Core Classes

I graduated from Cortland State University with a Bachelor's degree in Inclusive Childhood Education and a minor in English Language and Arts. Additionally, I specialized in Grades 7-12 English, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Literacy. Throughout my journey as an educator, I have had the opportunity to work with students across various age groups and learning environments, each experience deepening my passion for teaching and learning.

My teaching career began at a preschool that provided essential support to children with disabilities. Witnessing their growth each day was truly awe-inspiring, and it was here that I developed a profound love for working with these incredible kids. Their resilience and joy taught me valuable lessons about patience, empathy, and the power of education in transforming lives.

I also worked as a substitute teacher in high schools while simultaneously conducting observations at nearby elementary and middle schools. This experience allowed me to interact with students of varying ages and backgrounds. This helped me to understand the diverse needs and perspectives within the classroom. The opportunity to guide and support students through different stages of their educational journey has been both enjoyable and fulfilling.

My initial interest in teaching was sparked by my involvement with the First Tee Program of Western New York where the focus was on teaching young golf athletes valuable life skills. Beyond the correct golfing techniques, I instilled important values such as perseverance, respect, honesty, and confidence. Witnessing their enthusiasm for these life skills, alongside their intellectual growth, was rewarding and solidified my commitment to becoming an educator.

With a wealth of experience working with students and a deep belief in the transformative power of education, I am confident that I am destined to be an educator. I am passionate about fostering a love of learning in my students, helping them to grow both academically and personally, and making a positive impact on their lives.

Hello, my name is David Tolbert, and I am an English Teacher specializing in Writing and Literature.  I have been teaching in the High School levels since 2007, and have experience that ranges from working with beginning readers and English Language Learners to Advanced Placement students wanting to push their understanding of Literary Criticism to the next level.  

I have earned a Master’s Degree in Education and Leadership from Portland State University. I have also been trained in many different curriculums and strategies, including Positive Behavior Intervention and Support, AVID, Trauma Informed Instruction, and many more.  

I believe that every student has the ability to grow as a learner and I always try to provide a safe and supportive learning environment.  My mission as a teacher has always been to take big, intimidating tasks and break them down into simple concepts that make them more accessible to all kinds of learners.  I also provide a non-judgemental space to ask questions and receive thoughtful and constructive feedback in order to improve students' performance on academic tasks and build confidence.      

When not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.  The main goals in my life now are to be a supportive husband, father, and teacher.  I love listening to and playing music, traveling, camping, and creative writing in my spare time.

I look forward to working with you and your students!

My name is Natalie DiCarlo and I am a New Jersey history and economics teacher with a special ed endorsement. I graduated from Rutgers University in 2020 with my Bachelor's in History and then earned my Master's in Education. I have been teaching high school for 4 years now and have tutored over 75 students throughout my current district, of all levels and ages. Being able to help the students in my class is a gift in and of itself, but being able to help kids across the nation is an even greater gift! I look forward to working with you and your student.

I'm a longtime educator who loves to help students and athletes reach their fullest potential.

As an instructional designer, college adjunct instructor, and certified cognitive skills assessment and training practitioner who enhances students' academic and athletic performance, my interactive, student-centered teaching style incorporates innovative methods, such as games, to improve memory, focus, and executive functioning skills.

As a doctoral candidate in sports leadership and administration at Concordia University Chicago, with a Master's degree in Instructional Technology from Towson University and a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Bowie State University, I combine my diverse skills to inspire and empower learners of all ages.

I have 20 years of experience teaching middle school math with 9 years of in-building experience and 11 years of experience teaching online.

In addition to teaching, I have years of experience developing, designing, and reviewing content for middle and high school math. 

My mission is to help every learner gain confidence and skills in math. I make math accessible to all learners by breaking down complex ideas into smaller parts. I also encourage a growth mindset in a positive, safe learning environment. In addition, I relate the math concepts to the real world and math learning fun along the way.

Muntaha Islam has over five years of experience in teaching Math, Literacy, and reading and writing in Classical Arabic. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from the University of Florida. She is passionate about teaching medical and biological sciences along with humanities subjects. She is currently in school pursuing her doctorate in Occupational Therapy. When she isn't studying, she enjoys reading Bengali literature, painting, and kayaking. 

Hi there! I'm Jeremy Valdes Riccardi, a New York State certified Social Studies teacher with a passion for making history exciting, relatable, and meaningful! I hold a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor’s degree in Historical Studies, and have experience teaching middle and high school students in a variety of settings.

To me, history isn’t just about memorizing dates. It’s about uncovering incredible stories, understanding different perspectives, and recognizing how the personal lenses through which we view history shape our understanding of the past and present. I love helping students explore history in a way that sparks curiosity and encourages them to think critically about the world around them.

I’m especially fascinated by Colonial America and the Tudor dynasty. The drama, intrigue, and larger-than-life historical figures from these periods make them so exciting to study. When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me reading historical fiction, hiking, or bike riding with my family. I’m also a huge dog lover and always up for an outdoor adventure!

I’m a passionate and experienced educator dedicated to making learning engaging, interactive, and meaningful for students of all backgrounds. With eight years of teaching experience, I specialize in English 6-12, helping students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and confidence in their abilities.

I believe that education should be engaging and student-centered, which is why my classes incorporate discussion, hands-on activities, and real-world connections to bring learning to life. Whether we’re analyzing literature, exploring diverse cultures, or building essential communication skills, my goal is to create a supportive and inclusive space where every student feels valued and empowered.

What I Offer:
-Interactive and discussion-based learning
-Encouragement of curiosity and independent thinking
-A welcoming environment for all learners, including ELL students and honors-level students

I look forward to learning with you! Feel free to reach out with any questions—I can’t wait to see you in class!

I’m so excited to be here and share what I’ve learned from over 20 years in the criminal justice field. I started as a patrol officer in 2005, later worked in narcotics and violent crime units, and eventually became a Special Agent in Charge with the Georgia Department of Corrections. I’ve led investigations across the state and now train other agents at the Special Agent Academy.

Teaching and mentoring are passions of mine, and I’m thrilled to help students explore the world of criminal justice.

I have been teaching since 2012, starting with teaching littles and adults in Mexico, then tutoring adults in ESL, next bilingual, multilingual (ELL), and GenEd roles in public schools (mostly 4th-12th grade), and now I work as a Master’s in Teaching professor, field supervisor, and online educator. I love building relationships with learners of all ages, and help them to love learning in any way I can. Whether that be with interactive educational games, projects, or incorporating interests and passions of the child (or children) in my lessons to fully engage them in their learning. While I don’t have a special education certification, I do have experience working in a school that was 25% students with disabilities, and have been a fierce advocate in the past in helping students of all different abilities get their needs met.