This year, Bernards High School is welcoming ten new members to it’s staff. Each new teacher answered some questions for the school to get to know them a better as their first school year at Bernards begins.
Stephanie Camooso- Spanish Teacher
Q- Why did you choose/want to become a teacher?
A- “Since I was young I wanted to be a teacher, but choosing to be a language teacher came from my own experience learning other languages.”
Q- Is this your first time teaching (their subject)?
A- “No, I have been teaching Spanish for 17 years. I have taught high school all 17 years but have also taught 4 & 5th grade, middle school.”
Indira Gonzalez- ESL
Q- If you could teach any other subject in school what would it be?
“ If I could teach another subject in school, it would be Algebra.”
Q- What made you decide that you wanted to te ach ESL?
A- “I decided to teach ESL because less than a decade ago I was an ESL student, and I was inspired by the dedication of my ESL teachers.
Mark Mason- Special Education
Q- Have you taught at any other schools before BHS?
A- “Yes this is my 11th year teaching. My last 6 have been in Newark, NJ and before that I was in New York City.”
Q- How old were you when you knew you wanted to become a teacher?
A- “I would say I had interest in being a teacher when I entered college.”
Tyler Nadolny- P.E.
Q- Why did you choose/want to become a teacher?
A- “I have always been very active and interested in human anatomy and physiology.”
Q- What's one thing that you want your students to remember most about you?
A- "I hope that I am remembered for being a kind and compassionate person.I want to be remembered for my sense of humor...I love to tell corny jokes. Ultimately, I just want to spread a little joy and positivity."
Joanna Neiss- Biology
Q- Have you taught at any other schools before BHS?
A- “Before I was a teacher, I was an animal trainer (so basically a teacher for animals) for the better part of 15 years.”
Q- Did you have any teachers in your educational career that inspired you to become a teacher?
A- “I am lucky enough to have had many inspiring teachers throughout my educational career…. so this is something I hope to emulate with my classes here at BHS as well.”
Victoria Resnick- Guidance
Q- What's one thing that you want your students to remember most about you?
A- “I would like for them to remember how they feel after interacting with me. I aim to empower students to unlock their brilliance and feel motivated to achieve their goals.”
Q- Have you taught at any other schools before BHS?
A- “I have been a School Counselor at a few schools: New Providence High School, Bernards High School (2019-2020 academic year and I'm grateful to be back!!) I was also a Career Counselor at Fairleigh Dickinson University for five years as well.”
Rachael Richard- Social Studies
Q- Did you have any teachers in your educational career that inspired you to become a teacher?
A- “I'm constantly reflecting on the amazing teachers I've had over the years from my Kindergarten teacher to my Master's level "Teaching of Economics" professor. My hope is to continue this legacy of inspiring teachers now that I am one myself.”
Q- What is one trait that differentiates you from other teachers?
A- “I show up everyday with genuine passion and enthusiasm. For me, teaching is a calling, not just a job, and I feel an unmatched sense of joy watching my scholars grow and learn.”
Kristina Rovtar
Q- Why did you choose/want to become a teacher?-
A- “I became an art teacher because I believe the arts and creativity are essential to life. Art was always my favorite subject in high school, and I love helping students discover their own creative potential.”
Q- Is this my first time teaching art?-
A- “Not at all! I’ve spent the past 10 years teaching both digital and traditional art at my previous district, and I’m thrilled to bring that experience to Bernards.”
Maiya Torres- Social Studies
Q- If you could teach any other subject in school what would it be?
A- “I think if I could teach any other subject in school it would be English, because I own way too many books and love creative writing.”
Q- What is one trait that differentiates you from other teachers?
A- “One trait that I think differentiates me from other teachers is that I've taught history classes in both English and Spanish for the last two years!”
David Venezia- ESL
Q- How old were you when you knew you wanted to become a teacher?-
A- “I was 25 years old when I knew I wanted to be a teacher, [After working with a theater program I learned that I had a passion for working with kids.]”
Q- Did you have any teachers in your educational career that inspired you to become a teacher?-
A- “Mr. Keck believed I was a good writer, and he really put himself out there to make a connection with me, and he showed me by going through my own sentences and paragraphs with me, that I was a good writer.”
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