First Grade Bilingual Teacher

My interest in education began at a very young age. I always enjoyed helping people, and I often played "school" with my siblings and cousins. I loved taking on the teacher role, writing on our little chalkboard, and creating classwork and recess time. Even back then, I felt a deep passion for teaching, which made me think, “this is my future.” In addition to my childhood experiences, I was also inspired by my 7th-grade teacher, Mrs. Gonzalez, who had a profound impact on me. She taught me that no star was too far out of reach and that if I put my mind to something, I could achieve it. Mrs. Gonzalez encouraged me to be a leader, a person with strong morals, and someone who valued intelligence. I admire her dedication to bringing out the best in each of her students, and it is because of her and others like her that I decided to become a teacher.

These early experiences, along with the encouragement of inspiring role models, ultimately shaped my decision to pursue a career in education. Teaching allows me to make a meaningful difference in others' lives, just as I was impacted by those who guided me.

I believe teaching is one of the most rewarding professions in the world. Each school year, I am amazed by the progress my students make and how independent they become. As a teacher, I am committed to going above and beyond to meet each student’s needs, ensuring they feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. In my classroom, I emphasize perseverance and learning from mistakes as essential components of the learning process. From day one, I establish routines and procedures to help students become as independent as possible. This helps foster an environment where students feel confident and capable of taking on challenges.

I also encourage my students to engage in leadership roles, take ownership of their learning, and embrace independence. By providing opportunities for these activities, I help increase their motivation and engagement. I incorporate group discussions, peer interactions, and higher-order thinking questions into my lessons to deepen their understanding of the material and make them active participants in their learning. Ultimately, I believe that maintaining a positive attitude and creating a balanced, supportive, and engaging environment for all students is key to their growth and success. My goal is to inspire students to reach their full potential while fostering a love for learning.

Speech Therapist

Joanna Principato has been a member of the Elizabeth Public Schools community since 2021 and is currently a speech therapist at Sonia Sotomayor School No. 25.