Mrs. Ellen Cifarelli
Life may look a bit different these days, but one truth that will always remain is that we are here to grow in knowledge, imagine all possibilities, create beauty and experience this beautiful world. Together. We may not be in the same physical setting yet, but that will not stop us from having a wonderful year.
Teaching is my purpose and I have had the privilege of working in Union City for the majority of my career. For 27 years, I have welcomed a new group of children each September and cried the day in June when our work together, as a class was finished.
My heart has been in Hudson County all my life. I grew up in Bayonne and graduated from Saint Peter's College in 1993. I obtained a Masters Degree in Special Education, as well as completed course work in the field of Literacy Education and Psychology. I hold several certifications, including: Teacher of the Handicapped, English as a Second Language, and Reading Specialist (in progress).
It is an honor to share my love of learning with each child that passes through my classroom door. Reading and all things related to literacy are my passion! I remind my students that they are the authors of their own life story. As an ELA teacher, I have the pleasure of sharing my love of literature, both prose and poetry. Current events and Social Studies topics are integrated within our ELA curriculum. What an exciting time to learn about our country and how the government works - a Presidential Election Year!
Finally, it is an honor to work in this vibrant, bustling city of hard-working people. As the daughter of Irish immigrant parents, I appreciate the importance of education to the community, especially newly arrived families. I know that the parents of my students wish for their children to succeed and fulfill their full potential. It is gratifying to know that I have a hand in shaping the lives of children raised in families like my very own. The impact of one child's education can have a life-changing effect on an entire family. I am forever grateful for the privilege of teaching in Union City. I pledge to be the best teacher I can be for each of my students.
"I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn't be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage."
- Raold Dahl