www.warwickvalleyschools.com/warwick-valley-middle-school/I don't remember a time when I wanted to do anything other than teach. Really! If you look at my sixth grade yearbook where my classmates and I listed our future goals, you'll see among anticipated astronauts, professional baseball players, singers, and movie stars, I listed "teacher." I especially consider Ms. Brodzick and Mr. Taravella, my middle school English teachers from Monroe Woodbury, the inspiration for my career and teaching style, and I am so fortunate to have been a student in their classes. They were exciting, entertaining, and above all, they loved working with children.
The majority of my nineteen years in the teaching profession has been spent here at Warwick Valley Middle School teaching seventh grade ELA, though I have taught eighth and eleventh grades as well. Besides working with an amazingly talented group of women who are more sisters than colleagues, I also get to work with wonderful young adults who make me laugh every day. Do you go to work every morning? I go to fun! I have five younger brothers and supportive and fun parents and parents-in-law. My sisters-in-law are the best sisters I could ask for, and my adorable nieces and nephews keep me smiling. I am married and have three incredible children of my own. They all remind me every day that I have a blessed life. In addition to baseball, I enjoy reading, snowboarding, biking, relaxing on the beach, and spending time with my family indoors and out. One activity we enjoy together is working in our organic garden; it turns out we're pretty good at farming, actually. Each year our harvest yields zucchinis, lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes, and cucumbers. As an added bonus, we all learn a lot about biology and ecology. For instance, after I saved a wheel bug from a spider web, I discovered I was the one who made the narrow escape. Click this link to find out why and what they are alternately known as. Hint: they are good for your garden. Caterpillars and humans - not so much. We also learned just ONE cucumber plant is plenty for a family of five. (If you'd like some cucumbers, please let me know!) Have a wonderful year! |