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My name is Stefanie Romatowski and I am part of the 5-year Mathematics Education K-12 Program. I recieved my Bachelors in Mathematics with a minor in Theater Arts. I am in the process of getting a TOSD certification as well as in the future trying to earn a Classroom Technology Certification. I was first enrolled in Mason Gross School of the Arts starting in 2012 for my BFA in Theater Production with a concentration in Stage Management. An early quarter life crisis put my back on the track to my love of math, but never let me forget my love of theater! I currently work at The Goddard School of North Brunswick as a teacher assistant in the Pre-K classroom. I have previous experience also as a Stage Manager at a children's theater camp at McCarter Theater in Princeton for 6-8 grades, as well as working at a dog kennel grooming dogs. My student teaching placement was Rahway, NJ in an 8th grade algebra classroom (Honors, CP, and Inclusion). It was the greatest experience; I had the BEST teacher and the BEST students, and found that places like Rahway are my ideal location for future jobs. My hobbies include hockey (New Jersey Devils), watching Netflix (I am finally watching the Office and am on season 4!), running, yoga, tea drinking, wine tasting, and hiking. I also have a twin brother who currently lives in Los Angeles - he is the one in the photo with me on top of Runyon Canyon about a half hour outside of center city LA!

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Hello! My name is Sarah, and I am in the last year of the 5-year Mathematics Education K-12 program. I hold a Bachelors in Mathematics, and in May I will be earning a M.Ed. in Mathematics Education. I am pursuing a TOSD certification as well. Last fall I did my student teaching at Franklin High School, where I taught Algebra II Honors, Precalculus Honors, and Math Explorations 10. For the past month I have been working as a Leave Replacement Math Teacher at FHS (which sadly is coming to an end next week), where I teach Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. I have learned so much during those experiences and I can't wait to learn more this semester during my classes. In my free time, I like to watch Youtube or Netflix, go hiking, or walk on trails (the latter two when the weather is nice, of course :) ).

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Hi! My name is Tara and am currently studying to get my endorsement for Teacher of Students with Disabilities. I grew up in Middlesex, NJ and just recently bought a house in Mount Arlington, NJ on Lake Hopatcong. For undergrad, I attended Ramapo College of NJ where I obtained a BA in Literature with a concentration in Elementary K-5 Education. Since graduating, I have had a difficult time working my way into a school. I have applied to what feels like every town in this state and nothing seemed to be working out for me. For two years, I was working in the Billing Department of a walk-in/urgent care center. Those two years took a huge toll on my mental health because it wasn't the right fit for me. Last summer was my breaking point and I decided to go back to school for special education. I also focused all of my time trying to get out of my current job. In October, I finally took a chance and quit my job. Now, I am a classroom paraprofessional at the Lake Drive School for the Hearing Impaired in Mountain Lakes, NJ. Although it isn't what I want as a permanent career, I am so beyond happy to be working in a school with kids. I am in a classroom with eight 4th and 5th graders.
On a side note, teaching doesn't take up my entire life. I enjoy being on the boat on the lake, hiking, horse-back riding, walking with my puppy (handsome boy posted below), and traveling! Also, yoga has become a huge part of my life the past few years. I look forward to working with everyone and learning everything I can from you all!

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Hey! My name is Jennifer and I'm currently enrolled to receive my endorsement for Teacher of Students with Disabilities. I went to Rutgers as an undergrad and received a BA in Psych. When I graduated, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I got a job in an out of district placement school for students with disabilities as a teacher's aide. It was there that I decided that I wanted to pursue teaching. So I enrolled in the alternate route program. I currently teach K-4th students with multiple disabilities.  Aside from my career as a teacher, I also do in home behavior therapy for a boy with autism.  Since graduating college, I've continued taking various courses (alternate route and elsewhere). After I complete 2 courses this semester, I will be finished with school. It's bittersweet, but I'm looking forward to the free time that I'll gain from being done!

When I'm not working or enrolled in school, I enjoy traveling, hikes, and exploring different museums and environments. I have a dog who goes anywhere with me that will allow animals.

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Hey everyone! My name is Julia Ferrante and I am a current student in the GSE's 5-year Math Teacher Education and Certification program! I am now in my last semester of my full 5 years here at Rutgers and it's been such a long ride, yet it's gone so fast! I would like to teacher middle or high school math, starting in September. Currently, I am working as a substitute teacher, babysitting, tutoring, and potentially getting another part time job, as well as taking 5 graduate level courses! (I like to keep myself busy!) I love cooking, baking, playing many different games, spending quality time with my friends and family. I LOVE cats, and below is a picture of me and my 17 year old kitty, Oliver. He is my bestie, but he lives at home with my parents, so I don't get to see him as much and I miss him terrible (living in the Somerset area for school currently). I am looking forward to my last semester as a college student!

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Hello everyone!
My name is Erin Meyer and I am an art teacher at McKeown Elementary in Sussex County. I have been teaching art for seven years and have decided to go back to school for special education. I teach all the students in my school and would like to be able to be more educated in teaching children with special needs. This is my second online Rutgers class. In my spare time, my husband and I are working on our second "fixer upper" house and hoping to move in soon! I also enjoy glassblowing and creating my own glass jewelry at home. We have our rescue dog Tilly. She loves being outside and hiking with us! We hope to rescue more dogs when we move into our new home!

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Hey guys! My name is Amy Palacios. I recently graduated with my BA in Mathematics. I plan on graduating in May with my Masters in Math K-12 Education and getting my teacher certification and special education endorsement.
This past fall I student taught at Bound Brook High school in a Math resource and special education setting. It was an impactful learning experience to say the least. Currently I am co-teaching at Hatikvah International Academy Charter School. I absolutely love it and look forward to working with the students for the rest of the year.
When I am not learning or teaching Mathematics I like relaxing with my friends and family by playing board games, video games or just watching re-runs of The Office. I have recently taken up small projects that have me work away from screens (like crocheting, programming, or reading books/series) for self-care and introspection.

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Hi! My name is Jessica Rehfuss. I go by “Jess.” I have my BA in Psychology from Kean. I spent several years working at the YMCA, as a preschool teacher and then a Childcare and Camp Director. A few years ago, I decided to return to school to pursue a career in science education. I completed pos- bacc undergrad credits in bio and am not enrolled in the GSE, earning my masters in Education with a teaching cert in bio. I  love science and am excited to share my passions with my students.

In my free time, I love to read, spend time with family and friends, travel, sing karaoke, play board games and more.

I babysit for 3 girls after school. Recently, the youngest (8 years old) and I decided to start writing a book series called “Babysitter and Best Friend” ❤️

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Hello everyone,

My name is Cleo You.  I am in 5 year program in mathematics option.  I have my major as math and minor as Psychology.  Last semester, I had student teaching in North Brunswick high school.  I taught 9th  to 12th grade. During my student teaching, one of my class was inclusive setting. After I am done with my student teaching, I have more interest related to special education.  My hobby is traveling.  In this winter break, i traveled Spain, and still struggling with jet legs. My goal is to be a math teacher in high school.

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Hello all!  My name is Linnea Middleton and this is my second to last course for the TOSD endorsement program.  I have a BA in both Early Childhood Education and Psychology from William Paterson University.

This is my 10th year in the classroom, and have spent my entire career working in an integrated preschool classroom in a public school district.  This is my first year co-teaching with another educator and it has been absolutely wonderful.  We work mostly with students with autism and those with communication difficulties, and I have gained so much experience with ABA/discrete trials and PECS this year.

When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my puppy, hiking, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.

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Hello Fellow Educators,

My name is Chris Focarile and this is my last course in the TOSD program at Rutgers. I started this journey three years ago when I had two back surgeries and was out of work for several months. I look forward to finally completing the program and obtaining my endorsement. I hold a K-6 certification that I earned from Rutgers Camden. I currently work at a private, special needs school where I teach technology to multiply disabled students.

My original BA was in theater and I enjoy performing and directing when I have the time. To that end, I serve on the Executive Board of a local community theater. I also enjoy anything pop culture related and have a great deal of useless trivia stored away in my head .

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Hey everyone,

My name is Jon Lancaster, and this is my sixth course in the TOSD program. I graduated from Ramapo College in 2015, where I studied History, Psychology, and Education. From there, I took a high school social studies position at Bergen Technical High School, where I currently work. I teach Honors United States History I, AP Seminar, and AP Research this year - all of which I enjoy. In the past, I served as a collaborative teacher, which I also genuinely enjoyed.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy playing and listening to music, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and reading. I look forward to meeting you all!

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Hello,  my name is Rita Miller. I have a B.A. from the City University of New York.This past year I worked with 2nd graders at Hampton Public School. This year I am with 1st graders.  I also worked for 10 year in a parochial schools as a middle school social studies teacher.  I hope to have my endorsement in Special Education by the end of the year, so I can continue working with children on  the autism spectrum.Outside the classroom  I enjoy crafting, painting, and drawing (not very well), I also like a good Mystery book with comic relief.  I also recently turned fifty, so it has been a while since I been on the student end of a classroom. I am looking forward to expand my knowledge.

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Hello,  my name is Rita Miller. I have a B.A. from the City University of New York.This past year I worked with 2nd graders at Hampton Public School. This year I am with 1st graders.  I also worked for 10 year in a parochial schools as a middle school social studies teacher.  I hope to have my endorsement in Special Education by the end of the year, so I can continue working with children on  the autism spectrum.Outside the classroom  I enjoy crafting, painting, and drawing (not very well), I also like a good Mystery book with comic relief.  I also recently turned fifty, so it has been a while since I been on the student end of a classroom. I am looking forward to expand my knowledge.

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Hi, my name is Linda Phillips and this is my 5th course in the TOSD program.  Teaching is a second career after spending time in the business sector.  After teaching general education in public and charter schools, I found my passion for working with students with behavioral and emotional challenges while teaching homebound students who were not successful in a traditional school setting.  I currently teach 9th-10th grade students with severe learning disabilities or mild to moderate cognitive disabilities at an out of district school, Pineland Learning Center, in Vineland NJ.  Previously, I also taught at a residential treatment facility.  Despite the challenges associated with teaching this unique population, I feel as thought I found my niche.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy traveling, going to the beach, reading, and bike riding.

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Hello! My name is Kelsey Johnson. I am in my final semester of the GSE program for mathematics education and working towards completing my TSOD certification. My student teaching placement last semester was in a grad 8 mathematics self-contained special education classroom. I was truly blown away by how much being in this placement made me realize I want to teach students in special education placements.

While finishing up my final semester before earning my Ed.M., I am also working two days a week at the middle school where I student taught as a long-term sub in a grade 8 bilingual math classroom. My role in the classroom is to provide support to the students and teacher in math content. I love working with middle-school level students but would be interested in teaching anything from grade 7 through 12. Outside of school, I enjoy hanging out with my family, friends and dog. I also spend my time knitting and hiking.

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Hi! My name is Rowen Kanj. Last semester I did my student teaching in New Brunswick Middle School, 7th grade pre-algebra, with Ms. Shawn Gay. I was really lucky to have such an amazing cooperating teacher and will hopefully work with her in the future (when she opens her own ALC, probably). I'm working at NBMS this spring as well, supporting a leave replacement two days a week. After we graduate, I want to work in a high school because although I really love middle-school aged students, I miss teaching higher-level maths. I live in South Plainfield and will probably stay in Jersey forever - hopefully, I'll get to stay in the New Brunswick district!

I'm in the five-year program at the GSE, so I got my Bachelors in Math last year and I'll get my Ed.M. this May. In the summer I'll take my last couple SpEd classes to get my endorsement before the 2019-2020 school year starts.

Outside of Rutgers, I'm a Catalyst tutor and bootcamp instructor, focusing on SAT/ACT, math, and writing skills. I love reading really long books, binge-watching Netflix shows, dancing, and kickboxing. Also, that's my dog Lulu helping me with the edTPA.

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Hello everyone! My name is Kylah Corron, and I am a current graduate student in my last semester before graduation this summer! I am in the 5 year K-12 Math Education Masters program and I am also going for my Special Education endorsement as well. I graduated with my Bachelors in Mathematics last summer.

Last semester I was a full-time student teacher in an 8th-grade math classroom at Franklin Middle School, and the semester before that I was in the same school two days every week working with the same host teacher. My experience in Franklin Middle School over the past year was awesome and I learned so much, and hope to one day work with such great educators who work together and support each other the way I was able to experience at FMS. I taught two general math education 8th grade classes and one ICR class that was half general ed students and half special ed students along with a special ed teacher in the room. I am soon going to start substitute teaching during this semester while continuing to do in-home tutoring sessions with students of many different ages.

I grew up in Vermont and moved to NJ 10 years ago and have lived in South River NJ ever since. I travel back up to Vermont at least twice a year to visit my family there. I am the oldest of 7 younger siblings (2 of which live in Vermont with my Dad) so you could say I have been taking care of kids since I was old enough to change a diaper. Being from Vermont I grew up skiing and horseback riding, which I still try to do as much as I can.

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Hey Everyone,

My name is Jordon Phillips. I graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in history in May of 2017. I am currently enrolled in the GSE pursing my EdM in secondary social studies education as well as the TOSD certification. I am student teaching in Bound Brook high school in a social studies classroom. Last semester I was placed in a BD classroom and really enjoyed my time there. I was initially apprehensive about pursuing special education, but my experience last semester was amazing and reaffirmed why I want to pursue this field.

I am hoping to strengthen my literacy skills in order to best meet the needs of the students at my school. Proficient literacy skills are an issue at Bound Brook in both special and general education classrooms. I am looking forward to a great semester.

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Hello all,

My name is Katelynn (Katy) DiDonato. I am a 6th grade teacher at a private school in Titusville, NJ. Our students are out of district placements with a variety of classifications, however, ED/BD is the most common. I have taught 2nd-6th grade over the years and enjoy every bit of it! This is my 6th year of teaching and I am currently pursuing my TOSD Endorsement after completing the Alternate Route coursework four years ago.

I am a graduate of University of Central Florida and from Orlando originally ( I know, everyone wonders why/how I ended up on New Jersey). I have three sons ages 6, 2, and 9 months. There is never a dull moment in our household!

I am looking forward to strengthening my literacy skills both at home for my sons and for my middle schoolers at work. I would like to find more ways to implement activities/assessments in the classroom that can help support the IEPs of all my students an also build their reading levels.

I am looking forward to getting to know all of you!

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Hello, my name is Shameeka Gibbs. I am currently in my sixteenth year of teaching preschool in the Plainfield School District.  I have worked the entire time at the same center that hired me less than six weeks after graduating undergrad.  As a Plainfield native, I take great pleasure and consider it an honor to be able to give back to my community in this way.

I fell in love with teaching while working towards by B.A in psychology here at Rutgers in 2002.  Although I completed that degree, I found the alternate route program and was able to become a teacher.  I later went on to course work at Bank Street College of Education and eventually completed my M.A in early childhood education from Kean University in 2011.  This is my final class in the certification program and I am excited to have reached this goal. Online learning was new to me, and at times challenging. But I have gained so much confidence and knowledge from all that I have learned and have even been able to use it to help support/advocate for my students and families.

I have been happily married to my husband for 13 years (who I met at Rutgers!) and have two amazing children. I consider it a blessing to come home to them every night. The three of them keep me happy, busy, laughing, and did I say busy! (laugh) I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching television, and listening to music.

My goals are to learn more about the literacy development for older students and how it changes as students grow. Additionally, my daughter is in the 4th grade and is an avid reader. She has consistently been well above her grade level in reading since the 1st grade, and I would love to gain a better insight on how to support her through the changes sure to come as she gets older so she does not loose her love of reading. Lastly, I would like to learn from the experiences of others with regards to specific strategies for literacy instruction.

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Hi All-
My name is Sharlene. I graduated from Montclair State College (yes college... not university) where I earned my degree in Health and Physical Education. I taught HPE  to high school students for 12 years, stayed home to raise my two boys, then returned to teaching HPE to high school students in another school district.  After several more years of teaching HPE ,  I decided that instead of coaching other people's children (which is expected for PE Teachers), I wanted to be able to watch my sons play, so I made a move to teach Special Education. I am presently teaching students ages 18-21, who have multiple disabilities and are on the higher end of the autism spectrum,  work readiness skills to prepare them for competitive employment in the community. I love my job!
I enjoy spending time with my husband and boys,  photography, and the beach.
This is my last class to complete my "Teaching Students With Disabilities" endorsement...Woohoo!  Looking forward to using new tools and learning about new strategies to help my students succeed.

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Hello, everyone.  My name is Jennifer. I studied music and French in Canada and became a teacher there.  I had several teaching posts, and then studied for my Montessori diploma.  I stayed at home with my children when they were young, and went back to work about 6 years ago.  I currently teach math in a high school and I am pursuing my TOSD certificate to become a more effective teacher in our special education classroom.

I like to sew, play the piano, and walk my dog along the beach.  I love spending the  evening playing board games with the family.

I am looking forward to learning how to support readers and writers in middle school.  Many of my middle school teachers loved working with that age group.  I am also a literacy volunteer, so I know that I will be learning skills and techniques that will help my client.

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Hi everyone. My name is Dan McDonald. I graduated from Seton Hall University where I received a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing. I worked one year in NYC at a marketing firm following a professional baseball career with the New York Mets organization. Unfortunately an injury ended my career but it was a great experience! I decided to teach/coach because I felt it was the best fit for me so I went back to school at FDU and earned my elementary teaching certification. I spent one year as a fifth grade math/science teacher in Chester, NJ which was awesome. Then I got a call from my home district to teach multiply disabled students since the program was expanding. I am currently in my third year as an MD Math/Science/Community Based Instruction teacher at Morris Knolls High School and I love what I do. I have a newborn boy named Chase who I cannot get enough of and I coach basketball and baseball.

This class is my last class toward the TOSD certification. It has been quite the journey and I am looking forward to working with all of you over the next few months. Good luck everyone!

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Hi everyone! My name is Danielle Dworak. I graduated in May with my bachelor's degree in Mathematics. This is now my final semester in the 5-Year K-12 Math Education Program. I will also be completing my Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification this summer. I am very excited to be almost done!

I just completed my full-time student teaching this fall at Sampson G. Smith Middle School in Franklin Township. I was offered a long-term substitute position for a teacher out on medical leave and began right after my clinical experience was over. I am teaching 6th grade Money Matters and 8th grade Exploring Math. Since these classes are considered labs and extended help, I see my classes for 35 minutes every other day. It is different than what I am used to, 70-minute periods every day, but I am loving the experience and knowledge I am gaining.

I live and grew up in Edison, New Jersey. I have two older sisters and four step brothers. My step-brothers live in California with my dad so I like to visit as much as possible. I have a three-year-old nephew who I absolutely adore! My middle sister, just gave birth to her second child yesterday, a baby girl! Also, my oldest sister is having twin girls in March! I am going to be surrounded by babies and I love it! Any free chance that I get, I spend time with my family, read a book, and relax by the beach (unfortunately this not the season).

I look forward to this semester and all the new things we are about to learn!

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My name is Nichole Roach. I am in my second year of teaching at Durand academy (a private school for children with special needs). I have seven wonderful students ranging in age from 16 to 20. All of the students in my class have moderate to severe developmental disabilities. Since I dont have a degree in special education, I am working on earning my TOSD endorsement.
I completed my undergrad studies at Marian University of Fond du Lac Wisconsin. I graduated in 2002 with a degree in early childhood/elementary education. Shortly after graduation I moved to NJ and married my husband and had my daughter. After working for a year I decided to stay at home to raise my children. In 2013 I went back to work. I subbed for a bit and then got a job as an aid at Durand. Two years ago they hired me to teach. It's funny, the last thing I ever thought I'd teach was high school!! I really do love my students and my job, though.
I look forward to learning new things during this course and I can't wait to apply what I've learned in my classroom!

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Hello everyone! My name is Dr. Carmen Gordillo and I am your instructor for the Spring 2019.  In 2015 I graduated from the new Ed.D. program here at Rutgers University. My degree is in Teacher Leadership and I completed my dissertation on adolescent literacy.  I have a Reading Specialist Master's Degree from New Jersey City University and another Master's Degree in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. I also completed my undergrad at Rutgers University where I double majored in Psychology & Spanish. I taught 3-8th grade in Brooklyn, New York at the beginning of my career. I have taught juniors and seniors at New Jersey City University. In addition, I have taught literacy and social studies methods courses here at Rutgers University. Currently, I teach 8th grade at a middle school in West Orange, NJ.  Furthermore, I serve on the board for the New Jersey Literacy Association and Center for Literacy Development at Rutgers.

I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, reading about pop culture, and learning. My goal is to continue growing as literacy leader locally and nationally.

Below is a picture of when I was hooded by Dr. Lesley Morrow, my adviser, at graduation.