The Hoboken Girl Team 
It’s almost time to go back-to-school, and for many New Jersey teachers, that means making lesson plans and stocking their classrooms for the upcoming school year. From books and notebooks to pencils, erasers, and more, school supply shopping can come at a great expense. To lend a helping hand to our local educators, we have compiled a list of local New Jersey teachers and their wish lists for this upcoming school year. Read on to find out how to help these New Jersey teachers and their back-to-school wish lists for the 2025-2026 school year.
Magdalena Brodka — 3rd Grade
“This is my 5th year teaching and it has been a dream of mine since I was 7. I am an outgoing individual who has lived in Hoboken for 6 years now! I love everything and anything sports!”
Kelly Dunlop — 2nd Grade
“This will be my 4th year in the classroom. Two years ago my things got destroyed by water damage and I am still trying to replace everything. This will be my 4th year in second grade as well in my charter school.”
Read More: The Best Kid-Friendly Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Angela Phillips — 3rd Grade Special Education
“This will be my 5th year teaching at a Title I school in Jersey City. Any support to continue creating a calm and safe environment for my students is very much appreciated <3”
Julia Lourenco Ferreira — Pre K 3
“This will be my second year teaching. Last year was very intense and stressful and I was starting my first year as a teacher and was a first time mom to a 4.5 month old boy. I had to manage being in a brand new classroom with basics and trying not to feel guilty for having my baby so young in daycare. Through the challenges I was able to build a classroom and we had a great school year! Hearing positive feedback from my families made it all worth! This year I’m moving to another classroom, so my wish list includes a few things I’d like to set it up and also contribution to my library. I’m excited to meet my new classroom, students and their families soon!”
Caitlyn Serafin — Kindergarten
“Im 28 years old and have lived in Hoboken for almost 5 Years. I’m a 5th year kindergarten teacher working in a Charter School in Jersey City! I love my kiddos so much and want to make this school year the best most engaging and fun one yet. I love using interactive centers to help them learn math and reading/writing!”
Kathleen Perez — Pre-K 3
“I am a first year pre-k 3 teacher. I was just granted my teaching certification in June. I have always worked in private school’s but this is my 1st school year in public school. I am very excited!”
Natasha S — Administration
“I’m 30 years old, and I’m a proud mom to my wonderful son, Eric. I’ve spent many years working in childcare, and I truly love every moment of it—bringing fun, creativity, and genuine care into each child’s day is what makes my work so rewarding. From 2014 to 2018, I had the joy of working at Hoboken Children’s Academy, where I helped little ones learn, grow, and discover the world around them. After that, I returned to my own middle school—this time as a counselor! It was such a special experience to connect with students beyond the classroom and celebrate their individuality. In recent years, my career has shifted into school administration. I served as Executive Assistant to the Head of School at The Hudson School (2022–2023) and now work as the Office Manager at the French American Academy. My mission is simple: to make sure every parent, student, and teacher who steps into our school feels welcome, supported, and valued. Teachers are the heart of a school, but office managers are the ones behind the scenes making sure everything runs seamlessly—something I take great pride in. For me, it’s not just a job—it’s about building a warm, positive environment where everyone feels at home. Please note the French American Academy will be opening up its first High School this year in Jersey City Heights, and I am proud to be apart of this magnificent team.”
Marina — 1st Grade
“I’m a first year first grade teacher, so excited to welcome my very first class. My goal is to create a warm, joyful space where every child feels safe, loved, and ready to learn. Your support helps give my students the tools and resources they need to shine!”
Samantha Wolf — High School English
“I’m entering my 9th year teaching and have been working with students with disabilities for almost my whole career. I love teaching and am always looking for ways to improve my pedagogy and connect with my students!”
Kelli-Ann Foss — High School Special Education
“I commute from Bloomfield to Brooklyn everyday and work with young adults with various disabilities. I help prepare them for the real world and coach them to obtain supported employment.”
Susan Hur — K-5th
“I work as the Assistant Director of the Kids Club After School Program and our program serves students K-5th grade.”
Samantha Marchesano — 3rd Grade
“I work in a title one school trying to make sure all my kids are adequately supplied with books. This is going on my sixth year teaching.”
Amanda — 8th Grade ELA
“I am Hoboken born and raised! I am heading into my 10th year as a middle school classroom teacher. Anything helps.”
Nuvia Moreno — PreK-3
“I have been a teacher for the past 25 years. After almost 15 years with my program, I am transitioning to a new school this year. I am a pre K teacher that has the most patience, care and love for my kiddos.”
Madison Nelson — Kindergarten
“I am entering my 4th year as a kindergarten teacher in Jersey City. I am a special education teacher in an inclusion classroom. I am so excited to start the new school year and want to make my classroom as welcoming as possible for my students as they begin their first year of school!”
Gianna Skowronski — 6th Grade Math + Science
“I’m a 3rd-year 6th grade Math and Science teacher living in Hoboken and teaching in Bayonne, NJ. I’m passionate about creating a hands-on, inclusive learning environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, take risks, and grow in both confidence and curiosity—especially when it comes to STEM. When I’m not in the classroom, I’m usually out training for the NYC Marathon. Running has become a huge part of my life—it’s where I find balance, push my limits, and clear my head. Whether it’s early-morning miles along the Hudson or long weekend runs across the city, I’m all in. I’m always looking to grow as an educator, runner, and person—and I’m excited for what’s ahead, both on the road and in the classroom.”
Tara Cohen — Kindergarten Bilingual Classroom
“I’m a dual general and special education major and just graduated Indiana university!! I have always had a passion for working with kids with special needs and making them feel included. I really want to make my classroom a safe space for my students who might not have one at home.”
Kerri Condegni — 1st Grade
“I have been a teacher for 17 years and I’m starting a new grade in September. I would love to make my space inviting and welcoming for my new kiddos. I love reading The Montclair Girl and finding out about new local spots. After reading The Montclair Girl, in my family and I visited the Catfe in Montclair and adopted our two brother ginger babies!”
Stephanie G — Kindergarten
“This is my 4th year teaching kindergarten. I work with literally the best team! I love my students & being a teacher. When I’m not teaching, I’m in the gym or in my axe throwing league. I’m also a dog mom who enjoys melting on the couch with her good boy & binging a Netflix show.”
Kortney Haas — 6th Grade Math + Science
“I am going into my sixth year of teaching! I absolutely love my job, students, school, and colleagues. My school is title one and a large number of students do not have the funds or resources to get school supplies. As a teacher, I do as much as I can to provide that for them. Schools and classrooms thrive off of donations and every little bit helps!”
Amanda Navarro — 6th Grade Math
“Born and raised in Union City, I spent a lot of time growing up in Hoboken and I love it here. Going to college I knew I wanted to help others and I knew I could do that by teaching. Previously I worked in Union City and just transferred districts. This is my fourth year teaching and my first year making a wish list! I’ve already invested a lot in materials and classroom decorations so Its not a super intensive list. I also attend church at Hoboken Grace and have a beautiful view of Hoboken from my house on the viaduct.”
Elizabeth Densen — Elementary Special Education Self Contained
“I am a special ed teacher for students in grades 3-5! I’m in a self contained classroom with the primary teaching methods being individual instruction, with some group work 🙂 I have the best job and kids in the world !!! But we are always looking for extra supplies. For example, baby wipes, cleaning wipes, and gloves are a necessity as we help with toilet training kids daily. We also need duplicates of everything because supplies are often broken in the room due to behaviors.”
Brenda Kish — 1st Grade
“I’m a first grade teacher in NJ at a title I school. I am hoping to bring more fun and games back into the classroom this year. Thank you for supporting teachers!”
Sofia — Kindergarten
“This is my 8th year of teaching, third year teaching kindergarten. I have always loved the joy and curiosity that fills a kindergarten classroom. It’s my passion to create a warm, engaging environment where young learners feel safe, inspired, and excited to explore. My goal is to spark a lifelong love of learning in each of my students, starting from their very first school experiences.”
Sophia Scheibe — Kindergarten
“I’m a third-year kindergarten teacher passionate about creating a fun, engaging, and supportive learning environment for my students. These items would make a huge difference in helping my little learners grow, explore, and thrive in the classroom every day!”
Harita Desai — 4th Grade ELA + Math
“I’m Harita, a 4th grade teacher who believes learning should be equal parts challenging and fun. When I’m not grading papers, you’ll find me decorating my classroom or finding creative ways to make math exciting!”
Marisol Rivera — Kindergarten
“I’m a first year kindergarten teacher, excited to begin my teaching journey at the same school I attended as a child and where my son now goes! My goal is to create the best possible learning environment for my students, filled with curiosity, joy, and growth. While I know this is just a wishlist, any contributions, big or small, will help me give my students the tools and experiences they deserve. Your support means the world to us!”
Jillian Ward — 6th + 7th Grade English
“Born and raised in Jersey City. I still live here. I teach and coach high school softball at Hudson Catholic.”
Emma Clarke — PreK
“I have been teaching Prek/Kindergarten for 15 years and it is what I love to do! It does get hard when supplies and materials are needed and I have to purchase them out of my own pocket. However I still do it because I love my little ones and want to give them to most love and support during the school year.”
Sasha — 7th + 8th grade Language Arts (ESL)
“This is my second year teaching and I can’t begin to tell you how much I love going to work everyday. My students truly mean the world to me. I try my hardest to provide for them in anyway, not only with their education but also emotionally. They know that they can always count on Ms.C to help them as best as I can.”
Sarah Whelan — PreK-5th Grade, Speech Therapy
“I have been a certified speech language pathologist going on four years now and am still growing my therapy collection. I prioritize play-based and holistic intervention to target both language and articulation goals for my kids. I have 30 kids on my caseload, ranging from PK-5th grade and I LOVE my job! There is a huge community of NYCDOE teachers in Hoboken and I’m lucky to come home to Hoboken while maintaining friendships that I’ve met through my job.”
Samantha Cohn — 6th-12th Grade Speech + Language
“I’m going into my second year as a speech language specialist in the Secaucus Public School District. I’ve wanted to live in Hoboken for a long time and getting hired by Secaucus last year made that possible! After my first year under my belt only using things I already had or could print for free, I know know what I need that could benefit my students.”
Izabella Tavarez — 3rd Grade
“I just attained my bachelors in elementary education. After lots of years of hard work, observations, and lesson plans I finally get to begin my first year as a 3rd grade teacher. I am so grateful and excited that I get to begin my career at 22 years old. As a kids one of my dreams was getting to decorate my classroom so my room isn’t just a place to learn but where students can walk in and feel at home. I can’t wait for what my first year brings me!”
Alyssa Rivera — School Librarian, K-6
“This will be my third year as a school librarian! When I was hired, I needed to revitalize the library as students hadn’t checked out books in 5+ years. I’m still working on modernizing the collection which is a big but fun undertaking!”
Bianca Diaz — 4th Grade Bilingual Homeroom
“I was born and raised in Hudson County. I grew up in Union City and currently live in Jersey City. This year will be my 9th year teaching! I love being a bilingual teacher because I am able to help my students learn a new language while embracing their first language. When I’m not at work I love going to broadway shows and trying out new restaurants with my husband. Extra points if those restaurants are dog friendly and I can bring my 4 year old cavapoo Winston with me!’
Elina — Behavioral Disabilities Grades 3-6
“I teach a self contained classroom of 3rd to 6th graders in Bloomfield. My classroom has been moved twice and I find myself needing to decorate and prepare my room again. Would be helpful to get some of the decor and basic supplies covered.”
Lauren Gurtman — 2nd Grade
“This is my tenured year of teaching! I am an ICS teacher which means I am one of two teachers in the classroom and our class is general education and students in special education that can be assimilated into the general education classroom. I have my masters in autism and severe disabilities and was fortunate enough to land in a classroom where I wanted to be right off the bat. It would mean so much to have some of the items on my wishlist to help aid my students this school year.”
Maria Navarette — 9-12 Special Education
“I work with special education students. These students are all on different levels and have different needs and abilities. I have worked at West Orange High School for 17 years and I love my students! I also graduated from WOHS in 2003.”
Sabrina Conti — 11th Grade History
“This is my 12th year at Montclair High School! I’m also a teacher in the Center for Social Justice, one of the small learning communities at MHS. I love making my classroom look nice and welcoming for my students. I’m also the co advisor for Student Coalition and I’m the Senior Class Advisor!”
Kaitlyn Gibbs — 5th grade
“I am a fourth year fifth grade teacher at a charter school that services students from Paterson. I am also starting a masters program at Montclair State University for social work.”
Abigail Whelan — 5th Grade Math + Science
“I am an 8th year New Jersey educator who has lived in Hoboken for 4 years. I am transitioning from a small group special education setting to a larger general education homeroom, so I am in need of some more supplies. I am so appreciative of any assistance with clearing my wishlist this school year!”
Gabriella Rosamilia — 5th Grade, ELA, Social Studies, SEL/Mental Health
“I am a 5th grade teacher in a low-income district. I absolutely love what I do and am so incredibly passionate about my students. I love teaching however, the real reason I love my job is because of the impact I feel I can have. I am 25 years old and volunteer myself for every role at the school. So while going into my 3rd year, I also am the school “Leader in Me coordinator”, and piloting 2 different programs. I also coach 3 different teams in the town! I just recently started a tiktok teaching account called “teachthechange5”. I invest so much of my heart time and money into what I do but it feels like I don’t work because of how much I love it. I host the multi-lingual learner class, and all of my students tested out of ESL last year!”
Julianne Malanowski — 1st-3rd Grade
“I just moved to the area beginning of last school year and see such a future here! I love how much the area has to offer in activities, making friends, hobbies and community! I absolutely love living here and can’t wait for another fantastic school year with my favorite kids in the world!”
Lorena Valer — 2nd Grade
“This is my 7th year teaching in a Title I school. I work year round because after the school year is over and I work the extended school year and I would really appreciate anything as I would use it all for both classes.”
Rachel — Reading Specialist
“Moved to the area last year after a few years of a long commute but absolutely fell in love with the area. I’m passionate about helping students become confident readers.”
Emily Cornish — Dance PreK-8th grade
“I have grown up knowing I wanted to be a dance teacher and being able to fulfill that this year was an amazing moment for me. I am starting the dance program in the school, so all of my supplies have been bought myself or through generous donors. I want to continue to give my students the most well versed dance experience they can.”
Alexandra Gamero — 1st Grade
“I’m a soon to be 24 year old 3rd year teacher who is still building up their teacher inventory. I have so many new ideas and strategies i’m looking to try out this year but am in need of the supplies to execute. while we are supplied in classroom supplies like pencils, crayons, books, etc, despite working in a private school, we are not given personal budgets/allowances to decorate our rooms and are expected to supply our own decor.”
Adria W — Dance Grades 9-12
“I teach dance to grades 9-12 and we put on a full performance at the end of the year complete with costumes. Students absolutely shine on stage and have such a great time, but it’s a lot of work. We have a really nice dance studio but to keep our program running smoothly I need extra items. I clean the dance floors weekly to make sure that the students have a clean floor to dance on. I keep personal care items stocked for students in need such as spray deodorant, feminine products, lotion, etc. I would truly appreciate any help!”
Taylor Bassani — 7th Grade ELA
“I am going into my 10th year of teaching and am coming off two consecutive years of maternity leaves, so I’m really excited to have a fresh start and revamp my classroom!”
Dianca Piegaro — Preschool + Dual-Language
“As a dual language preschool teacher, I’m passionate about creating a joyful, inclusive classroom where every child feels seen, valued, and excited to learn—whether they’re discovering new words, exploring their creativity, or building friendships. I work with children of all abilities and strive to make learning magical and accessible for everyone. Winning this giveaway would help me provide enriching materials and experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning in both languages.”
Megan Sharples — 6th + 7th Grade Special Education
“I’ve been a teacher for 10 years and it’s my passion! This is my first year moving to middle school and I’m excited to create a comfortable and welcoming space for my students”
Maria Frustaci Kennedy — 3rd Grade
“I have been a NYC public school teacher and this September will be my 3rd year in CG so I can be closer to my family. I have a catering business I started after my 3rd child was born and took a little time off from teacher, continue to do both now. We are always looking for new innovation ways to teach with best practices.”
Wish List: High-interest guided reading books, social studies materials that are up-to-date for a third grade class, anything interactive
Mia Torres — 1st Grade
“I’m 29 years old and since I was younger I’ve always wanted to become a first grade teacher. Fortunately for me I was able to achieve that dream after I graduated college. This will be my 5th year teaching but my 4th year working in an inclusion classroom with general ed/special ed students. I love what I do and can’t picture myself being anything other than Ms. Torres”
Shannon — 5th Grade
“Starting the year at a new school and a new grade! Would love some support from the community to help bring my new classroom together.”
Jasmine Johnson — Special Education 6th-8th Grade
“I am born and raised in Hoboken and attended Hoboken Public Schools. This is my 10th year teaching, my first as a middle school teacher.”
Sherri Shaarbafan — Algebra 2 + AP Statistics 10th-12th grade, Adjunct at Hunter College
“This is my 14th year teaching!”
Paulina Cataldo — Pre- K
“I’m a proud Brooklyn Pre-K teacher who starts every morning with three different rides just to get to my little learners. In our classroom, we dance, laugh, and grow together—like one big family where every child feels at home.”
Lyanni Nieves — 1st Grade
“I am a first year teacher who is trying to create a welcoming, warm, and inclusive classroom for all my students. I am a young, puerto rican female who is also a first generation college graduate. I am a born and raised Hoboken resident and attribute the Hoboken Public School District for shaping me into the student I was and teacher I am going to become. I am thrilled to be beginning my career in the classroom! Anything received is truly appreciated.”
Caterina Bonanno — 3rd Grade
“I am going into my 4th year of teaching, 3rd year in 3rd grade. I have taught only math and science for the past 3 years and this year, I was told that I will be now teaching all of the subjects. I am very excited for my new adventure and looking forward to upgrade my classroom to accommodate new subject areas.”
Reesa Antony — High School Speech-Language Pathologist
“I am a speech-language pathologist that teaches an amazing group of neurodivergent high school students who are working hard to build the life skills they’ll need to live as independently as possible after graduation. My list includes supplies that I would need for the upcoming school year for my students to be successful.”
Isabella Lundquist — 3rd Grade
“I fell in love with education after teaching English as a Second Language in Spain! Now, I work with primarily Latino students in Guttenberg, NJ. I wholeheartedly believe in creating a space where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to thrive not only academically but also socio-emotionally. My teaching centers around global awareness and multicultural inclusivity to foster curiosity, kindness, and confidence in all my students. Having my Amazon wishlist cleared would really help me continue to build a welcoming an enriching environment where all of my students can flourish for years to come!”
Anonymous — 3rd Grade
“I’ve been a teacher in Hoboken for the past 15 years, and this will be my 11th year teaching third grade. Born and raised in Hudson County, I’ve lived in Jersey City my entire life, and my parents ran a family business in Hoboken for 40 years. As an educator, I believe that every bit of support makes a difference in the classroom. I regularly do monthly classroom transformations to keep the students engaged and excited about learning. I’m a firm believer that teachers shape the memories kids will carry with them from each grade, so every year, I strive to improve and better myself for their benefit.”
Allison Santiago — 2nd Grade Dual Language
“Hoboken born and raised educator going into my eighth year. I teach for the district’s dual language program which allows integrated instruction in both the English and Spanish languages. The program cultivates an engaging and multicultural classroom experience. My favorite part about my job as an educator is watching the students acquire a new language over the course of the year and apply it to their lives outside of school!”
Mackenzie Peyser — 2nd Grade
“I went to school at Montclair State University! I recently graduated in May and I loved my time there. They taught me everything I need to know! And I lived in Montclair during my years in college – love it there!”
Jessica Palma — Prek
“I’m mom and a teacher. I grew up in Jersey city, one of my children inspired me to become a teacher and it has been the best decision ever. As a parent I fought for my child to get the services he needed and now as a teacher I advocate for my student to get the services and best education!”
Erin Carlson — 4th Grade Math + Science
Jenn Wilcox – 3rd Grade
Angelica Juarez — 1st Grade
“This will be my third year as a lead teacher, but my first year as a first grade teacher! I’m very excited for this new challenge and to see some of my students from last year.”
Leslie Baez — 5th Grade Special Education
“As a special ed teacher, I often find myself purchasing adaptive materials, sensory tools, and specialized resources out of my own pocket to meet my students’ unique needs. These tools make such a difference in helping my students access learning and feel successful in school. I graduated from Montclair State University and have been serving our community, working hard to ensure that language barriers and learning differences never stand in the way of a child’s education. Any support in clearing items from my classroom wish list would mean the world to me and my students!”
Dana Kaminsky — Speech Pathologist
“I have been a speech therapist for 9 years for the Jersey City School District. Jersey city is a title I district with limited funding. I treat students with developmental disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome and other cognitive impairments. I did not get any funding this year for new materials and id love any help I can get to keep all my students engaged!”
Sara Simmons — School Counselor
“For the past 3 years I worked at Boonton High School. At the end of the year my position was cut and I was to I would not have a position for this coming year. Myself, my co-counselors and my students were devastated. With the help of a students parent I was able to find a position at the neighboring high school. The town is known to have different demographics, that I am not used to working with and will be a big adjustment for me. I am going to miss my students greatly, but looking forward to the challenge of a new school and community. I am looking for help with my wishlist because typically, as a counselor I would not have one, but moving to a new school, I do not know what resources I will have available to me.”
Julia Byham — 5th Grade Special Education
“I am entering my 7th (wow!) year as a NJ Public School teacher. I’m 28 years old and I just got engaged. I live with my fiance in uptown Hoboken and I do the reverse commute to Monmouth county NJ. I’m a 2026 bride and I’m so excited for this upcoming school year. I’ve moved grades and this year I have 25 students in an inclusion class. I would love to make this the most perfect school year yet (there last year in elementary school).”
Sam Berk — 9th-12th Grade Art
“I’m Sam, a newlywed and proud high school art teacher in Cranford for the past 12 years, guiding everyone from budding beginners to AP students chasing their dreams in the arts—all while coaching our varsity field hockey team. With budget cuts and rising prices, I’m passionate about finding ways to give my students every creative opportunity they need to shine and succeed in their artistic journeys.”
Wish List: Plaster cloth rolls, canvases (various sizes), Sculpey air-dry clay, clear bins for storage, posca paint markers, liquitex acrylic paint
Genna Kornweiser — 5th + 6th Grad STEAM
“This is my 2nd year teaching STEAM and 11th teaching. I love seeing that light bulb moment. It’s so much fun seeing the creative side of students and getting to know them without academic pressure since I’m a special.”
Kaitlyn Valencia — K-8 Reading Intervention
“I am a reading specialist at a public school in Brooklyn. I provide research-based reading interventions to students in grades K-8. My work is rewarding because I have the opportunity to teach students the skills they need to read confidently and fluently. I help my students find joy in reading.”
Kelsey Petrillo — K-5 Special Education
“This will be my 16 year teaching special education at my school in New York City. I live in Hoboken with both of my daughters attending Brandt. Teaching is a challenging and rewarding profession. For me, teaching literacy for students with special needs is the best career choice. I feel a deep sense of purpose as I believe that learning to read is the most vital skill taught in schools today. Thank you for helping clear my list for my students to feel wonderment and the joy of learning, even when it is at different pace and in a different way from their peers.”
Crystal Shanyse King — 6th + 7th Grade
“I’m a special education teacher at a D75 (NYC Public Schools) in Manhattan.”
Amanda Lewandowski — 5th Grade
“I have been a teacher for 9 years and love it! I used to bartend in uptown Hoboken and still visit quite often. One of my favorite places for dinner & drinks.”
Lauren Strumpf — 4th Grade
“My name is Lauren Strumpf, and I’ve called Hoboken home since 2012. I teach 4th grade at a Title I elementary school in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and I’m so excited for the new school year ahead.”
Rebecca Poggiali-Hurd — 2nd Grade
“After two truly fulfilling years at home with my babies, I’m heading back to work — this time stepping into a brand-new chapter as a 2nd grade teacher! It’s bittersweet to turn the page on my stay-at-home chapter, but my heart is full knowing I get to make a difference in a classroom full of bright, curious little minds. I’m so excited for the school year ahead!”
Rylie Niemiec — 1st Grade
“Originally from Cleveland, OH, I decided to move to Jersey City for a change of scenery over a year ago. I have been loving all that the city has to offer and absolutely love my school, students, and experience in NJ so far! This will be my third year teaching 1st grade and I could not be more excited!”
Amanda Longobardi — K-5 Library Media + Technology
“I have lived in Hoboken for 3 years! Work in the tech department and media center with elementary school students and would love to incentivize my space!”
Kleopatra Kontogiannis — 3rd Grade
“I’ve been a teacher in Hoboken for the past 15 years, and this will be my 11th year teaching third grade. Born and raised in Hudson County, I’ve lived in Jersey City my entire life, and my parents ran a family business in Hoboken for 40 years. As an educator, I believe that every bit of support makes a difference in the classroom. I regularly do monthly classroom transformations to keep the students engaged and excited about learning. I’m a firm believer that teachers shape the memories kids will carry with them from each grade, so every year, I strive to improve and better myself for their benefit.”
Zainab — 5th Grade
“I’ve been a teacher for 8 years, graduated from TCNJ, and I love what I do!”
Laura — PreK 3
“This is my first opportunity at a public program. I currently need to pay for alternate route and am struggling to buy supplies for my class”
Nicole Opitz — 5th-8th Grade Art
“I’m an 8th year teacher, dog mom, and art lover! I love to create meaningful lessons for my students and an environment that they can be comfortable to be their true authentic selves in. I teach both digital and fine arts to middle school students and have been teaching middle school for my whole career!”
Maggie Ganey — 5th + 6th Grade Bilingual ELA + Social Studies
“This is my 6th year teaching, my 4th year at my school and my 1st year in the bilingual classroom!”
Tara Mizzoni — 4th Grade Science + Social Studies
“This is my ninth year teaching. I recently got married.”
See More: 13 Montclair + Essex County Businesses For Back-to-School Shopping
Kelly Dissinger — 2nd Grade
“I’m a 2nd grade teacher who has regular ed and students with accommodations for learning impairments. The goal of my wishlist is to make my classroom more comfortable and inclusive for all of my students.”
Victoria Vesce — K-2 Special Education
“I’m a K-2 Special Education teacher for Rockland BOCES in Haverstraw, NY. I’ve been teaching for a few years now while also working on my PhD in Spec. Ed. I was moved to this classroom last year last minute, so I didn’t get the chance to make it bright and fun for my kiddos. My room has no windows, so I’m going to try my best to add color and spice this year! The families appreciate seeing it as well. In addition, my list contains some materials I need for my reading lessons.”
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