5. Few students each year were eligible to take the exam because Earth Science Regents requires that all students have 1,200 minutes of hands on lab time.

Grades 8-12: Special Education

I received my Masters in Education at Mercy College in Special Education. I believe that learning about the challenges that many students face helps me be more understanding towards issues that they may have and the struggles that they face. This year I am the Special Educator that pushes in and collaborates with my co-teachers to modify both the materials presented, and the curriculum to the special needs students in the room to help them best access the courses.

CTE Carpentry

Before becoming a teacher I was a carpenter for several years. Enough in fact that I was eligible, and earned a certification in CTE (Career Technical Education) Carpentry. This certification enables me to be able to teach a certificate bearing carpentry class at a BOCES, or other tech school in NY. Currently, I am using my background in this field to teach a STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) class in my current school.

On the side, I use my skills to buy, fix/flip, or rent houses in the area. To the left you can see one quick room in a rental that I renovated where I ripped out drop down ceiling, and wood paneling and replaced it with sheetrock. I refinished the floors and stairs, replaced light fixtures, built out for the closets and toy-chest/sitting area, and replaced windows. I can relate most topics in math to construction, and show students how much easier it can make life when making certain complex cuts, or even something as basic as ordering materials.

Danko, if those are your Certifications, what do you Tutor???

Good Question,

Currently I am focusing mainly on:

- Common Core Algebra 1
- Earth Science

I have taught geometry, as well as Living Environment, but it has been a while and I would have to brush up on them before tutoring you/your child.

I am considering taking on ACT Tutoring, but again, need to get myself more familiar with the "hot topics" that the test is frequently asking as of late in order to be able to best serve you.

If I find a high demand for a certain branch of math/science, I will take the time to freshen on the materials so that I would be able to accommodate your needs.

I LOVE preparing for Common Core Exams, but realize that state exams are only offered three times a year. I would gladly help you with any concepts that you are struggling with throughout the year as well. School should be a fun experience, however if you feel unprepared and overwhelmed it can be a scary, stressful place. If you are having a hard time, seek out the extra help, and show up to class with the knowledge needed to be confident and have the ability to actively participate in class discussion.

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