Global Learning Charter Public School -- Teacher Biographies

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Academic Coaches
				Derek Michael Derek Michael has been at GLCPS for six years and currently serves as our Literacy Specialist. Derek received his BA in history from Whitman College and his MA in Education from UCLA; he has been teaching for nine years. Derek is a member of ASCD as well as the International Reading Association. In addition, he is a member of the GLCPS Instructional Leadership Team.

				Linda Andrade Linda Andrade, long-time mathematics teacher at GLCPS, has assumed a two-year position as Mathematics Coach. Her role is to create benchmark assessments to assist teachers in using data to drive mathematics instruction, in particular, instruction that is appropriate to grade level and that is differentiated to meet all students' needs. Linda is a member of ASCD and NCTM.

Special Education
				A shley Bouley Luis Ashley Bouley Luis is one of our special education teachers and has been at GLCPS for four years. She has five years of teaching experience. Ashley received her BA in special and elementary education from Salve Regina University. She went on to pursue her M.Ed. in school counseling at Bridgewater State College. Ashley is a member of the American Counselor Association. She enjoys field hockey and playing the saxophone and clarinet in her free time.

				Niki Enos Niki Enos is a special education teacher serving grades 5-8. Nike has been a part of the GLCPS family for four years. She received her BS in psychology from Bridgewater State College and her M.Ed. from Lesley University. Prior to coming to GLCPS, Niki worked for several years as an ABA/behavior therapist for young children with autism spectrum disorders.

				Ashley Devine Ashley Devine has joined our team this year as one of our paraprofessionals. Ashley received her bachelor's degree in history from Bridgewater State University and has four years of experience working in classrooms. GLCPS was fortunate to have Ashley as a substitute during the later part of the 2009-10 school year. Swimming is an important part of her life and she has been a swimming instructor for ten years; currently Ashley is the assistant swim coach for Coyle and Cassidy High School.

				Carmen Gamboa Carmen Gamboa is in her fourth year at GLCPS as a special education paraprofessional. Carmen has over ten years of experience working with individuals with special needs. She is a member of the Student Support group and the GLCPS Security Team. Carmen enjoys arts and crafts, particularly scrapbooking and quilting. She is pleased that five of her grandchildren have attended GLCPS.

				Amanda McDonnell Amanda McDonnell is in her second year at GLCPS as a special education paraprofessional. Amanda received her BA at Utica College of Syracuse University in psychology, with a concentration in child-life studies. Amanda spent the beginning of this school year completing an internship at GLCPS and we are excited to have her as an official member of our staff.

				Christine Ross Christine Ross has been volunteering at GLCPS for over five years and her vast knowledge about GLCPS and our students will serve the school especially well in her new position as a member of our paraprofessional team. Christine has three children enrolled at the school and has played a critical role in helping to launch and lead the GLCPS Family Council.

Arts, Wellness and Technology
				Scott Borowicz Scott Borowicz is the GLCPS physical and health education teacher. A teacher for over 11 years, this is his fourth year at GLCPS. Scott received his BS in exercise science from Bridgewater State College and is certified as a personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise. He also serves as coach of the GLCPS cross country and basketball teams and is building our extracurricular athletic program.

				Nancy Brown Nancy Brown has been at GLCPS for five years as our performing arts teacher. She enjoys teaching music theory, chorus and musical drama among other things. She received her BA in music at Baruch College as well as her certification for early childhood Judaic studies at Hebrew College. Nancy is a pianist and enjoys co-directing the GLCPS Drama Club.

				Sandra Chicca Sandra Chicca has 13 years of teaching experience. She has taught technology at GLCPS for four years. Sandra completed her undergraduate education at Bridgewater State College and went on to receive her MA from Framingham State. She is a member of Massachusetts Computer Using Educators (MassCUE).

				Kimberly Dauplaise Kimberly Dauplaise is our Tang Soo Do instructor and, as a founding team member, has been at GLCPS for eight years. A certified instructor through the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA), Kim has trained for 13 years and has taught for a total of 9 years. She is also a certified Center Judge under the World Tang Soo Do Association Championship Judging program. Kim was instrumental in establishing a competitive Tang Soo Do program here at GLCPS which competes regionally and nationally.

				Jon Vecchiarelli Jon Vecchiarelli is our visual arts teacher and has been at GLCPS for five years. Jon has seven years of teaching experience. He received his BFA from UMass Dartmouth in art education with a studio concentration in painting. Jon is a member of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and the National Educator of the Arts Collaborative (NEAC).

Grade 5
				Elizabeth Chouinard Elizabeth Chouinard has been one of our grade 5 teachers for five years. She brings 27 years of teaching experience to GLCPS. Prior to joining the GLCPS team, Beth taught at Bishop Connolly High School, Saint James Saint John School, Fisher College and Bishop Stang High School. Beth received her BA from UMass Lowell. She is a fellow with the Buzzards Bay Writing Project which is a part of the National Writing Project. Beth enjoys singing and is an active thespian in New Bedford's Your Theatre.

				Michael Clappi Michael Calppi has taught for nine years, three of which have been here at GLCPS. He is one of our grade 5 teachers. Michael received his BA in psychology from Saint Anselm College and moved on to Cambridge College to receive his Masters in Education. He also co-coaches the GLCPS sports club.

				Wendy O'Gallagher Wendy O'Gallagher is in her fourth year as one of our grade 5 teachers. Wendy received a BA in elementary education from Rhode Island College and a BA from Hofstra University in teacher speech and hearing handicapped. She went on to University of Connecticut to receive her MA in audiology. Wendy has participated in curriculum development for the RI Writing Project and the National Park Service as well as participating in the New Media Literacy pilot program through Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She enjoys writing and is the coordinator of the GLCPS school newspaper, the Global Gazette.

				Polly Zajac Polly Zajac is one of our grade 5 teachers. She has been with GLCPS for six years and has been in the education field for 18 years. Polly received her BA in elementary education with a minor in Spanish from UMass Amherst and went on to receive her M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in literacy from Lesley University. She is on the board of the Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance (SEEAL) and a curriculum consultant for the National Park Service. Polly enjoys music and performance as evidenced by her role as chorus manager of the New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus, as well as her co-coordinating GLCPS' Drama Club. She recently received first runner up for the 2009 Teacher of the Year Award from the Standard Times and Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.

Grade 6
				Adam Branch Adam Branch has been with GLCPS for three years and is a 6th grade teacher. Adam received his undergraduate degree in psychology at Rhode Island College and his teaching certification from UMass Dartmouth.

				Ann Devine Ann Devine has been at GLCPS for three years as a grade 6 teacher. She has 6 years of teaching experience. Ann received her BA in history from Bridgewater State College and is working towards her Masters in Education. She brings experience in curriculum mapping to GLCPS. An Advocate for the Federation for Children, Ann has also been involved as a vice president of a special education parent council and serves on the GLCPS Principal's School Council. In the winter season, Ann is the head coach for Coyle and Cassidy High School Varsity Swim Team.

				Christi Dubois Christi Dubois is in her first year at GLCPS as one of our 6th grade teachers. She graduated from Rhode Island College with a bachelor's degree in elementary and middle level education in mathematics.

				Charlene Elias Charlene Elias is in her third year of teaching at GLCPS and is one of our grade 6 teachers. She brings over ten years of teaching experience to GLCPS. Charlene completed her undergraduate education at Northeastern University and received her MA in Education at University of Phoenix.

				Jessica Harris Jessica Harris recently joined GLCPS as a 6th grade teacher. She received her undergraduate degree in biology and environmental studies from Bowdoin College and master's degrees in marine science in fisheries and elementary education from the University of Rhode Island and Lesley University, respectively. Jessica has more than twelve years of teaching experience, including mathematics and science instruction in Falmouth. Additionally, she served as the Education Coordinator for the Westport River Watershed Alliance.

Grade 7

				Ned Hamilton Ned Hamilton is a grade 7 English teacher. Ned is in his second year of teaching at GLCPS. His BA from University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth is in English with a concentration in communications, writing and rhetoric. An active outdoorsman, Ned is also trained in outdoor education, such as ropes courses and wall climbing.

				Anne Malmquist Anne Malmquist teaches grade 7 social studies at GLCPS and has been on staff for four years. She has 13 years of teaching experience. Anne received her BA in English, BS in English education and M.Ed. in reading from Boston University. Anne enjoys facilitating teacher trainings and working with new teachers.

				Andrew Kearney Andrew Kearney is in his first year at GLCPS as a 7th grade mathematics teacher. Andrew received his undergraduate degree in business management and is currently pursuing his master's degree in the same discipline at Bridgewater State University. Though this is Andrew's first year of teaching, he has previous experience as a substitute teacher. He is also a member of Alpha Mu Alpha, a national marketing honor society and Sigma Beta Delta, an international honor society in business, management and administration. Andrew is passionate about teaching mathematics and is looking forward to a great year at GLCPS.

				Darlease Monteiro Darlease Monteiro teaches grade 7 science. She has been at GLCPS for four years and has seven years of teaching experience from St. Anthony's school. Darlease received her BA from Temple University and her MA in education from Lesley University.

Grade 8
				Jessica Ross Jessica Ross is one of GLCPS' founding team members who has taught grade 8 humanities for eight years and currently also serves as Title I Director. Jessica graduated from Hunter College with degrees in both elementary education and history. Her passion for teaching was recognized in 2007 when she was voted Teacher of the Year by the Standard Times and Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts. Jessica has received her principal's licensure and is an active teacher presenter and facilitator at Harvard's Graduate School of Education Project Zero. She is on the education advisory committee of the Ocean Explorium in New Bedford and spends time as a teacher and facilitator for numerous partners involved in the New Bedford ECHO project.

				John Regan John Regan is a new 8th grade English teacher. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, in English and teaching, respectively. John is in his first year of teaching but spent one year as a paraprofessional at Old Rochester Regional High School. He is also the assistant football coach at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.

				Ryan Lynch Ryan Lynch, teaching grade 8 social studies, has been at GLCPS for four years. He received a BA in both history and philosophy from Rhode Island College. Ryan is currently pursuing his Masters in teaching at UMass Dartmouth. He recently received an honorable mention for the 2009 Teacher of the Year Award from the Standard Times and Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.

				Hugh O'Mara Hugh O'Mara, a founding team member, has been with GLCPS for eight years. He teaches grade 8 mathematics and science. Hugh received his BA in economics and philosophy from Boston College and received his education certification from UMass Dartmouth. Additionally, he completed the Leadership for Learning principal licensure program at UMass Dartmouth. He is on the Educational Advisory Committee of the New Bedford Ocean Explorium and served as assistant instructor for marine science teachers at UMass Dartmouth.

				Susan Cipoletti Susan Cipoletti has just joined our team as one of our 8th grade mathematics teachers. This is her second year of teaching. Susan received her undergraduate degree at Stonehill College in elementary education and mathematics.

				Traci Violette Traci Violette has recently joined our 8th grade teaching team. A graduate of Stonehill College where she received her bachelor's degree in biology, Traci then went on to complete her master's degree at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. With over 14 years as a practitioner, Traci brings a broad background to GLCPS, having taught at St. Stanislaus, Dartmouth High School, and Old Rochester Regional High Schoool.
Grades 9 - 12

				Nichole Charbonneau Nichole Charbonneau, our English teacher for grades 9 and 10, is in her second year with GLCPS. Nichole received her BA in English Literature from Saint Michael's College and holds a Massachusetts educator's license. She also has an MA in children's literature and an MFA in creative writing from Simmons College. This is her first official year of teaching, though she has worked with middle and high school students through the GEAR UP program in New Bedford. Nichole enjoys running the Creative Writing Club after school. She belongs to the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Association for the Study of Literature and the Environment. Nichole is a contributing writer for the monthly local magazine, SoCo.

				Jon McDonnell Jon McDonnell is in his fourth year as a high school English teacher at GLCPS. He received his BA in English from Merrimack College. Jon is passionate about classical literature and early foundations of English literature and brings that expertise to his classes.

				Heidi Eastman Heidi Eastman has over 16 years of teaching experience, five of which have been here at GLCPS as our high school history and French instructor. She received her BA in art history and French as well as her certificate in Western European Studies from UMass Amherst and her MA in French and political science from New York University. In addition, she has a French language diploma from the Institut d'Etudes Francaises at the Universite d'Aix-Marseille III and a diploma in French language and art from the Institut Brittannique, in Paris. In 1993, Heidi co-founded the French-American School of Rhode Island, a bilingual elementary school in Providence. During her time at FASRI, she both taught and served on the Board of Trustees as President. She is an Instructional Team Member representing social studies at GLCPS. Heidi enjoys traveling and gardening.

				Cynthia Sigler Cynthia Sigler is in her 6th year of teaching and has been with GLCPS for four years. She is our history teacher for grades 9 and 10. Cynthia received her BA from Assumption College and is currently pursuing her Masters in teaching at UMass Dartmouth. She enjoys advising student extra-curriculur activities, particularly Student Council, which she has coordinated for the past three years.

				Debra DePietro Debra DePietro joined the GLCPS teaching team this school year as one of our high school mathematics teachers. Debra received her bachelor's degree in mathematics and physics from the University of Rhode Island. She has over seven years of teaching experience and her volunteer work has included GED tutoring as well as working with the Coalition for Buzzard's Bay.

				Shukla Sengupta Shukla Sengupta has been teaching for 11 years. She is one of our high school mathematics teachers and has been at GLCPS for four years. Shukla received her undergraduate education and her Masters in statistics at B.H.U. in India, and her Masters in business from UMass Dartmouth. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

				Misbah Hasan Misbah Hasan has just joined the GLCPS team as one of our high school science teachers. She received her bachelor's degree in biochemistry and biophysics from the University of Houston and her master's in biology at Harvard University. We are happy to have Misbah begin her teaching career here with us after two years of substitute experience.

				Steven Vaitses Steven Vaitses has been teaching at GLCPS for six years as one of our high school science teachers. He received his BS in mechanical engineering and spent over 20 years in leadership, business management, engineering and IT. Steve is a chairperson on the board of deacons of Mattapoisett Congregational Church, a member of the board of trustees at the Community Boating Center of New Bedford, and an alternate member of the Mattapoisett zoning board of appeals. Steve is also a member of Tabor Academy's headmaster's council emeritus and is a sailing instructor at Community Boating Center of New Bedford.

				Ana Tirado Ana Tirado is another new addition to our teaching team as our Spanish teacher. Ana received her bachelor's degree in education from Universidad Kino in Mexico. She went on to receive her master's degree in teaching English as a second language from Salem State University. Ana has 4 years of teaching experience, two of which were in Mexico.