Ms. Margarita Zingaro
Third Grade Teacher
My parents immigrated to the United States when I was only three years old. As with most immigrant families, life was a struggle for my parents. Due in part to the difficulties they experienced, they always instilled the importance of an education in myself as well as my brother.
My elementary schooling created a passion for learning in me that I continue to have today. I saw firsthand the effect and impact good teachers have on their students. I think back to my childhood fondly, in great part due to the influence of amazing teachers. I hope to have the same impact on my students.
Through the years I feel that I have made a difference in the lives of all my students. Teaching third grade allows me to prepare students for the upper elementary grades. I work tirelessly to ensure that my students are independent proactive learners. I am lucky enough to be in a K-8 building that allows me the opportunity to stay in my students lives even after they have moved on to the higher grades. It is wonderful to see how they evolve into young men and women, and I take great pride in their accomplishments.
In today's world teaching takes on many forms. It is my belief that a teacher needs to be well-rounded and adaptable. It is important to be open and accepting of all backgrounds and cultures. Students in an urban district rely heavily on the school system to provide much more than just academia. I strive to ensure that all my students feel seen, heard and cared about. I continuously strive to create an environment that balances teaching, coaching and counseling. What makes me an outstanding teacher is my empathy for my students and my dedication to helping them grow in every way.
Teaching Math and Science offers many opportunities to make real world connections for my students. I ensure that they are connected to the world around them by first addressing hurdles they may be experiencing that impede their learning. Then together with support staff and administration the students' needs are addressed. I strive for my teaching style to be structured and fair for all my students.
Ms. Brittni Edmond
School Psychologist
When choosing my profession, I had much to consider. I had several other intrinsic interests, but ended up choosing a field that I felt would be the most rewarding – school psychology. I have always loved being around and working with children, and I wanted to give back to a community in need in a meaningful way. I grew up in an urban city and wanted to model the type of role model that I needed when I was younger. I also felt that it was important for young students to see a woman of color in a professional position. Representation matters and I feel that my presence alone in the school is impactful. Although I am at the beginning of this career, the journey has been gratifying. Each “thank you” from a parent or staff member and each smile from a child are the reasons I chose my career. I am truly honored to be able to serve the students of Elizabeth along with their families.
My worksite responsibilities on the Child Study Team include case management, IEP development, psychological evaluations, teacher/staff support, behavior intervention planning and implementation, counseling, and student advocacy. All responsibilities are performed while adhering to NJ special education law. I believe what makes me exceptional in my position is my ability to work well with my team and school staff and offer them the highest standard of support possible within my role. I am a team player and keep the children as a priority without excluding others or their perspectives. I am able to directly impact student success by taking a macrolevel approach to helping students. This includes not just supporting the student, but also supporting their educators and parents/guardians. When we take a wholistic approach to serving our youth, all stakeholders feel included and advocated for. This doesn’t always make my job easy, but it makes it worthwhile; especially when I get to see the fruit of my team's and my labor.
