School/Program: The Brooklyn Adult Learning Center - School 8 / D79 Adult Education

What is your role?
Community Liaison, I perform duties related to empowering adults to come back to school to obtain the knowledge they need to obtain their HSE, learn English, and/or master a trade to be able to establish a career. I support the school in its efforts to increase enrollment and maintain communication between the school, students, and community partners. I similarly work to develop and sustain positive relations with other schools in the community and other organizations within the NYC Department of Education. I also work with local businesses and community-based organizations to solicit interest in Adult Education. I establish rapport with political leaders and community members. Serving as a liaison between BALC and community members, students, families, community organizations.

What do you love about your current job?
Being a people person, what I love most to meeting the new people and being there first point of contact in the streets of Brooklyn. Helping them to become successful by obtaining knowledge about our program. Helping to promote lifelong learning through Adult Education and seeing them graduate. This work is very fulfilling.

How did you get your current job?
I was working as a Asst. Director of The Oasis Beacon Program at Medgar Evers College and a friend advised me of the opening at The Brooklyn Adult Learning Center - School 8. I of course, jumped at the opportunity to work at the school that helped me more forward in life in a positive way. I applied, and was interviewed and got the most fulfilling work I have ever done in my life. Promote Adult Education!

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
Account Executive, Customer Service Representative, Data Entry Rep at Mana Products Inc. in LIC, NY Admissions Professional/Enrollment Advisor at the Allen School in BK, NY Program Coordinator, Sr. Activities Specialist and Assistant Director at Medgar Evers, in BK, NY

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?
Dorsey High School in California Long Island University in New York

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?
It was quite challenging going back to school as my father was ill at the time. I was doing my best to stay in my studies and tend to him as his health was failing day by day. I stayed focused on my studies, prayed, and did my best to help him as much as possible being his only child. My father passed away and did not get a chance to see me graduate from BALC however, I know he was with me every step of the way which gave me the strength to move forward in the productive way.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?
My Dad, Percy Spellman Jr. and My Mom, Brenda Alleyne who always instilled love in me to give me the strength to move forward through my obstacles. My Grandmother, Lena Spellman who served as a Teacher at P.S. 40. She is the absolute role-model for all, serving the children of Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn for over 30 years. My Adult Education Teacher and friend Ms. Denise Holder who gave me the essentials I needed to pass the GED in 1993-1994. My Teacher Ms. Cheryl Hannibal who taught me to type 60 words per minute helping me to obtain my first Customer Service/Data Entry job and my Computer Teacher of BALC that gave the skills I needed to go into the work force and be successful.

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?
Always remain professional and put your best foot forward. Be agile, coachable, and have the ability to take constructive criticism and continuously learn from them. Be a team player. Know your worth and remain positive and stead-fast on accomplishing your goals. You can do it!!!

What is your favorite Quote?
Teamwork makes the dream work! 🙂

School/Program: East River Academy

What is your role? Community Coordinator-SPED

What do you love about your current job?
I have been doing SPED for 27 yrs I am always looking for ways to help students If they are SPED I make sure that the staff knows and to make sure that they receive all their accommodations that they are entitled too

How did you get your current job?
I was in the playground with my son and started talking to another woman who was there with her child Next thing I know she was offering to get me a job in the DOE And the rest is history I love you Tracy Mancini

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
Worked for Loomis Armored for many yrs before the DOE

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?
Monsignor Scankan High School

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?
I have always worked for District 79 First in group homes and now at Rikers Island Everyday is challenging but always gratifying I feel if you can help children to learn, care and respect. You are doing a great job When we have student receive their TASC diploma and the smile that is on their face It brings me to tears every time

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?
Tracy Mancini Tonya Threadgill

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?
Tracy Mancini Tonya Threadgill

What is your favorite Quote?
Foot prints in the sand This is my favorite

School/Program: East River Academy

What is your role? Teacher

What do you love about your current job?
Working with incarcerated Youth. Being able to connect with them on a daily basis.

How did you get your current job?
I got my current job through searching online and going through the interviewing process..

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
Before my current job, I use to work for a Finance company.

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?
I attend High School in Westbury, NY
Undergrad I went to SUNY Old Westbury, and Molloy College
Graduate school- I went to THE NEW SCHOOL, NY

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?
The challenges that I faced in college and career is making sure that I was able to have a balanced life while in college full-time and working full-time. The way I handle this was set a very strong time management for myself.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?
I wish to thank my Aunt. She was always there for me especially during the times when I faces a-lot of obstacles in my life.

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?
Go after what your heart desire. Also make sure that your not just taking a job because of money. Make sure its' your purpose.

What is your favorite Quote?
You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated. Maya Angelou

School/Program: East River Academy

What is your role? CTE Carpentry Instructor

What do you love about your current job?
Teaching, certifying and recruiting students for and into the trades

How did you get your current job?
Hired for cte instruction

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
Shop steward, master carpenter carpenters' union of NYC

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?

F.K.Lane H.S., Grand Canyon University

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?

The only obstacles I have come to was being able to adapt to teaching trade skills to incarcerated students with disabilities. I have overcome that issue by taking all the PD training offered through the years.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?

My sincere thanks have to go to my administration for the exact guidance and patience they have shown me in maintaining and improving my skills. I also have to be very appreciative to the entire staff who are all involved and willing to help those in need.

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?

Upon entering the work force be prepared to accept all challenges and rough roads ahead, keep moving forward do not give up to life's challenges accept and overcome it will make you stronger "things get a little easier once you understand"

What is your favorite Quote?

The most intriguing quote I have admired is" YOU ARE NOT A PRODUCT OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES YOU ARE A PRODUCT OF YOUR DECISIONS"

School/Program: East River Academy/District 79 Rikers Island

What is your role? Social Worker

What do you love about your current job?
Engaging families who have loved ones who are incarcerated at Rikers

How did you get your current job? Job Fair

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
Private practice/psychotherapy

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?

Ridgewood, NJ.....Northwestern University, Adelphi University Sarah Lawrence College

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?

Anxiety, especially going away to college......Much greater self understanding now vs. then

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?

Therapists and supervisors

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?

Stay focused on your particular strengths and goals

What is your favorite Quote?

"The desire to live is greater than any adversity."

School/Program: East River Academy

What is your role? Teacher Leader

What do you love about your current job? Teaching and creatively collaborating with my colleagues. I also love, love, love witnessing the transformation of students. The blossoms on the vine are incredible. A win for them is a win for all of us.

How did you get your current job? I have worked on Rikers' Island in alternative education since 1989 as a special education teacher. I am currently a peer collaborative teacher through the teacher career pathways.

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
I have been an special education evaluator, and a UFT Teacher Center Teacher. I am currently on the Instructional Leadership Team and a point person for special education.

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?

I graduated from Erasmus Hall School of the Arts

I attended SUNY at Purchase and earned a degree in Social Sciences.

I received a special education graduate degree in behavioral disorders.

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge for me in college was focus. There were so many avenues that I wanted to take but I got in my own way. I had several majors and minors in college and a lot of self-doubt. Eventually, I decided on social sciences because people with disadvantages such socio-economics, classism, racism, poor children piqued my interest and laid on my heart. As far as career, I thought about becoming a special education teacher in high school which was on of my goals. Yet when I graduated i still wasn't sure because I was mulling over becoming a social worker. It was my late sister that suggested I apply to the special education recruitment in 1985. I was very reluctant because that career path was not on my radar. She suggested that I try for five years and test the waters and yourself well that was almost 36 years ago. In this career challenges are many, you cry and lose confidence but I discovered if I gave my heart to it without worry of administrators and naysayers that my honest hard work would prevail and it has. my instinct for what is right for my students has never failed and has always been spot on. Even now after all these years I still work hard and always in tune to the needs, wants, and the what happenings of my students.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?

My first thank you goes to Lottie Taylor, my first principal at A. Philip Randolph High School, who believed kids need all the opportunities possible to be great and it was our job to get them there.

My second thank you goes to Sharon Jones, my first principal at Riker Island Educational Facility, she gave me an understanding of this space like no other. She was a force to be reckoned with and she taught me what teaching in this space was all about. Her motto, "Whose kids? Our kids!" and I never forgot and still use it. My third goes to Tim Lisante who has always been an inspiration and torchbearer for the work we do. My fourth goes to Nick Marinacci who managed to turn things around and moved our school and agenda forward. Finally, a huge thanks to my current mentor, Tonya Threadgill, a visionary, extremely disciplined and a hard worker. A woman with a heart of gold. I thank her for consistently inspiring me, always truthful about her assessment of my work (I respect that because it makes me better) and for trusting me in this space to always conduct myself with excellence, integrity and for getting the very best out of students even in these uncertain times.

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?

My advice is walk with purpose and meaning, The world, our children demand the very best from you so don't shrink when it gets hard. If you're teaching remember every kid needs a safe space to fall. Just bloom wherever you are planted to be the very best you and learn to live, love, laugh. Enjoy every moment there is a lesson in every one.

What is your favorite Quote?

My inspirational book: The Bible and too many others to name.

My quote: Love Never Fails!!!

School/Program: East River Academy

What is your role? Teacher

What do you love about your current job?
Rewarding to see students reach their potential.

How did you get your current job?
Applied and interviewed for the job.

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
Researcher/ Historian

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?
Secondary Education: High school I received a GED.
Higher Education: I attended st. Joe's for undergrad, Hofstra for my Masters and St. Johns for my doctorate degree

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?
Low self esteem, self doubt. I was the first in my family to college and always second guessed my academic abilities.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?
My grit and determination, to better myself.

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?
Do not get complacent in any position. Reinvent/ diversify your skills through college or trade programs.

What is your favorite Quote?
"Tough Times don't last, Tough People Do".

School/Program: Concord High School

What is your role? Teacher

What do you love about your current job?
Helping students reach their goals.

How did you get your current job?
Online Market

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
Night School Teacher

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?
Tottenvile, Wagner College, Brooklyn College

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?
Always learning as we experience more.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?
Parents

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?
Be the best you can be.

What is your favorite Quote?
Be kind.

School/Program: East river Academy

What is your role? Teacher

What do you love about your current job?

I get to teach incarcerated students that need an education.

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?

Culinary Arts, Chef, food service Dietician.

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?
Valley Stream Central, Johnson& Wales University, college of St. Rose (C.I.T.E.) (listed respectively).

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?
Paying for my education while working full time.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?
Mrs. THREADGILL and the staff at EAST RIVER ACADEMY

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?
Always look for better opportunities and build your resume as often as possible.

What is your favorite Quote?
Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good. 1 Corinthians 3:7
Note: Work at your job but always remember to work at what you are passionate about (at night)

School/Program: Independence High School

What is your role? Parent Coordinator

What do you love about your current job?
What I love mostly about my job is connecting with our students, and parents, but most importantly being able to give back what was given to me when I was a student here at Independence High School , when it was West Manhattan Outreach, which was a second chance to earn my High School Diploma , and connecting with adults that may changed their lives.

How did you get your current job?
I got my current job as being one of two candidates to be hired as a school aid, and because at the time there was a need for a bilingual person to be hired, I got the position here back in 1999, when it was still West Manhattan Outreach.

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?

I currently work for Grand Street Settlement, in which just to inform you Dr. Smolkin referred me to about 14 years ago. I was a group leader in their after-school program, than for some time I was the Liaison with LES Prep, and Independence in helping over age under credited student transfer to our school, then shortly after I became the Assistant Director to the Baruch Cornerstone.

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?

West Manhattan Outreach and Touro College

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?

One of my challenge that I have faced is Math, and I never really have overcame my phobia with math, but I have always try my best.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?

The one person I would like to thank is Dr. Ron Smolkin , my principal for believing in me and also giving tolls for my tool box.

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?

The advice that I would give students newly entering the workforce would be to never doubt themselves, and to do something that they like , or have a passion for, therefore they're able to enjoy what they do. I have to honestly say that working for the Department of Education/Youth is something that I love to do, so it allows me to share my story with them for motivation and inspiration.

School/Program: Concord High School

What is your role? Learning to Work Program Director

What do you love about your current job?
Interacting with the students, helping them to better understand the complex world they live in and gaining the necessary knowledge and skills to transition out of high school and into adulthood.

How did you get your current job?
I saw a posting on Facebook from an acquaintance and applied - having occasionally visited Concord HS to support clients in my previous employment, I was familiar with the school and its model.

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
I have worked as a Security Guard/ Maintenance worker at the Staten Island Museum. I was then an ESL teacher in Japan, Italy, and Poland teaching different grade levels. I then worked as a Case Manager in the Foster Care system and transitioned to the Preparing Youth for Adulthood Specialist in the same foster care agency. Once I attained my MS-Ed in Mental Health Counseling I worked in housing for the mentally ill before my current position.

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?

I attended Tottenville HS. I received both my bachelor's and master's degrees from St. John's University but also took classes at University College Galway in Ireland and at The College of Staten Island.

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?

My primary struggle throughout my career has been with not for profits experiencing a culture shift away from client centered services towards a more monetary driven structure which has often resulted in a reduction in the quality of services for the clients. I have attempted to overcome them by speaking up about trying to find the balance between serving clients appropriately while understanding the necessity of be financially stable.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?

There are too many to name but strong leadership as well as line staff have been inspirational in their commitment to helping clients reach their fullest potential.

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?

Always remember that every work opportunity, regardless of duties, is an opportunity to grow professionally. A career is not a goal, it is the sum total of all of your work experience.

What is your favorite Quote?

The meaning of life is to give life meaning.

School/Program: 79Q344

What is your role? Assistant Principal

What do you love about your current job?

I love providing educational and counseling services to incarcerated individuals.

How did you get your current job?

I sought out a position as a teacher on Rikers due to my interest in working with this population.

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
DC37 - Family Worker
UFT - Teacher
CSA - Assistant Principal

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?

Clarkstown Highschool - West Nyack, Ny (HS Diploma)

CCNY - NY, NY (BA)

Touro College - NY, Ny (Masters)

Fordham University - White Plains, NY (Masters)

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?

A challenge I faced was attending college and working at the same time. I created and maintained a schedule that allowed me to be successful at both.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?

I wish to thank my family members for their support.

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?

My advice to students entering the workforce is be committed to the work and stay patient.

What is your favorite Quote?

"With hard work and effort, you can achieve anything" - Antoine Griezmann

School/Program: Concord High School

What is your role? Earth Science Teacher/ Dean

What do you love about your current job?
Concord affords me the opportunity to both teach a subject I enjoy and interface with the students via the role of Dean.

How did you get your current job?
Applying online followed by a phone and in-person interview.

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
Teacher, Attorney.

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?

Weedsport Central High School, Binghamton University, Brooklyn College (grad school), New York Law School

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?

The largest challenge for me was working in a field about which I was not passionate. Transitioning careers allowed me to become a teacher and pursue a fulfilling career.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?

Friends, family members, and co-workers are instrumental in my success.

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?

Have a plan. Do you want to pursue greater financial independence, upward mobility in a profession, or freedom to travel? Go into your career with at least a general idea as to what you want from it. This will allow you to make informed decisions and avoid letting time slip away in a job you find unfulfilling.

What is your favorite Quote?

"I can barely conceive of a type of beauty in which there is no melancholy." - Charles Baudelaire

School/Program: Concord High School

What is your role? Psychologists

What do you love about your current job?

Working with teachers, parents, and students to ensure we are all in communication to meet the needs of the student.

How did you get your current job?

I have worked for the NYC DOE for 15 years as a psychologist.

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?

Drug and Alcohol Counselor in several settings: Prison, Runaway Shelter, Homeless shelter, and Drug Rehabilitation Center

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?

High School: Staten Island, NY

College: Buffalo, NY

Post Grad: Wisconsin

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?

A challenge I have faced would be that due to the fact that I have worked in several states and internationally as an educational psychologist, each country, state, and city have different ways in how they handle and interpret special education services. Learning each system has been interesting and challenging.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?

My parents, various mentors who have shown me the way, and family who always supported me

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?

Work hard, focus, be determined to do a great job, and stay positive.

What is your favorite Quote?

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Travel, explore, expand your mind.

School/Program: East River Academy

What is your role? Assistant Principal

What do you love about your current job?
I love that I get to advocate for underserved and vulnerable students every day.

How did you get your current job?
I answered a job posting for an assistant principal position at East River Academy on Rikers Island. I was intrigued by the posting and believe that if a door opens, I should walk through it.

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
I was an ELA teacher and ELA Department Head for 9 years at The Young Womens Leadership School of Brooklyn. I became a Lead Teacher for the last four years of that position. Before that, I was an ELA teacher in a private Christian school on Long Island for 10 years. I was also a coach for the NYC Teaching Fellows.

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?

I attended high school on Long Island - Deer Park High School I attended Hofstra University, Buffalo State College and Empire State College for under grad work. I attended Empire State College for my masters and The College of Saint Rose for my leadership certifications.

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?

My college pathway was disjointed. I could not afford to continue in college and so I quit in order to work. I then met my husband, married, had children and went back when my oldest was in her first year of high school. I felt I needed to set an example for my children - if I wanted them to go to college, I needed to finish my degree. It was challenging to go back to college while juggling a full time job and a family. But I was determined.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?

I wish to thank my family who has been a great support to me. They helped with chores, errands, and understood when I could not be present at events while I was in school. I especially wish to thank my husband who has supported every decision I've made along the way and continues to help in every way possible.

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?

I believe that work ethic is so important. This means: showing up on time, pushing through on those days you don't want to show up, going the extra mile, doing your best, staying focused on the task at hand, and being willing to learn new skills. These are the characteristics that leaders will notice and will move you forward in the workforce.

What is your favorite Quote?

"Failure is NOT an option." - From the movie Apollo 13 The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel your Life, Work and Team with Positivity by Jon Gordon The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

School/Program: Pathways to Graduation Bronx

What is your role? ELA/Social Studies Teacher

What do you love about your current job?
Every day, I am blessed to spend time with young people who bring their perspectives, experiences, and knowledge to the classroom. With this wealth of resources, we are able to build upon who they are and what they know so that they may be who they want to be: productive for themselves and their community.

How did you get your current job?
After working at East River Academy for eight years, I decided it was time to move on and thankfully, Principal Singh offered me an opportunity to teach at Pathways.

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
I was a server at the Blue Note Jazz Club for 9 years before making the transition to education.

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?
I attended Dominican Commercial High School in Queens, New York, and Holy Child Secondary School in Ghana, West Africa. College: Hunter College Graduate School: Hunter College

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?
When I decided to complete my undergraduate degree, I was 30 years old and had not been in school since I was 24; being a mature student posed it's challenges but also had many advantages because I knew what I wanted and was not going to let obstacles stand in my way of what I wanted my future to be.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?
Where do I start? All things start and end with God for He is the Author and Finisher of all things. My mom for never giving up on me, my father for knowing what I was capable of, my sister for helping me to realize myself in so many ways, my brother for being a subtle but consistent champion. Of course Nick Marinacci for giving me my first teaching position at East River Academy and Principal Singh for affording me a space to put all that I had learned into an effective practice; there are too many people to thank.

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?
There is nothing you cannot do if you put your whole self into it; you've got this. Truly.

What is your favorite Quote?

"With God all things are possible."