MONROE, CT — Masuk High School will welcome five new teachers when the new school year begins on Wednesday. Below are profiles of each.
Salvatore Longo
Position: Transition special education teacher
Previous School District: First year teaching
Grew Up In: Monroe
Education: Bachelor’s from the University of New Haven, Master’s from Western Governors University
What do you like most about teaching?: What I love most about teaching is that “aha” moment with the students. When a student doesn’t quite grasp a concept and you get that one-on-one time to go over it with them; helping them understand and suddenly seeing their face light up as they start to understand the lesson. You can almost see a light glow from the student due to their pride! Best. Feeling. Ever.
What are you most looking forward to in Monroe?: Growing up in town I had so many wonderful experiences in district. I am looking forward to creating wonderful experiences for my students, both academically as a teacher and physically as a coach, I hope they all leave with a feeling of belonging to a community.
Audrey Falsetti
Position: Biology and chemistry teacher
Previous School District: First year teacher!
Grew Up In: Shelton
Education: Bachelor of Science in physiology and neurobiology from the University of Connecticut, Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from UConn
What do you like most about teaching?: I love making connections with students, watching them grow, and sharing my passion for science with young people!
What are you most looking forward to in Monroe?: I am looking forward to becoming a part of the amazing Monroe community. I was a student teacher at Masuk High School last year. The supportive and welcoming environment in Monroe stood out to me. I am so excited to return and can’t wait to get started.
Allyson Danso
Position: Business education teacher
Previous School District: Fairfield – Fairfield Warde High School
Grew Up In: Shelton
Education: Bachelor’s in business administration from Western New England University, Master’s in education from the University of Bridgeport
What do you like most about teaching?: Helping students develop a love of business and teaching them skills they will use in life regardless of their chosen career.
What are you most looking forward to in Monroe?: Working in a smaller district with an immense community pride. I can’t wait to be part of the Monroe community!
Jesse Todd
Position: Spanish teacher
Previous School District: School District of Philadelphia
Grew Up In: Newtown
Education: B.S. in secondary education at Temple University; M.A. in Spanish at Millersville University
What do you like most about teaching?: As a Colombian-American I love sharing the Spanish language and cultures with my students and supporting them toward the superpower that is multilingualism.
What are you most looking forward to in Monroe?: I am excited to immerse myself in the culture of Masuk and experience everything that Monroe has to offer.
Amy Bien
Position: Culinary teacher
Previous School District: Fairfield Public Schools
Grew Up In: Wilton
Education: Bachelor’s in corporate communication from Southern Connecticut State University, Master’s in teaching from Sacred Heart University, dual certification in elementary education (k-6) and family and consumer sciences (preK-12)
What do you like most about teaching?: I love seeing students have fun while learning! As a culinary teacher, every student has the ability to complete a product that they can take ownership in and feel proud of. Exploring students’ cultures and experiences through foods is a unique aspect of my classes. Food brings people together and creates an environment where we can all learn from and appreciate one another.
What are you most looking forward to in Monroe?: I’m excited to become part of a community where people clearly feel a true sense of belonging, support and acceptance. This is illustrated by the long tenure of so many Monroe Public Schools employees as well as the number of employees who are products of the Monroe system.
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