Good news from Jerry Volpe:
I have accepted a High School Mathematics position in New Haven. I will be teaching 3 periods of Algebra 1 to Freshman and 1 period of remedial help in mathematics to freshmen and sophomores who require extra help.
Sincerely,
J. Volpe
Posted on August 27, 2007
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Good news relayed by Dr. Swaminathan from Emily Gregson:
Emily Gregson has been offered a job at Birch Grove in Tolland (where she student taught) as a 1/2 time kindergarten teacher.
Posted on August 22, 2007
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Good news from Beverly Chapman -
I have been offered a position at Windham Middle School where I will be teaching 5th grade, and I’ll still be close to my “home” at ECSU!
posted on August 15, 2007
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Good news from Mary Noryk shared by Dr. Tannahill
Dr. Tannahill,
I thought you might like to know that I accepted a position teaching math at Rockville High in Vernon. I had to turn schools down once I had decided to go to Rockville. The school is only 6 miles from my house. They impressed me during my interview while answering the questions I had for them. My main concern was professional develop and support for new teachers. They were the only school that went into detail about what they offer. The other schools only said that they offer it. I'm a little scared about teaching my own class. I know that I have been well prepared and should do fine.
I enjoyed being in your classes. I always took away a great deal of information from. I think it's funny that you taught the first course and last course I took in the program. I was so nervous walking into your classroom when I took EDU 553 in the fall of 2005. I hadn't been to school in 16 years.
EDU 570 helped me. I had difficulty in some of my classes because I did not have experience teaching. After my student teaching, I had a different view on things and understood the theories I learned in my courses better.
I wish the best for you in your future. You are truly an example of what a good teacher is.
Take Care,
Mary Noryk
posted on August 15, 2007
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Good news shared by Dr. Leslie Ricklin -
Cindy Vallarelli has "accepted a teaching position with the Bloomfield Public School System as a 6th grade science/social studies teacher!!!!!! I am so excited to begin my teaching career influenced by such dedicated professionals such as yourself. I will be picking up my curriculum this week and setting up my classroom very soon.
I wanted to thank you and the education staff at ECSU for all of your support, guidance, and expertise over the past years!
Please share my great news with the staff! Thanks again."
shared on August 6, 2007
*******
Good news shared by Dr. Delar Singh, Dr. Fred Ashton, and Dr. Leslie Ricklin:
Jennifer McPhee writes that she will be "teaching 5th grade at Carmen Arace intermediate school on a team of three teachers. I am in charge of teaching just science and social studies which are the two subjects I enjoy the most so I am excited. I have been going through The First Days of School book. I think I'm ready though. ... Thank you for everything, having you as a part of my life last semester made such a huge difference and I am sure that if I hadn't taken the seminar with you I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you."
Jennifer McPhee
****
More good news shared by Dr. Ricklin:
I have heard from 3 of our students about their new teaching positions:
Frank Macchi--social studies at Bloomfield HS
Lindsey Hepple--social studies at Windham HS
Jennifer Lopez--4th grade teacher at Montville Elementary School
shared on August 3, 2007
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Good news from Melissa DeMarco, past president of the Education Club and December 2006 elementary education graduate, on July 31, 2007:
"I just wanted to let you know that I got a job as a 6th grade teacher at Elizabeth Shelton Elementary School in Shelton. Right in my home town! I couldn't be happier. Just wanted to give you the good news....
As far as advice . . I would say that networking helps.
I got a job as a special ed tutor and was able to meet a lot of other professionals and form a relationship with the principal (Ms. Arpin). She later became a strong advocate for me when it was time for the interviews."
Congratulations, Melissa, and best wishes for your continuing success.
****
Dr. Fred Ashton at Windham Tech shares that "Matt Zagura ... has been offered a teaching position in health and P.E. at Goodwin Tech. The interview committee was impressed with his demeanor, attitude, and health/phys. ed. skills and knowledge. Of course, special recognition goes to Connie Clabby and the rest of the Windham Tech health and P.E. department for the preparation that was given to him here in the final round of his student teaching. It will be great to have Matt as a colleague in the Connecticut Technical High School System!"
posted on July 30, 2007
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Good news shared by Leah Barbuto
"As of Monday, July 23, 2007, I have accepted a second grade permanent position for Manchester Public Schools at Robertson Elementary School. I appreciate all of the support you and the university have given me over the years and the ample amounts of resources that I have gathered with my knowledge from your courses." - Christina Litrico
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Good news shared by Dr. Richard Reynolds:
Kristen Sixbey, one of our graduate students has found a position at South Windsor High School.
****
Thanks from Chelsea Jasek:
I recently graduated with my elementary certification, having student taught in Coventry, Connecticut and I just wanted to tell you how happy I was with the Education Program at Eastern. I truly felt that the professors in my CORE set me up for the challenges that came my way. I would especially like to note three that really aided me in my teaching steps, Dr. Richards, Dr. Kauffman and Dr. Ashton. All three of these professors provided me with actual life skills that I have been able to use in my teaching. Dr. Ashton especially allowed us time in his class to have real discussion about actual events that were occurring to us during our student teaching - all things that we could learn from. This class certainly prepared me overall for the challenges I did face and will face in my years to come.
I am so thankful that I made the right choices to come to Eastern four years ago and receive the education that I have. What a wonderful experience I have had and I would give a great amount of credit to the Education Department.
Thank you for making my time at Eastern as exceptional as possible,
Yours, Chelsea Jasek
*******
Good news about Greg Carter:
Greg Carter, a 2003 graduate of our secondary education/social studies program, is currently teaching at the Polaris Center in East Hartford. After his studies at Eastern, he continued to receive certification in special education. He was a recruiter at the CREC Minority Teacher Recruitment Career Fair at the Two Rivers Magnet Middle School on Saturday, March 10, 2007.
*******
Good news from Beverly Chapman:
I have been hired as a full-time teacher at Hampton Elementary. Since the beginning of the school year, I have been teaching fourth grade and will continue to do so for the remainder of the academic year. I am also teaching a class at Goodwin College.
posted on December 8, 2006
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Good news relayed by Dr. Dan Rothermel, Associate Professor, Literacy
Coordinator, Teacher Certification Program, University of New England Biddeford:
I just heard from one of our former Eastern students, Vincenza Paluso, that she was just hired at Burr Elementary in Hartford, CT as a second grade teacher.
posted on November 27, 2006
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Good news from Heidi White, Secondary Education/History & Social Studies graduate, Spring 2006:
I serve as a volunteer teacher and after-school mentor with the AmeriCorps in a seventh grade classroom working at McCormackMiddle School in Dorchester, MA with a women who is not a certified teacher. I am able to help her and her students out from the experiences I had in the education program student teaching and education classes. I will earn an Americorps educational award for my work in City Year once I have completed my 1,700 hours of service work. Americorps is a great way to gain real life experience in urban classrooms in cities across the country and to earn money toward future education. Tell more education students about this program.
posted on November 2, 2006
********
Good news from Heather Young, ECE graduate:
I just wanted to give you an update of what I have been up to lately. In May I finished up my Masters in Elementary Education and I was also able to cross endorse in Elementary Education. I also just signed with Bethel Public School, as a part time preschool education teacher.
Sincerely, Heather Young
posted on October 20, 2006
*****
Commendations from Dr. Fred Ashton:
Just a note to let you know that Nory Oakes is completing the first half of her first quarter as a new English teacher here at Windham Tech. Nory came highly recommended by Dr. Reynolds, and I can see why. She is intelligent, hard-working, and creative and is one of the best first year/first weeks-of-school teachers that I have seen in my 25 years as an administrator. She is using Bloom’s taxonomy and involving her seniors in all manner of writing. She has a great web site up and running for students and parents to use when they are away from the school. Eastern has taught her well and we are the proud and delighted beneficiaries.
Fred Ashton
posted on October 20, 2006
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Good news relayed by Dr. Ricklin:
I am teaching 9th grade civics at Norwich Free Academy - I love it so much.. my students are great and its been wonderful so far and I really enjoy the teachers that are in my unit. I have the greatest building principal. They are all so helpful.
It's been really busy so far. My extracurricular activity is being House Council Advisor for the Freshmen house, I have already put together a dance that was two weeks ago and it went great, we made a good amount of profit. Now we are trying to get things together for Homecoming Game this Saturday.
Kelley Creighton
posted on October 4, 2006
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Good news shared by Dr. Sudha Swaminathan:
Just wanted to let you know that I did get the Head Start Teacher position. I am now into my second week with the children. I am still working out the schedule, room arrangement, etc. The neat part is that I get to teach a lesson in the morning, and then improve the lesson for the afternoon. My supervisors are E.A. Aschenbrenner and Cindy Torrence.
Hope the start to your teaching year is going well.
Janet Richman
posted on October 4, 2006
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Great news from Dr. Ann Gruenberg:
Other Early Childhood graduates I have seen lately, employed:
Courtney Tuller- Inclusive Preschool, Gilead Hill, Hebron
Carly Grauer - Inclusive Preschool, Chaplin Elementary School
posted on September 20, 2006
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Good news from Alycia Fargnoli shared by Dr. Sudha Swaminathan:
I just wanted to let everyone at the education department know that I was just hired at Preston Elementary school as a preschool teacher. Thanks for everything that you have done for me to get me here. A year ago I couldn't have imagined having a position this quickly. Thank You! Alycia Fargnoli -- (class of 2006)
posted on September 14, 2006
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Good news from Jennifer Brokaw shared by Dr. Tannahill:
I teach at Horace W. Porter School in Columbia. I am the seventh grade math and prealgebra teacher. I also just received word that I passed my BEST portfolio. I am so excited!! Jennifer Brokaw
posted on September 8, 2006
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News from Colleen A. Moran shared by Dr. Singh,
I am writing to tell you that I have just been hired in FL to teach 5th Grade at Lamarque Elementary School. Although I would have prefered to stay in CT there were more opportunities for employment in FL.
Colleen A. Moran
posted on September 8, 2006
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News from Theresa Tiscia shared by Dr. Ricklin:
I landed a long-term sub position at Lauralton Hall in Milford teaching U.S. History to juniors and seniors. Although I will only have a job until January, it is a great place to start my career. I'm really excited to be back in the classroom. I didn't realize how much I missed it since May! Over the summer I did have the opportunity to go on several interviews and I wanted to let you know that all of the schools were very impressed with my student teaching portfolio. It definitely would be a useful tool to continue with future classes, and it was great experience for me as well. I hope that you had an enjoyable summer and wish you luck in the upcoming school year. Thanks again for the recommendation and all the help that you gave me over the last year! Theresa Tiscia
posted on September 10, 2006
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News from Rebecca Stanger:
I wanted to inform you that I have had a wonderful first week of teaching a new pilot position at GH Robertson School in Coventry. I co-teach third grade in the afternoons, Math, Science, and Social Studies. This position allows me to focus more on Numeracy, while the morning teacher, Jen Emerson, focuses on Literacy (Reading and Writing). I know the skills I have learned through ECSU will help co-teaching become more available in other districts. Who says, "You can't have your cake and eat it, too?" Thank you to all the faculty in the Education Department.
posted on September 1, 2006
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Great news shared by Dr. Ricklin and Dr. Ashton from Hope Zettwoch -
"I just wanted to let you know that I accepted a long term sub position in the 4th grade at Parker Memorial School in Tolland. I am very excited and have been busy preparing for the upcoming year. I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to The First Days of School by the Wongs. I have found it very helpful as I am planning my classroom for this fall. I have also been using The New Teachers Complete Sourcebook (Grades K-4) by Bonnie Murray which is a great resource for new teachers.
I hope that this email finds you in good health and ready to assist a new group of student teachers. I can't thank you enough for all your advice and support last year.
Sincerely,
Hope Zettwoch"
****
Great news from Bethany Champagne Holland, former student assistant in the Education Department -
Hi David. I just wanted to share some good news with you. I have been offered a position in Enfield with Nathan Hale Elementary School as the k-6 School Counselor. I signed the contract today. I am very excited to start my career and have been looking forward to this for a long time. Thanks for all of your kind works and support over the years. Bethany Holland (new email - bethany3holland@yahoo.com)
****
Great news from Kathy D'Amelio relayed by Dr. Fred Ashton:
Hi Dr. Ashton,
Just had to let you know that I was hired as a first grade teacher (possibly a 2nd grade if another person rejects the offer) at Sweeney Elementary School in Willimantic. I will be traveling my favorite route that I traveled to Eastern for 4 years. I am so excited about my new career. I will be working with a great group of people. The principal and staff were so kind and supportive even before they offered me a job. I will have a diverse group of students that will challenge me as a teacher and as a person that cares. I thought of our student teaching seminar and the teachers who visited from Hartford, when I was interviewing and teaching a lesson during the selection process. After an initial offer had been made and I had to leave, a teacher said to me "Our students need a teacher like you." I was so moved. I never felt so much true support and interest. I am so happy. I have to say that it is not easy out there. I went to 7 interviews and taught two lessons. The process was not easy. I learned a lot from it.
.... It also is good for people to hear that despite the difficult odds of getting a teaching position, it can be done. Boy, did I have some unbelievable experiences out there. If you would like, I would be willing to come back in the fall and talk about the interview/application process that I went through for your students. let me know if I can be of help. I believe we always need to give back the help we've been given. It can be depressing when you hear it takes three years. That is not always the case. Also hearing from other people helped me, inspired me and motivated me to strive even harder. ...
I wanted to thank you for all your ideas, tips and thought provoking sessions. I learned so much at Eastern. Thanks again Dr. Ashton.
Sincerely, Kathy D'Amelio
posted on June 21, 2006
*****
More good news from Fred Ashton:
"How I love to convey good news…
Ryan Webb, one of my subs and a recent ECSU graduate student grad, just stopped by. He has just been hired to teach social studies at Vinal Tech in Middletown.
Fred"
posted on June 21, 2006
Good news from Noah Ventola [mailto:noahventola@yahoo.com], shared by Dr. Ricklin
I am writing to tell you that I have been offered a social studies position at RHAM high school! The position will be either 9th grade global studies or 10th grade world civilization. I am thrilled with the position. It is the position that I wanted in the district that I hoped to work in. I owe part of my success in landing this position to my experience at Eastern as our education department has prepared me for a great future in the public schools. Thank you for all your help and support throughout the last 2 years.
Thanks again!
Noah
posted on May 22, 2006
*****
News from Cori (Beckwith) Allard (Early Childhood Education program graduate, January 2000)
I just have to take this opportunity to share with you how proud I am of my Eastern education. Upon my graduation from Eastern in January 2000, I taught for 2 years in Willimantic, then for three years in Brooklyn, New York, and have been working as a school psychologist for the past year in California. I was so well prepared by Eastern for the positions I took on, and often watched my colleagues (who graduated from other prestigious colleges of education such as Columbia University's Teacher's College) struggle to adjust to real-life classroom teaching.
Please forgive me for not knowing the current status of education certification programs at Eastern, but I think that, since the education provided by the faculty there is so comprehensive, realistic, and developmental in nature, a special education track would naturally blossom from what has already been established. I taught in an inclusion classroom in Willimantic and in a school for Emotionally Disturbed students in Brooklyn, and I cannot emphasize enough how well-prepared I was for those types of settings even though my program of study was not specifically entitled Special Education. I believe that graduates from Eastern will have no problem implementing the new standards set by Response to Intervention because of the training they have received there.
Overall, I wish for Eastern's Education Department to get the kudos it deserves for preparing well-rounded educators who are viable in a variety of regular and special education settings. I thank you for leading such a well-developed program.
Cori (Beckwith) Allard
posted on April 23, 2006
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News from Dr. Leslie Ricklin
I just had a call from Sandy Boscarino's father telling me that she is the first in this year's graduating class! Sandy is doing her student teaching right now in the 5th grade in Andover and doing a terrific job; she passed Praxis II with flying colors (199 out of 200 on the multiple choice section, for example). Oh, by the way, her other major is History. I bet that Dept. is proud of her, too.
Posted on 2/14/06
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News from Kimberlee Kenney
Mathematics & Education
Class of 2002:
My husband got orders to the USS Alaska, so we will be moving to Norfolk, Virginia around the first of March. I resigned my position as a math teacher at Grasso Technical High School and am subbing until we leave. Parting is such sweet sorrow. I have so many memories of our 7 years in Connecticut, some of the most special being spent at Eastern in our Real Analysis study group. We spent 4-6 hours a week outside of class (studying) just to impress Dr. Kenton! My love and best wishes go out to Dr. Kenton, John, Lisa, Matt, Kevin, Sita and all of the other math geeks who gutted it out with us. We are truly a bounded unique subset (in the infinite domain of humanity) in which no other subsequence will converge near our epsilon neighborhood! In Bolzano-Weierstrass we trust.
Kimberlee Kenney, Mathematics
Culture Committee, Sophomore Advisor, National Honor Society Committee
441-0387, Kim.Kenney@po.state.ct.us
www.teacherweb.com/CT/GrassoTech/Mrskenney
posted on February 6, 2006
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Dr. Fred Ashton reports from Windham Tech -
Our two new teachers and recent Eastern graduates, Glenn Anderson and Chris Morgan, are doing fabulously well, as is Diane Trumbull (also new to us, and a less-recent ECSU grad).
Looking forward to having Violet Lukasik student teaching here with Lyn Williams, ECSU graduating class of 1998, this spring.
posted on November 2, 2005
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Message from Mike Hetherington, Master of Science in Elementary Education program graduate, 2003
On October 7th, my 6th grade class at Horace W. Porter School launched their first podcast. A podcast is an Internet radio broadcast available for download. If you or the alumni would like to listen, just go to our class weblog at http://room613talk05.edublogs.org/tag/podcasts/ or look for Room 613 Talk in the Educational Podcast section of Itunes. My students worked collaboratively to write the introduction, feature stories, transitions and closing. So far we have received positive feedback on the podcast from listeners as far away as Georgia, Arizona, and New Zealand. As far as I know, this is the first class podcast in the State of Connecticut.
In other news, I'll be visiting China for 10 days starting on November 4th as part of a Connecticut Educators delegation. During that visit I will have a chance to teach at Horace Porter's sister school in Jinan, China. It's been an busy year so far!
6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Horace W. Porter School - Columbia, CT
MS Elementary Ed. - Dec. 2003
posted on November 1, 2005
*****
Good news from Michelle Ridolfi O'Neill -
Sharon Hagen was hired for one of a language arts positions in Montville,
posted on October 31, 2005
*****
Good news from Bethany Champagne (bethany_champagne@yahoo.com):
"Hello everyone
I just wanted to inform you that I have been offered a job as a long-term substitute counselor at DePaolo Middle School in Southington. I went today to meet everyone and it is wonderful. I love it. I will keep you posted. I should be there until Feb. or March because the person I am replacing just had TWIN BOYS! Yikes. I am so happy and finally using my degree. Thanks for everyone's support.
posted on October 6, 2005
*****
Good news from Dr. Fred Ashton:
I am pleased to let you know that Windham Tech is employing two outstanding new educators, fresh from the latest graduating class:
--Glenn Anderson, English --Chris Morgan, social studies As you know, I recruited Chris Morgan for our system last year as a substitute after I saw first-hand the work he was doing in mentoring middle and high school students over the summer at ECSU. He soon became one of our most-requested subs that fall and student taught at Norwich Tech last spring. Glenn Anderson was a student in my seminar for student teachers last spring. He completed an exemplary portfolio and had an outstanding student teaching experience at Dr. Helen Baldwin School in Canterbury. Both have done a great job in their first week- a testimony to the instruction and experiences that they have had at Eastern. They are going to make a difference in the lives of our students.
Fred Ashton
posted on September 7, 2005
*****
Good news from Alicia Dunbar -
"I just wanted to share some of my own good news. After teaching this past year in New Haven I have been offered a position in Madison teaching First/Second Grade Multiage."
ECE 2003 Graduate
posted on August 29, 2005
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Dr. Sudha Swaminathan relays from Cherise Bernier
"Hello everyone, hope your summers are going well! I just wanted to
write you a quick email letting you know that I got a job for the fall,
teaching at a new school called "The Friendship School" in Waterford.
It's a magnet school with kids from New London and Waterford, and I
will be teaching special education preschool. I'm very excited!!!
Thanks for sharing your experiences and guidance with me, I can't wait
to use all I've learned!!!
Have a great school year,
Cherise Bernier"
posted on August 16, 2005
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Dr. Cathy Tannahill relays from Laura DuBois--
"Halo all;
I'd proudly like to state that self is now gainfully employed at Parish Hill High School! Happy!
~Laura"
posted on August 16, 2005
Dr. Sudha Swaminathan relays from Joe Pereira --
"I thought I would let you know that I got the job I was hoping for! I will be teaching 2nd grade in Avon at Roaring Brook School. Thanks again for your help!
Joe Pereira
ps. - let the other professors know if you wish."
posted on August 16, 2005
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Alumni news via Lana Pontbriant and Joy Goff (Institutional Advancement) after meeting Joan Disco (class of 1982) at the Eastern Alumni table at the Norwich Navigators' game on Friday, August 5.
Ms. Disco is currently teaching 5th grade at Andover Elementary School. Ms. Disco adds that "I have had two student teachers from ECSU, and both have been very qualified and excited about teaching. It was very rewarding to see the growth of these young women."
****
Good news from Rebecca Stanger on 8/4/05:
I have accepted a position as a 4th grade teacher at Ashford School in Ashford, CT. There were at least 300 applicants for this position.
There are other ECSU graduates teaching in the school. Everything I learned at the program came up in the interview process. I was totally prepared. Thank you.
****
Good news from Joy Goff and Kyle Verona - Institutional Advancement -
Amy Crocker, Psychology and Elementary Education 1992 and a MS in ECE 2005 graduate, has accepted a position as a pre-K teacher at The Friendship School, a new magnet school for pre-K in Waterford.
The Friendship School is "a model urban-suburban collaborative effort between Waterford and New London with LEARN, the regional educational service center for southeastern Connecticut, serving as the local educational agency for the school." For more information, please visit http://www.thefriendshipschool.org/ or go to the ribbon-cutting of the school on August 24, 2005. The Friendship School is expected to open on August 31, 2005, with slots for 220 kindergarten students and 300 preschool students, with 50% of the students coming from New London and 50% from Waterford. - July 27, 2005
Congratulations, Amy, for joining this innovative program.
****
James Hendricks, graduate of ECSU's undergraduate elementary education and graduate educational technology programs, reports that he continues to serve as a third grade teacher at Southeast Elementary School in Mansfield, CT - July 28, 2005.
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Dr. Richard Reynolds reports that recent graduate Scott Yeo has been appointed as a history/social studies teacher at Lebanon's Lyman High School. - June 30, 2005
****
Good news relayed by Dr. Ann Gruenberg on June 29, 2005:
Hi everybody!
I wanted to tell all of you some more good news! My long term sub position at Hatton School ended. However, I have been hired in the town of Simsbury as a full time Kindergarten teacher (starting in August). I am so excited! I am going to have my own class and I cannot wait! My portfolio really helped me to get the job! Thanks again to you all!
****
Good news, 6/17/05 -
I have officially accepted a fourth grade position at Sweeney Elementary. I am very excited about this and very excited to keep my close ties to ECSU and the Windham community! Thanks for everything!
Katie Balkan
****
Good news from Dr. Leslie Ricklin, 6/16/05 -
Just wanted to give you some good news; I am a teacher! I was hired at Waterford High just four days after graduation. I'm teaching 9th and 10th grade World History I and II, and have a lot of work ahead of me.
Good news from Dr. Jeanelle Day, 6/7/06 -
Pattie Uccello (elementary certification master's student who will do portfolio in fall) just got a 6th grade position at Marlborough Elementary School yesterday! She called this morning all excited about it!
Todd Sipala now has a permanent position at Rockville HS teaching earth science.
May 2005 graduate Erica Chenard has taken a new math position at E.O. Smith in Mansfield. An elementary education master's certification student with a bachelor's in mathematics, Erica completed Hari's EDU 546 and passed her Praxis II exam before completing her master's degree.
****
A message from John Hinchliffe:
"Hi David!
Enjoy your weekly info-mail. Just finishing my fifth year at Enrico Fermi High School in Enfield, CT.
We have a position opening up for AP Biology and 10th grade biology by year's end. If you have a bio cert student, with general science cert a plus, please have them submit something soon. Applicants will be very competitive. Starting pay is among the state's highest. The Science Department is well run with a great crew to work with and the school is BEST Portfolio friendly.
Please say "hello" to your crew for me, and send my best wishes to Richard for continued good health!
P.S. Tell Hari that I've finally developed my mathematics vaccine, and have received F.D.A. approval for clinical trials following successful LD-50 tests. Pfizer and I are currently negotiating a marketing strategy to target those out of school for more than twenty years and others with mathematically-compromised immune systems and early-onset dementia--I think that's what it's called.
Old Guy with Beard :-)= John Hinchliffe "
posted on 4/18/05
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A message from Joe Pereira relayed by Dr. Ann Gruenberg:
Hello
Last time we spoke I may have told you that I have secured a position in Avon Ct, at Roaring Brook School Teaching 3rd grade as a long term sub for child rearing leave until the end of the year. I was hoping to start this position at the beginning of April. I have found myself taking over one month earlier. I have already learned so much. Things couldn't be better!! I am hoping to fill an open position at this school for the fall and will let you know when I do!! Thanks for all your help!!
Sincerely,
Joe Pereira
ps: extremely valuable website www.schoolnotes.com for parent teacher communication. Highly recommended!!
Posted on 3/28/05
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A message shared by Dr. Sudha Swaminathan on 2/22/05:
"Hi everyone,
I am writing to let everyone know that I have a job!!! I went for an interview this week for a long term sub position at Hatton Elementary School in Southington, CT and I got it. It is for an inclusive preschool classroom. I am so excited, it is like a dream come true! Thank you all for everything, without all of you I wouldn't have been given this great opportunity.
Thank you all,
 Jessica Biardi"
****
Message from Christine Mengel, elementary education teacher candidate, January 2005:
"Hi All,
I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of you for the wonderful instruction and guidance you have given me through core I and II. I took the Praxis in November for the first time and not only did I walk away from the test feeling confident but my confidence was assured when I found out I did very well and past the tests. So I wanted to thank all of you for your help in this process. Have a wonderful break and Happy New Year!
*****
News from Jessica Bessette shared by Dr. Swaminathan:
"Hi! I just wanted to tell you that I got a job!! Starting Monday I will be a preschool teacher in Waterbury. It's not in a school though, it's in a daycare facility, but I will have my own classroom of 3-5 year olds (although I think right now there are only 3 and 4 year olds). I am really excited to start, I really have a lot of freedom to teach what I want and how I want, it's a really exciting first teaching job, a really great experience, especially since I have to do most of the planning of what exactly I'm teaching, there is no curriculum to follow or anything. So I'm really excited to use a lot of the information I got from the core classes @ Eastern. I'm sure I'll be emailing you (300 times a day!) to ask you questions and get advice, I hope you don't mind! Just wanted to tell you because I thought you'd be proud :)"
posted on October 22, 2004
*****
Dr. Sudha Swaminathan reports that Leslie Labenski has been hired at Andover Elementary in a Kindergarten setting.
A message from Ms. Leah Barbuto -
Joan Culpin was just hired as a third grade teacher in Columbia, CT.
posted on August 20, 2004
*****
A message from Dr. Delar Singh -
One of our graduate students, Leslie Campbell-Belsito has got a teaching position. In fall, she will be teaching first grade at Sweeney Elementary School in Willimantic, CT.
*****
Good news from Robyn McKenney, MS in Ed Tech program graduate –
I just wanted to share my great news with you! I have been offered a job as a K-8 Technology Integration Coach. I am very excited about this opportunity and feel that my work at Eastern was invaluable in preparing me for this role (especially the thesis). Some feedback I received was how pleased they were with my understanding of constructivism, project (problem-) based learning, ISTE standards, assessments, and learning environments. I wanted to share that with you because I feel it speaks directly to your program.
*****
Another message shared by Dr. Fred Ashton –
Once again, I am pleased to share more good news for the Vocational Technical School System and for ECSU: Mary Schlehofer will be appointed to a teaching position in the English Department at H.H. Ellis Technical High School in Danielson, CT. Mary did her student teaching here at Windham Tech this past spring semester with department head Jan Marie Weston and she did an outstanding job.
A message shared by Dr. Fred Ashton -
"More good news for Windham Tech, ECSU, and new graduate David Carter: David has been appointed to a math position at Windham Vocational Technical High School. David finished the year for us in a long-term substitute position that he started just after he finished his student teaching and he did a great job. We are looking forward to him starting the year with us. His content knowledge and pedagogy are strong and he is a most welcome and valued addition to the teaching faculty!"
posted August 13, 2004
*****
A Message shared by Dr. Ann Gruenberg from Cara Ravetto -
I took a long term sub position at the Borough Elementary School for a teacher on maternity leave with the expectation of continuing in the fall for her. As the last few days of school arrived one of the teachers in decided not to renew her contract and resigned, thereby creating an open position. After all was said and done, the position ended up being for first grade. I interviewed for it and was offered the job! I am very excited because I wasn't expecting anything in the district to be open! I was fully prepared to sub for the next year. Now reality sets in as I prepare to set up my classroom and plan the curriculum! My fellow collegues seem very nice and the principal is very supportive. Hope all is well at ECSU and I plan to return in the spring to complete my Capstone. Take care!
Cara Ravetto
posted on July 30, 2004
News from Dr. Fred Ashton:
Scott Hill just emailed me. He has accepted a 4th grade position at Sweeney School. Scott was in last semester's student teachers' seminar with me. He is a fine student and will be a great first year teacher.
News from Dr. Bland Day:
I heard from Rosemary Humes that Cary Langley and Chad Johnson have taken science teaching positions at the Norwich Free Academy. Cary is teaching biology, and I believe that Chad's job is in General Science.
*****
News from Diana Kimiatek:
Guess what I've been doing for the past 6 months?? I've been a full-time-long-term-sub in the New London Elementary schools as a music teacher. Yes, I was the best music teacher the children and principals had ever had, and I loved it. I am speaking in the past tense because I just stopped because they had to hire a real, certified-in-music music teacher, and because Pfizer where my husband works, has offered him a very good post in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sasha and I will be in the St. John English school, a private school in the Condado area. She is entering 9th grade and therefore, we will be there for at least 4 years. We are very excited and the place is beautiful and the people very warm and friendly. San Juan has many Lebanese people as well as many Ladino Jews. Deena, 23 just graduated with a masters in Physical therapy from UHa. She is going to Louisiana for her clinical before she joins us in PR in order to prepare for her Liscencing exam. The only 'child left behind' is Alexi, who will be 20 this summer and he is at Eastern as a sophomore. Tell me about you and the twins and the rest. Miss you, Diana
***************
News from Sarah Orefice:
I am actually doing great! Immediately after finishing all coursework in
January, I landed a long-term substitute position at Litchfield High School,
teaching 7th and 8th grade Spanish. On April 1st, they hired me as a first
year teacher under a DSAP Certification. I will be at Litchfield until the
end of the year at which point I have the option of staying next year or
looking for another position. I have been applying to area schools for
positions in Early Childhood Education, where my actual certification lies.
In addition, I will be beginning Grad. School at CCSU this summer. I will
be taking up a M.A. in Modern Languages, studying in Spain, and applying for
a cross-endorsement in Elementary Spanish. I will definitely keep you
posted! Thanks again.
Sarah Orefice
posted on April 27, 2004
more from Sarah -
Hello, more great news!! I was asked to be a Student Marshall at graduation
representing Sigma Delta Pi, the National Spanish Honors Society. I also
got engaged over the weekend and will be planning a wedding for June 2005!!!
posted on May 3, 2004
***************
News first relayed by Steve Kenton:
Kim Kenney is currently teaching at 9th - 12th grade Mathematics at Grasso Tech. Mrs. Kenney has an exemplary website posted at http://www.teacherweb.com/ct/grassotech/mrskenney/ .
Mrs. Kenney writes that "in addition to using a website as a communications vehicle, I also use powerpoint in my classroom (to give notes). It is very effective because the kids really like it, so they pay attention. Also, I can put up a slide and walk around to ensure the kids are on task. I know that a lot of schools do not have the technology, we do not have smartboards or projectors, so I use a TV."
posted on April 5, 2004
***************
News relayed by Leah Barbuto from Genny Christensen (Wald):
Hi Leah,
Just thought I would write and say hi! I am still at Dwight School teaching
Kindergarten Special Ed in Hartford. I absolutely love it this year! My
Best portfolio is coming along pretty good, it's a lot of work! Thank you for
preparing me for my career - I could not have done it without your support. I
would also like to thank Shirley, Diane, and Anne, if you could pass this
along to them!!
I also thought I would let you know that I got married last Feb. to Rob
before he left for Iraq - he will be coming home this Saturday after 13
months; we are having the official wedding this July so it will be exciting.
I am starting my masters this fall either at Mitchell College, they started
a new masters program. I am also looking into Eastern and Central. I would
like to either complete my masters in Special Ed or Reading and Literacy!
Well... Thanks you so much for all you did for me at Eastern. I will see
you next time you visit my school!!
Thank you Genny Christensen (Wald)
***************
News from Alyssa (Fresa) & John Gwinnell:
Benjamin Carter Gwinnell was born on Friday, November 28, 2003 at 2:57 p.m. 8lbs3.5oz, 20.5 inches.
*****
News from Monica Sajkowska.
I have been teaching 3rd grade since August in Bridgeport CT.
*****
News from Rachel Timoteo:
I graduated from Eastern with an English degree and a Secondary Education Certification in December of 2002. I worked as a long term substitute at E.O. Smith High School in Mansfield from January to June of 2003, and was offered a permanent position for this year. The faculty and staff here are wonderful to work with!
****
Mitch Sakofs relays a message from Maggie Tarbox that there is a 7th grade language arts position vacant in Bloomfield, CT at Carmen Arace Middle School.
Theresa Picard and Sudha Swaminathan reports that Vicki Rondeau was hired on Friday as the head pre-school teacher at The Putnam School of Early Learning.
Steve Babyak is teaching in a 3rd grade at Cos Cob School in Greenwich, Ct.
Catherine Tannahill reports that Elizabeth Chartier has accepted a position teaching Integrated Kindergarten at the Early Learning Center in Chelsea, Massachusetts.
Leah Barbuto reports that Jen Toft just got a job teaching 4th grade in Lebanon.
Sudha Swaminathan and Theresa Picard report:
Sherena Campbell writes - This month I was offered a 1st grade teacher position at Second Hill Lane in Stratford, CT. I start new teachers orientation the last week in August.
Relayed by Sudha Swaminathan:
"From Angela Puccia:
Hi Sudha,
I just wanted to let you know that I had just accepted a first grade teaching position at the Coventry Grammar School. I am going to sign the contract this morning. There were a total of 171 applicants for the one position! I also wanted to tell you about the wonderful things that Mr. Grasso had to say about ECSU. He said that he really enjoyed the student teachers from Eastern and feels that we are all taught very well. So, thank you so much for all of your help. "
*******
Jenn Pohlman graduated from Eastern in the spring of 2002 from the last middle level group. She is currently working at Ellington Middle School in Ellington CT as an 8th grade LA teacher.
She writes, "I just wanted to let you know that there is a part time position opening for LA at our school. We also have another Eastern grad currently working here: Alison Padegemis.
I am definitely partial, but I think this would be a great position for someone who wants to get a little more experience before getting their own classroom. Also you would be working with a great LA teacher, who will be in the building in a part time administration job.
If you can let recent grads or anyone else you feel may be interested know about this position, I would appreciate that. They should contact the middle school at 896-2339 or the central office at 896-2300.
Thank you
Jenn Pohlman"
*******
Sudha Swaminathan reports that Jason Ladegard (Mr. Ladegard) is now a Second Grade Teacher at Lebanon Elementary School. Classroom sizes are excellent, 15-17 children per room.
Mike Gadoury reports that he is substitute teaching and working as a UA in the Curriculum Center in the Library at night.
Mitch Sakofs reports that Sarah Ververis will be teaching second grade at Ashford School starting the end of August.
Hari Koirala reports that Sarah Jones and Laura Quarticelli have been "hired to teach 5th grades at Windham Middle School. It is interesting to know that they will be teaming as well."
*******
Leah Barbuto and Mitch Sakofs shared this news from Dana Ballou -
"Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you all know that I got a job! I'll be working at Eli Terry Elementary in South Windsor and will be teaching preschool special ed. I had my final interview today and they offered me the job! I am very very excited and can't wait to start!"
*******
Dan Rothermel reports that Christina Cody, from our penultimate class of middle school teacher candidates, will be teaching 8th grade Reading / Language Arts at Saint Marys Middle School in Saint Marys, Camden County school system, Georgia.
Dan and Mitch Sakofs also report that Heather Scorca, who just completed her student teaching in core III secondary, has a position at Bolton Middle School.
Mitch Sakofs and Dan Rothermel report that Christine Kendall (secondary English) will be teaching 8th grade language arts at Carmen Arace Middle School in Bloomfield, CT.
Mitch Sakofs reports that Caragh O'Brien was offered a position in Sec English in Tolland.
Mitch Sakofs reports that Kathy Rosen has been asked to teach summer school at Mohegan Elementary School.
Dan Rothermel, Jeanelle Bland, and Mitch Sakofs report that Vicenza Benoit that she has just been hired in South Carolina as a 4th gr classroom teacher in the Varennes Elementary School, Anderson District 5 Schools, Anderson, South Carolina, Dr. Mary Paul, Principal.
Dan Rothermel reports that "one of our core III secondary student, Maggie Tarbox, has just accepted a position to teach 7th grade language arts at Bloomfield's Carmen Arace Middle School.
Posted before Summer 2003
Messages from Leah Barbuto:
"Laura Lambert (who taught at Windham Center School last year) wrote to me that she has a job interview for Director of the Putnam Family Resource Center."
Some Mixed News
"Hi Leah
I just thought I would drop you a quick note to fill you in on my new experiences. I am attending Sacred Heart in Lisbon to obtain my Masters degree. I am also interning in an inclusive pre-school classroom in Lebanon Elementary School. I am enjoying the work, staff, and best of all the kids. I should have my masters completed this year and get a full time teaching position for next school year! I will keep you posted. Thanks so much for all of the help that you have given throughout the years. Hope all is well with you. Jen Toft"
A message from Meghan Wols, ECE SP 02 graduate -
I wanted to bring to your attention that my grade partner is a graduate from Eastern (at least 25 years ago) and theSuperintendent of Naugatuck also is an eastern gradutate.Lindzi Golding is also working in the same town as myself, in a kindergarten position.Everyone I have spoken to has had wonderful things to say about the programand the individuals who emerge from it.I received wonderful comments on myportfolio and interviewing and I feel I could not have been more prepared.
Thank you for providing such an all-around experience, most especially in my
last semester.There were trying times, but they only helped solidify
everything that I had heard in lectures and read during my study at eastern.
I hope the semester finds the entire education faculty well, and best of
luck this year.
Thank you,
Meghan Wols
Message from Laura Butler, recent graduate, to Education Club members and faculty members:
"Hi all!! I just wanted to let you know that I found a job!!! I'll be at VCMS (Vernon Center Middle School) teaching 8th grade english. I am really excited and feel really hopeful for everyone who has not gotten a position yet. If I can do it you can! Karen will also be at VCMS doing 7th grade so I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun this year. I think they are still looking to fill some other positions so call them if you want to interview there. The staff is very nice, I worked as a long term sub that began in March of this year until the end of the year so I got to know everyone. The administration is very supportive and I think it'll be a great experience. I made it to the real world!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks you guys for all of your help throughout the time we had together. When is our next get together??? laura b "
Message from Genny Wald, recent graduate, to Leah Barbuto, faculty member:
"I just wanted to let everyone know that I took a job offer in Hartford (Dwight Elementary School) for Kindergarten. I start August 21st for orientation!!! They offered me $40,229 to start and if I work there for two years, they will pay for my graduate school."
Message from Gretchen Grudier, recent graduate, to Leah Barbuto, faculty member:
"I just wanted to drop you a note telling you about my new job for the fall. I am going to be a long
term sub at Murphy School in Montville. I will be teaching first grade while the teacher is out on
maternity leave. I am going to keep applying, but it's a good start :) Gretchen"
posted on July 4, 2002
Message from Renee Bennett, recent graduate, to Leah Barbuto, faculty member:
"Great News from my end, after sending applications everywhere, I have signed a contract with North Stonington Elementary School! Today I became the new kindergarten teacher there! I am SO EXCITED! I went to see my class today and it is huge, such options I have. I will be using all I have learned from you and others at ECSU as I begin my new journey.
Thanks a million for all of your help as I pursued this dream.
Renee"
posted on June 28, 2002
****
Jamie Hendricks writes that he is "finally in a permanent teaching position at Southeast Elementary School in Mansfield." He is teaching fourth grade after being a long-term sub in third grade for more than a year in a half!
June 4, 2002
Mike Hetherington is currently teaching 6th Grade Social Studies at Horace W. Porter School in Columbia, CT.
News from Leah Barbuto -
"Jen Lillis has been offered a long term teaching position in a Kindergarten in Enfield. She has 23 children and of these, 5 have special needs, and she has one aide. She shared with me that as soon as her certification goes through, she will receive regular teacher's pay. She said that she is glad that she took [the] advice and did the four-week practium in an inclusive kindergarten even though she could have been waived. It helped her during her interview to have had recent experience in the area for which this school district was looking."
Adam D. Johnson, Secondary History, is studying International Educational Policy at Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Alyssa Fresa has accepted a position as an eighth grade language arts teachers at Timothy Edwards Middle School in South Windsor.
John Hinchliffe writes that he is "teaching General High School Biology, General Science, and a Space Science course in the planetarium. (Fermi is only one of five schools in the state with a planetarium--we have the same Spitz model projector as next door to you.) It is an exciting experience for me as the Enfield School Board ponders returning to a school-wide presentation format for the planetarium director. Presently, I am merely using the planetarium as a classroom and the optical projector as a teaching aid. The facility has great potential and there is a possibility that my position might be elevated from "teacher" to department director, focusing more upon presentations than daily classroom instruction. My sore back from tying shoelaces all day long as a second grade student teacher seems light years away from my present position!"
prior to January 2002
Katherine Bart has been hired to teach second grade in Terryville.
Joan Culpin has been hired to teach grade one in Canterbury.
Mary Tatro has been hired to teach kindergarten in Canterbury.
Barbara Hall has been hired to teach preschool in Putnam.
Karen Slyman has been hired to teach half-time kindergarten in Scotland.
Amy Grammatica has been hired to teach bilingual early childhood classes at the Multicultural Magnet program in New London.
Katherine Bart has been hired to teach second grade in Terryville.
Angela (Prince) Young has been hired to teach first grade in Putnam.
Donna Bourque has been hired to teach math in Stafford Middle School.
Courtney Martin has been hired to teach in an elementary school in Tolland.
Jarret Pepe has been hired to teach middle school in Greenwich, CT.
Denine C. Therren-Hamel was asked to be a Director of a preschool for Knowledge in Learning, Inc.
Michelle Bibeault will be teaching kindergarten in Thompson.
Anne Woodmansee will be teaching kindergarten in Griswold.
Jennifer Geragotelis is teaching 3rd grade at Natchaug Elementary School in Willimantic.
Leanne Soucy will be teaching at Sweeney School in Willimantic.
Laurie Lambert will be teaching 1st grade at Natchaug Elementary School.
Peter J. Crump is teaching Secondary Social Studies in the Groton Public Schools full time.
Holly Mandes, ECE, is planning to study in a Ph.D. program for English at the University of Arizona and has received a GATship (tuition scholarship and stipend).
Laura Thibodeau, Elementary Education, is currently employed as a full-time teacher in the Clark County School District, Nevada.
Christopher R. Lewis, Secondary History, is planning to study Political Science in Virginia.
Amy Grammatica, ECE, is working for the Adults and Children in Trust Association in New York City this summer and is looking for a full-time teaching position in K-3 for this Fall.
Erin Egan, Middle Level 4-8, is currently teaching at Memorial Middle School now and will be teaching at Moran Middle School, 8th grade, in Wallingford, CT in 2001-2002.
Christina Kupfer, ECE, will be attending the University of Colorado in Denver for a graduate Reading Consultant program.
Other alumni news -
Michele Ridolfi, 1995 ECSU graduate and currently a 7th grade teacher at Tyl Middle School in Montville and this summer's Director of the Summer Institute for Future Teachers 2001, received the Promising Practitioner award from the New England League of Middle Schools. Only four of these awards were given in all of New England. The award is given to educators in their first three years of teaching. The award included a $200 grant, free registration at the conference, an invitation to present at the 2002 conference next March, and a plaque.
From Amy Schack -
"Hi Everyone, I just wanted to let you know that I got a new job!! I will be starting as a Resident Director at St. John's University in Queens on July 30th! I will get my new address and phone # to everyone as soon as I can. -- Amy"
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Please contact David Stoloff at (860) 465-5501, email: stoloffd@easternct.edu if you have any questions or comments on this newsletter. |
