Fifth Grade Mathematics Teacher

As I was growing up, I knew that I wanted to do something that could provide help and service to others. I watched my mother go back to school to become a teacher herself and felt inspired to pursue education myself. I was fortunate enough to be hired in Elizabeth fresh out of college and have had 22 years in the career. While my health is no longer allowing me to continue past this year, I am thankful for all this job and district has given to me.

As a career 8th grade math teacher, who was switched this year due to health, my job had always been to teach honors level curriculums to our 8th grade gifted and talented program. What I realized quickly is that different children learn best using different strategies and needing different amounts of time. By checking with individual students and providing multiple options as to how to solve problems, I was able to reach the majority of my students each year. There was nothing more rewarding that watching new information click with students and having them master our challenging curriculum. Those victories for the students were a pleasure to see as an educator.

Language Learning Disability Assistant – Special Education

I knew that I always wanted to work with children. I had wanted to major in Child Psychology, but life had other plans for me when I gave birth to my daughter with a medical condition and disabilities. At this time in my life, I had to put my plans on hold to care for her. When she was old enough to go to school, I had the opportunity to apply for a position with Elizabeth Public Schools and once I was offered the job, I gladly accepted. I started my career in the district working at Aboff which allowed me to make a difference in the lives of many children for the past 22 years.

My daily responsibilities at the worksite include working alongside cooperating teachers to ensure that our students in class are receiving the best learning experience possible. As a paraprofessional, I know my role is crucial. I work hard every day to build a positive rapport with my students in the class as well as the other support staff in the building. Working in William Halloran School No. 22 for the past 10 years has been amazing! We have an amazing faculty and students.