English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

After graduating college, I went on to work as a Director of Childcare at a hospital setting. Although I loved the contact with the children, staff, and parents, I didn’t enjoy sitting behind a computer for most of the day doing business paperwork. I was missing the interaction and nurturing I had come to love from working in a daycare setting through my college years. While working at the childcare center as director, I went back to college to take Early Childhood courses. I enjoyed this field of study. I learned about developmentally appropriate practices, child advocacy and the benefits of an Early Childhood education program. I was interested in how all the learning experiences help in the development of a child and how we as teachers play an enormous part in their learning. Being a native of Elizabeth, I was aware of the growing numbers of English Language Learners entering the district. I fell in love with the idea of working with English Language Learners. I wanted to be able to make a difference in their lives and be a nurturing, encouraging, and motivating force. Being an English Language Learner myself, I knew I could prepare them for the future. Children learn the most things in school before they enter the workforce. I want to inspire students to learn as much as they can and do their best so they can be successful and follow their dreams.

I believe the purpose of an education is to prepare students to function effectively in the world they live in. Through education students develop intellectual, social, and practical skills that prepare them to think, feel, and act competently when a real-life situation arises. Education prepares students for any challenges they may encounter in the future. Education helps a student develop critical skills like setting goals, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. Students should be provided with experiences that will help them become self-sufficient, responsible, and resourceful. In my classroom, students are encouraged to learn by doing and to interact with one another. When planning lessons, I keep in mind that students differ in abilities and learning styles. Lessons are adapted when necessary to meet all students’ needs. Providing opportunities for students to be exposed to purposeful learning helps students make a connection between what they are learning in school and real life. Lessons that are meaningful and relevant to their own life and interests build on their self-esteem. Learning is a life-long process. Today children are growing up in a diverse and constantly changing world. I believe my students will be aware of cultural traditions, values, and beliefs of the world around them. It is my goal that through education, each child will acquire the essential tools they need to thrive in the real world as adults. They will be prepared to function effectively and make competent decisions using problem-solving life skills they have mastered.

School Counselor

I chose to be a school counselor to positively impact the lives of all my students, no matter what color, race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, orientation, social class, or immigrant status. I believed it was my calling to have a school position where I could positively impact the next generations of leaders, guiding them through the journey of elementary, middle, and high school. As a male of color, I felt that it was important to be a school counselor because there was and still is a lack of men and men of color in this important role for the school community. I took this opportunity to help my students grow, develop, graduate, pursue all their dreams, and achieve future success no matter what obstacles they face.

As a school counselor, I am responsible for all students who attend Sonia Sotomayor School No. 25. I meet with students one on one to discuss plans to improve their academic records and social and emotional well-being. I meet with students as a group to discuss topics that are beneficial to their age group. I schedule meetings with students, parents, guardians, and teachers to work as a team to create a plan for student success. I help resolve conflicts between students allowing them to take the lead in conflict resolution. I assist in creating student and teacher schedules during the summer and school year. I am responsible for attendance tracking and notices that are sent out. I am also the AVID Site Team Coordinator, PSAT8/9 Testing Coordinator, NJSLA Testing Coordinator, High School Selection Coordinator, and Gifted and Talented Coordinator. I directly impact students in my school by having a great School Counseling program and creating personalized strategies to ensure student success.