My grandmother, Madelina Frisina Valenza, taught me about unconditional love, the importance of family, and how to do things “the proper way.” Her words and actions are my moral compass and guiding light.

Nancy Mohr was my dear friend and former principal who guides my thinking about teaching, learning, and what good education looks like. Whenever I have a question about students, schools, or systems, I think, “What would Nancy do?” and I always find the right answer.

South Harbor Beach is about a mile from my home in Southold. Whenever I need to gather my thoughts or feel my feelings, I take my dog, Louie, there for a mindful walk.

I was transformed when I read "Experience and Education" as a new teacher. Dewey put into words what I was trying to say in my work. When I plan units and lessons, I am always asking myself "What are the students doing?" and I am only satisfied when they are actively engaged in meaningful learning.

Like Dewey, Freire helped me to verbalize why I wanted my lessons to be hands on. His explanation of the "banking concept of education" made so much sense to me. I wanted my students to be active learners and not passive recipients of knowledge I would bestow upon them.  

My career was shaped by my experiences helping to start and lead a Coalition of Essential Schools NYC alternative school. We structured our program around habits of mind and heart, and designed our lessons to model Sizer's "student as worker, teacher as coach" philosophy.