At the John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson, NJ, I teach English to a diverse population of high school students who learn that cultivating their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and English language skills can directly improve the quality of their lives. They code-switch and apply metacognitive strategies to experience the power of choosing to think critically and to learn with intention.
My classroom is a creative mix of high-tech and hands-on where students rise to meet high expectations every day. My mantra, given to me by a beloved mentor ― Relationship, Relevance, Rigor ― serves as my guideline when planning, delivering, and evaluating my lessons. The people come first in my classroom, then their work process, and lastly, the product of their learning. I prioritize relationships, trust, and human dignity over acquiescence, and I try to create a truly democratic space where all the students get the chance to exercise their voices and find their truth.
Applying my twenty-five year record of success in corporate software development enables me to manage my classroom effectively, integrate technology seamlessly, and use data to drive instruction.
Every year, my students evidence growth, proving the efficacy of my practice.