Ms. Jasmine Schinella is a dedicated and passionate Computer Integration Teacher at Wappingers Junior High School, where she has been teaching Computer Applications for over three years. With a strong foundation in both education and technology, Ms. Schinella holds an undergraduate degree in Education with a concentration in Math from Dominican College and a Master’s degree from SUNY New Paltz.

Before joining the Wappingers Junior High community, Ms. Schinella taught Math in the Poughkeepsie City School District, where she developed a deep interest in the intersection of technology and learning. This interest grew into a passion for helping students not only develop strong mathematical skills but also become proficient in the digital world. In her current role, she strives to create an engaging, student-centered learning environment where technology is used to foster creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving.

Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, Ms. Schinella believes that every student has the potential to succeed, and she is committed to creating an environment where students feel empowered to explore and engage with the world of technology. She understands that technology plays a critical role in preparing students for future academic and career opportunities, and she integrates a variety of tools, resources, and learning strategies to support students' diverse learning needs.

In her Computer Applications class, Ms. Schinella emphasizes hands-on learning, exploration, and collaboration. She encourages students to approach challenges with an open mind, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. By incorporating coding, digital literacy, and interactive technologies, Ms. Schinella ensures that students develop the foundational skills needed to excel in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Teaching Goals for the Semester

• Digital Literacy Growth: One of Ms. Schinella's primary goals is to help students become confident digital citizens. By the end of the semester, students will understand how to navigate technology responsibly, manage their digital footprints, and make safe choices online.

• Coding Skills: Ms. Schinella aims to introduce students to the basics of coding and computational thinking. Through interactive platforms like Skill Struck, Kodable, and Code.org, students will learn the fundamentals of programming, logic, and problem-solving in a way that is accessible and enjoyable.

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Technology offers endless opportunities to tackle complex problems. Ms. Schinella’s goal is for students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through projects, coding challenges, and hands-on activities that require them to think outside the box.

• Growth in Typing and Efficiency: As part of her classroom goals, Ms. Schinella strives to improve students' typing speed and accuracy, which are essential skills for success in both academic and professional environments. With regular practice, students will work towards meeting the target of 20 words per minute (WPM) and 90% accuracy by the end of the semester.

• Fostering Creativity: Ms. Schinella is committed to helping students tap into their creative potential by encouraging them to explore new technologies and create digital projects that reflect their interests and talents. By blending coding, design, and interactive learning, she provides students with the tools to express themselves in innovative ways.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Schinella is passionate about basketball and volleyball, although she has taken a break from coaching to focus on raising her family. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, traveling, and keeping up with the latest technological innovations. Her love for traveling has taken her to many exciting places, which often sparks her interest in global technology trends and the impact of technology on different cultures.

Ms. Schinella currently resides in Dutchess County with her family. She is always seeking new ways to blend her love for technology and education to enrich her students’ learning experiences, helping them grow into curious, confident, and capable individuals.

Looking Ahead

Ms. Schinella is excited to continue her work with the Wappingers Junior High School community. She is committed to supporting her students in building essential digital skills, while fostering an environment where they can explore, create, and thrive.