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As a Deaf individual, I have ventured my studies towards those who have disabilities naturally! Growing up, I have always wanted to be a teacher, and now that I can be, I am noticing there is something missing, kids that are like me when I was growing up! In Education, there is a stigma for those with disabilities to "fail in life" just because they are different. Working in my current school as a Para, I am seeing that I just may have a touch that I never knew, assisting students with their development and seeing the lessons instilled in them! Not just aiming for academics, but I truly believe that the mental ability and confidence is what humans need to prioritize so we can learn the best way! Who wants to learn anything when they are feeling not confident in their abilities? Who can even learn when their emotions are making the path blurry? This is what I had to overcome, and I wish to be able to show the new generations skills to overcome these differing factors in our lives! Also, dogs are life; American Sign Language is where its at; and there can never be too many plants in your house!

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I’m contributing with experience working with children in my homeland and this country. During my college course students had to visit the Essex County College child care center and document their experiences. Of course I learned a lot and grant me the motivation to purse my teaching goals and career. Although I was a nurse for 12 years and decided to switch careers.

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Hi everyone!

My name is Ana Saburi. I am from Brazil and I study Early Childhood Education P-3 with TSD at Kean University. I speak Portuguese and English (but I need to improve my English). Being bilingual is very important to me because I know how hard it is for children when they arrive in a new country and do not understand the language. I want to help these children feel welcome and supported.

I want to be a Pre-K teacher because I believe the first school experience is very special. At this age, children need a lot of love, patience, and care. They are starting to learn about the world, and they need teachers who make them feel safe, happy, and confident. I believe every child is unique and learns in their own way, so I want to give them different ways to explore, play, and grow.

My dream is to create a classroom full of joy, learning, respect, and love. I want my students to feel that school is a place where they can be themselves, make friends, and learn new things every day. For me, this profession is not about money. It is about love and the chance to help shape the future of children in a positive way. Teaching is my passion, and I am excited to continue learning and growing so I can be the best teacher I can be.

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My name is Madison Dilts and I am a junior at Kean. I am majoring in Early Childhood P3/TSD with my content being Psychology. I've been working as an RBT for about three years. I started as a film major and found a love for teaching through working with kids at a summer camp in 2021. Working with special needs students is something I realized I wanted to pursue after working as a teacher's aid in a kindergarten special ed classroom. I want to become a teacher to help kids achieve functional life skills they can utilize to help them live a more independent life.

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My name is Jesenia Martinez and I am in my Junior year at Kean majoring in Early childhood P3/TSD with a minor in spanish. I currently work at a special needs school as a teachers assistant where most of my students are under the autism spectrum. I want to become a teacher because my passion is to provide students with a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow and reach their fullest potential. I especially enjoy working with the special needs population, as I believe they thrive when lessons are designed with creativity, flexibility, and compassion. Incorporating creative approaches into my teaching allows me to meet their unique needs while encouraging them to discover their strengths and build confidence.

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Hello, My name is Kyldesha. I like to say I'm old but not that old, I'm 30!. I have decent background working with children. I am a Summer Camp Director in East Orange for 3 years , and as a substitute teacher for about 4 years. I've always known that teaching was my passion, even though life sometimes got in the way. I want to become a teacher to shape little minds before they start talking back. I can contribute my experiences from working as substitute.

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Hi! My name is Joy Strother. I am 21 years old, and my major is Early Childhood Education with a content area of theatre. I have some experience working with young children through working at a childcare center during my senior year of high school and freshman year of college. Additionally, I have worked with older children while directing my church's Christmas play and Easter program. I believe that my content area in theatre, along with the knowledge I've gained from those classes, can help introduce new ideas and methods of teaching, such as creative drama.

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Hey, My name is Jessica Bartley. I am 33 years old, and have been a student here at Kean for a few years working part time towards my P-3 TSD Area Content in Psych. I currently work full time at a Preschool, where I have been for about 10 years as a teacher, IA, and an interim teacher. I have been working with children for about 15 years and enjoy celebrating my student's achievements and milestones. I love working with the ages 3-5 years, and hope to teach Pre-K once I obtain my teaching degree. I have a lot of experience working with the Tools of the mind curriculum, I have a passion for teaching young children, and I enjoy knowing that what I teach them will become the foundation for the skills they will learn & develop in their future. I am look forward to meeting you all, and to a great semester.

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Hello everyone, my name is Brianna. I am a senior; I am 20 but will be 21 in a few days. My major is early childhood education, P-3 teacher of students with disabilities, and psychology for my content area. I work at the daycare on campus. Outside of school, I work at a Jewish summer camp where I am the director of the special needs program. Along with that job, I work at the Jewish community center in their after-school program, and on the weekends, I take care of a 32-year-old man with special needs. I also work for the Special Olympics of New Jersey, and I'm president of the Unified Special Olympics club here at Kean on Sundays. My whole life revolves around special needs and children, which are two areas I am very passionate about. Seeing the growth of my students from the start to the end of the school year is one of the main reasons why I want to teach, because I know I made a difference in that child's life. When it comes to this class, due to my exposure to different areas of learning, especially on the special needs side, I believe that will benefit me in this class. Overall, my goal is to become a lead teacher for a special needs classroom and to later on hopefully open my own special needs school.

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Hi, my name is Caitlin Figueroa. I am 25 years old and I am majoring in Early Childhood Education P-3. I have no prior experience with children but I am hoping to start substituting this semester. I have wanted to be a teacher since the 1st grade. I would love to work with younger children because I love how eager they are to learn and I want to be one of the reasons that they enjoy learning! My goal is to create a warm and comfortable environment for all of my future students.

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Hello everyone, my name is Eimy Paulino, I’m a 21-year-old first generation college student. I love reading and writing, my favorite genre to read is poetry, and I love music. I’m majoring in Early Childhood Education/TSD Endorsement P-3. I also have a content area in psychology. My experience working with children is not much, yet, I have prior experience working with children through the many observations opportunities I’ve had throughout my courses. I have a substitute license that I plan on finally using this semester, and because of my psychology course I have knowledge of child development, and behavioral development which can be very helpful once I get to the classroom. Finally, I wanted to become a teacher because I’ve always known I wanted to be part of something bigger than just me, being a pivotal part of a child’s education and personal development is one of the many reasons I’m excited to start teaching. Children, especially from P-K to 3rd grade are metaphorical sponges ready to absorb any and all information around them and it is up to us, educators, parents and adults to guide them and teach them about the world.

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Hi name is Evelyn, and I’m currently a junior majoring in Early Childhood education. I love to travel and go to concerts.

When I first started college I was majoring in nursing but later when I started to work in an afterschool program I started to think that I could see myself working with children more than being a nurse. When my sister was entering preschool, I would volunteer in her classroom to help out and I would always enjoy it. A couple years later, I started working at a summer camp and I had so much fun working with children from ages 3-5. That experience inspired me to get my CDA which eventually helped me get a teacher assistant job. It will be my 10th year working as an assistant teacher. One of the most rewarding parts of working in early education is watching how much they grow throughout the year, emotionally, socially, and academically. I would love to teach preschool because i'm familiar with it but i'm open to working with 1st graders or even 3rd graders to see the differences.

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Hi everyone! My name is Cassandra. I am 23 years old. I currently am a full time student and worker. My major is Early Childhood Education P-3 TSD Endorsement with a content area focus in English. Originally my goal after graduating with my bachelors degree was to become a second grade teacher. Earlier this year, I began working for an ABA company as a Registered Behavioral Technician, and I love it. It allows me to work one-on-one with children with special needs. I am able to help them regulate their emotions and communicate in ways that aren’t limited to verbal communication. I love being able to see the change that we as educators can make in a child’s life. Until I graduate, I am still up in the air about whether I would like to still pursue teaching or to continue in the ABA field. Both are such rewarding careers that I know I would enjoy based on my passion for early childhood education.

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My name is Emily Mejia Lopez and I am a Junior. I love to drink Tea and Coffee! I love to try new things that promote self wellness.

I have experience as a Substitute Teacher for the last three years in multiple school districts. I wanted to become a well rounded educator that had experience in urban and suburban areas before it was my turn as an Early Childhood Educator. My time working in schools lead me to work in Special Education Classrooms, Inclusion Classrooms, ESL Classrooms and General Education Classrooms from Pre-K to the 8th Grade. During this time, I took advantage of the opportunity and explored beyond my comfort zone of working with older grades just to make sure Early Childhood Education was the correct path for me. Every year I am discovering more about myself and the type of class I am most effective in. During the summer, I worked in a summer camp as a camp counselor. My current role is a long term Teacher’s assistant in an ESL classroom.

As the eldest of six children in the house, I looked after them from an early age which taught me caretaking abilities. As our parents worked full-time jobs, it was mostly my responsibility to be creative with their childhood and make the most of the little we had. Now that we are all grown up they tell me about activities we’ve done that I don’t even remember, yet they remind me of the impact it made for them. Even though I spent countless hours of unpaid labor, it was a labor of love, and I can’t be too upset because I made a career out of it. This is why I want become an Educator

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Hi everyone! My name is Casie Williams and my major is Early Childhood Education P-3 TSD Endorsement with a content of math. I have been working in childcare for the past 10 years. I started off teaching in a Pre-K class, but 4 years ago took on the role as one of the assistant directors for my center. I decided that I wanted to come back to school and get my degree in teaching, because I love seeing the change you can make in a child’s life. When a child learns something new, or has something they have been working on click, the excitement and joy they have is so heart warming and motivating as a teacher. It makes you want to come up with more exciting and challenging activities to keep their excitement of learning stay. I would love to jump back into a Pre-K classroom and hopefully kickstart their excitement for school and their love for learning.

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Hi!

My name is Sara Barcelos. I am 23 and my major is Early Childhood Education P-3 TSD Endorsement and my concentration is in English writing. This is my junior year and I'm excited to be back at school to get closer to my goal. I do not currently work with children but I am looking forward to it someday! I did briefly nanny for a family friend and loved every minute of it. Kids are so fun! I want to become a teacher to make a difference in children's lives as well as contribute to their learning as I love to learn! I had some really great teachers troughout school who took interest in me and pushed me to be the best student I could be even when I doubted myself. These teachers played a huge role in my decision to become a teacher.

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Hi Everyone!

My name is Shayna Ruchaevsky. I am an Early childhood education major, and have been working in childcare for over 6 years. I have worked in schools, camps, and private in-home childcare. I also have lots of experience working with individuals with disabilities including personal experience with my younger brother, volunteer work with the Special Olympics of New Jersey, and various other endeavors. One of the people who inspired me to become a teacher is my Aunt who is also an Early Childhood teacher and tutor having worked mostly in preschool and kindergarten. After graduation I hope to teach 1st grade.

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Hi everyone!

My name is Michel Bustamante. I’m 26 year old, my major is Early childhood education. Prek to 3 grade my content are is Spanish. I like go to the gym everyday that makes me feel happy and energetic. I have some experience with children, having worked for three years in a preschool. I'm currently a nanny. I've worked with different children and ages, which has helped me understand a little more about the world of children. I want to be a teacher because, ever since I was little, I've had a wonderful connection with them. I was also an aunt when I was very young, and I've always helped take care of my nieces. What I like most about all of this is being able to teach children in a fun and loving way to help them achieve each small milestone.

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I am an early childhood education major P-3 TSD endorsement, and my concentration is psychology. I am currently employed as a supervisor at Starbucks, and I substitute occasionally throughout the week. Fun fact, I have a cat that I spoil as much as possible. I am currently in my junior year. I have subbed for all ages, but I enjoy working with children the most because they are eager to learn. I didn't always want to be a teacher. When I first came to college, I was at Middlesex, and I was an undeclared major. I want to be a teacher because I believe everyone deserves a fair chance at education. Growing up, I had teachers who would tell me I couldn't do certain things, but that was not true. Everyone has the potential to be who they want to be, and it is essential to shape young minds to believe that. I believe everyone learns differently, so as a teacher, I will strive to make sure every student feels seen and heard.

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Hi everyone!

My name is Alicia Garcia. My major is Early Childhood Education P-3 TSD Endorsement and a Communications content area. My dream is to be a Pre-k teacher. My biggest inspirations for what i want to do comes from my family. Growing up my mom was a Pre-k teacher and I could see how much she loved it. I also am a child of 7 kids as well as I have over 13 cousins, and they have all continue to be my influences on going out and being someone who will help other kids succeed and grow! Another reason why I want to be a Pre-k teacher is because of the Pre-k teacher I had, Mrs. Garcia. She was always so nice and energetic and really helped me open up a little as I was a super quiet kid.

I've worked at a camp for the past 4 years as a lead pre k teacher. I love reading, watching movies, listening to music, as well as binge watching shows. My favorite thing to do is really just hanging out with my friends, boyfriend, or family. Being around them even when we aren't doing anything crazy is what makes me the happiest. I hope to one day be just as amazing as the teachers who have inspired me!

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Hi I’m Josh, nice to meet you all. I’ve been working as an Assistant Pre-K Teacher since October 2023, this is my third official school year, second full one. I wanted to work with kids for a couple reasons, I never envisioned this kind of job for myself, but after doing it I realized I loved it. The teamwork, the constant work flow, the growth I can see of the kids, the different personalities, and also I want to be a father one day, and learning about kids will help me be the best father I can.

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Hi everyone!

My name is Micaela Etlinger. I am majoring in Early Childhood Education (Pre-K to 3rd Grade) with a content area focus in Earth Science. I began my college journey at Raritan Valley Community College, where I earned my Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and played basketball there as well. After graduating, I was still unsure about pursuing a career in law enforcement. While figuring things out, I started working as a paraprofessional. I spent two years in that role, beginning as a one-on-one aide for a 4th grade student. Shortly after, I was asked to switch and work with a little girl in Pre-K with Down syndrome. I said yes, and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made!

Coincidentally, I was placed in my sister’s Pre-K classroom. Although she was hesitant at first (understandably so!), we quickly became the best dynamic duo, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world. My sister and colleagues encouraged me to go back to school, and thanks to their support, here I am three semesters away from finishing my degree at Kean.

I am so happy I chose the path of education, and I hope to become a preschool teacher in the near future!

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Hi everyone !

My name is Leslie Ramirez! My major is Early Childhood Education, but I hope to teach second grade in my future. This is my junior year at Kean and I am a transfer student from Middlesex College. Some facts about me are that I love to play video games, stream, and color. I am also a cat mom of a calico cat named Messi. I used to work at a daycare in my town from 2018-2021, but currently work at Playa Bowls near me.

My prior experience is that I had worked around kids from preschool to fourth grade, they were either special needs kids, ESL kids, or gen-ed students. I had also done my observation hours during my early years in college. What inspired me to become a teacher is actually a teacher I had growing up. My second grade teacher really meant a lot to me and seeing her care for her students and go above and beyond to make learning fun really left a mark on me. My class was her first year teaching and that is something I will always remember and feel happy for knowing we were able to be a big milestone on her biggest moment in her career. There were so many memories I have shared with her that has inspired me to want to become a teacher and teach second grade being that it was a fun and memorable year for me.

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My name is Breana, and my major is Early Childhood Education P-3, TSD. I currently work 1:1 with individuals with autism as an ABA therapist and also have experience as a paraprofessional in a Preschool Disabilities (PSD) classroom. Both roles have given me the opportunity to work closely with children who have diverse needs, and I love seeing the progress they make over time. The work isn’t always easy, but it has been fulfilling in a way I’ve never experienced before. Through my studies, I aspire to become a teacher of students with disabilities, preferably in preschool or kindergarten, and eventually open my own preschool. So far, I’ve been able to apply course content to my career, and I’m eager to see how this course will do the same.

Balancing work, school, and personal life has been a challenge. I work full-time, attend school full-time, and I’m also a mom to a very active nine-year-old. At times it feels like I’m being pulled in many directions, but I know the effort will be worth it in the end. Outside of responsibilities, I try to make time for activities I enjoy. Recently, I’ve discovered aerial yoga, which is similar to traditional yoga but done in the air. It’s both exhilarating and relaxing, and it’s quickly become a new favorite.

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My name is Gianna. My major is Early Childhood Education PK-3 + a TSD for children with disabilities and my content area is English Writing. Some fun facts about me are I like hiking/nature, rock music, and reading in my free time. Aside from that, I have prior experience working with special needs students and also babysitting locally children with ages raging from just a few months old to 10 years old. But I also plan to start subbing at the elementary schools in my neighborhood. I want to be a teacher because I have a passion for helping children. Teaching gives me the opportunity to shape lives and help students realize their potential. I want to give them a safe space where they feel excited to come to my class and know they will be seen, heard, valued, and develop confidence. If I had a choice, I would love to teach Kindergarten.

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Hi! My name is Angelina, you can call me Angela! This is my Junior year, and my major is Early Childhood Education P-3. I currently work for the Westfield Area YMCA, and help out in the full day childcare program, before care, and aftercare programs. I also plan on substitute teaching this school year for Elizabeth Public Schools, since I live in Elizabeth and would like to teach in that school district. Throughout my time at the YMCA, I have worked with many different age groups, and have experienced the different stages of how children learn, and communicate.

I would like to become a teacher because growing up, I had such wonderful teachers and always knew I wanted to be like them. My teachers always made my learning experience fun and safe, and I want to be able to provide that same experience for children. I would love to teach Pre-K because it is such an important year for the students as they learn to communicate, play, and explore the social aspect.

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Hi all my name is Kim, I took sometime off from school but I am back and i'm in my Junior year.  I commute to school and live in New York. I’m an Aries and a cat mom. I currently work in special education school as a TA. One of our biggest hurdles is trying to get the kids in our class to communicate. Better communication helps in life and in class work. So hopeful the tips I learn in my classroom I can contribute here in class. If you asked me to name all the teachers I’ve had in my lifetime. I could name every single one. Especially the ones that altered my brain chemistry whether they realized it or not. In the 2nd grade I had the worst teacher and she made life miserable. I hated teachers and I hated school. In the third grade I loved my teacher so much I would call her mom by accident. I could tell she really loved her job and she made learning worth remembering. Children spend most of their life in school with teachers. And after experiencing my 3rd grade teacher I wanted to be like her when I grew up and create that safe space.

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Hi all!

My name is Dr. Joanna Abramo and I will be your professor for this course! I am very excited to be working with all of you this semester.

I have been working at Kean for the past four years as an adjunct professor and joined the College of Education this semester as a full-time lecturer. My office, and most of my courses, are based in the Ocean Campus, but will be teaching some courses in Union as well.

Over the past 20 years, I have been working in public schools, mainly in North and Central New Jersey in grades PreK to age 21. I hold teaching certifications in both general education and special education and earned both my principal and superintendent certifications as well. Beginning my career as a classroom teacher, I later worked in various leadership roles, including a special education instructional coach, and district-level administrator.

I earned a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from St. Peter’s University, hold a Master’s degree in Childhood Special Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, both from Fordham University. I also have taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses at Fordham University and worked as a Clinical Supervisor at Monmouth University.

Outside of working at the university level, I present professional development sessions to teachers throughout our area and see private clients as an academic and life coach. I love to travel and spend as much time I can at the beach with my family!

I look forward to learning from and growing with all of you!!

~Dr. Abramo