New Teachers to the English Department
Alden Mackay
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
I went to the University of Rhode Island and double majored in English and secondary education.
Did you always want to be a teacher?
YES 🙂
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I loved the demographic and the classes offered here.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Just try!!!! Put in effort and do your best and I promise you will pass.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
I would like to create a little classroom library! 🙂
Anna Angelo
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
I attended the University of Connecticut and majored in English
Did you always want to be a teacher?
I did not always want to be a teacher. During the pandemic, I volunteered with The Education Project to tutor students for free. I really enjoyed helping them grow, so I decided to become a teacher!
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I like big schools as they often have students with many different perspectives and interests.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
The advice I would give my students is to communicate with me! I am here to help and support you, but I may not know what is going on if you don’t talk to me.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
I love having my students be teachers for a block and teach one another. It’s always fun to see what they decide to do!
New Teachers to the Math Department
Christopher Smith
What school did you attend and what was your major?
College of the Holy Cross; Mathematics Major
Did you always want to be a teacher?
I did not always want to teach. I had positive experiences tutoring high school students in math and being a substitute teacher in middle and high schools. Those led me to pursue my Masters in Education and to become a certified teacher.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I’ve taught in 3 other schools over the past 13 years and when I was thinking about this school year this past winter/spring, I was looking for something new and different. When I interviewed for my current position and came to see the school back in June, I got the sense that DHS would be a good fit for me.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Communicate with me and make an effort on the assignments I give you. If you make an effort, I will do as much as I can to support you.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Get some student work up on the walls!
Rachel Saunders
What school did you attend and what was your major?
Fairfield University (Mathematics Major/with an Education Certificate and Theater Minor)
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
Yes! Since at least first grade!
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
DHS is actually where I started my career. I was here from 2005-2013 and then moved to the middle schools in Danbury to be an instructional coach and then the STEM Department Head. With the change in roles last Spring due to budget cuts, my job changed from 6-8 STEM to 6-12 Math, which brings me back to DHS! I’ve loved Danbury right from the start – it reminds me of my home town.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Try your best and don’t be afraid to share your thinking about a math problem, because even wrong thinking can help lead to right answers and a stronger understanding.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Lots of group problem solving at vertical white boards all around the classroom.
Sukru Unluturk
What school did you attend and what was your major?
Mercy College NY, Mathematics and Special Education for Adolescence. MS
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
No, I was never thinking about being a teacher. During the college years, I started dancing, later I enjoyed teaching how to dance. Then, I changed my subject and went into teaching direction.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
This is a diverse group and I am from another country. Being in a multicultural environment excites me.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Just put in some effort and don’t give up.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
My subject is not much fun for the majority of the people. I would like to do some projects that might help some of the students to have fun.
Albert Laporte
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
CUNY: BA & MA in Mathematics and Education
College of Saint Rose: Administration
Pace University: DPS Program
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
Yes, I tutored and assisted math teachers in high school
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
The demographics of students are important to me. I enjoy working with a diverse population.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Work hard and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Math is fun, so I hope to inspire curiosity and creativity in my classroom.
New Teachers to the Social Studies Department
Ms. Manolios
What school did you attend and what was your major?
Central Connecticut State University – History / University of Bridgeport – Social Studies Secondary Education
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
I originally wanted to be a doctor. I then discovered my love of history and wanted to work in a museum. After working at a vet’s office, I realized I liked the “human” aspect of working, as in helping people and making a difference. I decided that teaching was the best way to combine that and my love of history.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I went to DHS and graduated in the class of 2016. I really enjoyed my time here as a student. Then as well as now, I have seen how tight knit of a community Danbury is despite its size and appreciate the celebration of diversity in the city as well as the school. It is a truly unique community.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Participate, ask questions if you are confused, and give your best effort.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Simulation games because it is fun and interactive for students to get into the roles, like they are acting or reading a story. It also gives real life examples to give the “why” to history. It can be meaningful and fun.
Rachel Korzendorfer (Ms. K)
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
I went to University of Connecticut in Storrs for undergrad. I majored in political science and minored in history. I also got my Masters of Education from UConn, I went to UConn Stamford for my masters.
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
Yes and no, it was always at the top of my list. Was between law and education and then realized I didn’t like reading case law and that I was better suited for teaching given my personality and the life I want to live.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
DHS is a growing school with lots of students, diversity, and opportunities for their students. The staff and energy at the school is fantastic, I’m so excited that my first year teaching will be at DHS.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Put in the work/effort, seek help if you need it! Teachers want you to succeed.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
I love having mock debates and discussions so an activity along those lines.
Kerith Miller
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
Quinnipiac University BA – University of Saint Joseph – MA
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
Always knew I wanted to be a teacher when I played school with my dolls and nothing else. My mom is a teacher as well. This allowed me to see all the good, bad, and ugly of the profession.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
Love the area. Reminds me of where I grew up on the West Coast.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Take notes, ask questions, stay organized.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
I play music when students enter the classroom and relate music to almost all lessons that we learn about. It is a fun way to remember information and relate to modern day.
New Teachers to the Science Department
Chris Priedemann
What school did you attend and what was your major?
Furman University, Bachelors and Masters of Chemistry, SUNY College at Oswego, Masters of Education
Did you always want to be a teacher?
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I realized I wanted to teach when I was in college, volunteering as a tutor with English language learners in Greenville, SC. I would tutor math and science in Spanish. That work was what drew me to Danbury High.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
I will do everything in my power to help you be successful if you show me that you are motivated and committed. Show up ready to go and ask good questions and you’ll be fine.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
I love doing lab activities and letting students get their hands on some chemicals. It’s going to be a great year in chemistry.
Jonathan Schanil
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
West Virginia University, Physics
Did you always want to be a teacher?
No, I decided to become a teacher when I learned about the WVUteach program. I gave it a try and fell in love.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I chose DHS because it is a great public school that is close to home.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Pay attention, try and have fun.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Elephant toothpaste
Matthew Johnson
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
Louisiana Tech University, Biology
Did you always want to be a teacher?
Teaching was a career I had considered but not gotten serious about until after I moved to CT. My mother and older sister are both high school math teachers.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
DHS was one of the first places I substitute taught at as I began to explore teaching as a career. I really appreciated how Mrs. Jakobson and the rest of the front office staff ran such a tight ship. I was also enamored with the unique and specified classes DHS was able to offer to their students. Things like robotics, architecture, and animation were not the kind of classes my high school in Louisiana was able to offer.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your teachers! Our job is to help you but you have to be willing to ask for it.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
I’m looking forward to conducting different lab activities and experiments.
James Goddard
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
Michigan State University (Undergrad) University of Toledo (Graduate)
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
No – Teaching was an elective option – Took this as a back up to my original plan. Student teaching was great and thrusted this into the lead position for career choices.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
Opportunities a large Urban style school offers its students
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! We all make mistakes and learn from them. Failure to try and fail, is a failure in itself.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Everything!! Launch bottle rockets, make fire from mirrors, what makes the world go around.
New Teachers to the World Language Department
Cynthia Kemmer
What school did you attend and what was your major?
Brooklyn College- Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
I always dreamed of becoming a teacher!
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I love working with a very diverse population of students and staff.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
I would encourage them to always try their best and nit be afraid to take risks.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Lots of board games and activities to practice new materials.
Maria G. Neto
What school did you attend and what was your major?
Manhattanville College-Masters of Professional Studies-Education/Spanish
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
Yes I always did ever since a teacher inspired me.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
The more practice, the better!
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Group work, online games, role plays
Angelica Robles Mitre
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
Simon Bolivar University (Mexico City), Chemical Engineering
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
No, but when I started working in the Danbury School District, I realized that I wanted to be part of the people who can make a difference in the life of a student. If I can impact even one student, it will be worth it.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
The diversity of people, culture and customs. DHS is an excellent place to find all of that.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Take your education seriously. If you have doubts or questions, we are here to support you, but if you think that without making the slightest effort you can get an A, you will be very frustrated.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Games, movies, songs
Prospere Walter
What school did you attend and what was your major?
Fairfield University: Secondary education
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
Yes.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I taught at Rogers park for over a decade.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Practice, stay awake, no phone
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Play fun games.
New Teachers to the Physical Education Department
Richard (R.J.) Aune
What school did you attend and what was your major?
West Virginia University, Physical Education
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
When I found out I couldn’t be a pro athlete, I knew I wanted to be a teacher!
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I heard from other people that this was a great district to work in.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Try hard and be respectful!
David Grippo
What school did you attend and what was your major?
Brooklyn College. Physical Education/Education
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
It was time to leave Brooklyn and see another side of teaching.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Be prepared, have fun and try.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Build trust and community. Once that happens, everything is fun.
New Teachers to the Business/ Life Skills Department
Amy Preveza- Life Skills Teacher
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
Boston College – elementary education/special education & human development
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
Always
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
The fabulous people who work here.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Be yourself, try your best, and find something good in everyday… you will be just fine.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Bake cookies
Shana Bergonzelli-Graham – Business Teacher
What school did you attend and what was your major?
I attended Colgate University and I majored in Economics and minored in Computer Science. I also have an Educational Leadership degree from Florida Atlantic University
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
I wanted to teach when I was in high school but I discovered a love for computer science in college and went into industry as a software developer. After 6 years of being a developer, I realized I wanted a career that would make a more meaningful impact (even though I really enjoyed software development).
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I was very excited about the prospect of working at a career-oriented school that offered students the opportunity to study a subject they really enjoy.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Putting forth effort and limiting distractions are the most important ingredients to success.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
I am looking forward to doing hands-on activities with my Accounting classes.
Air Force JROTC
MSgt John McMahon
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
SNHU // General Studies w/ concentration in Leadership Essentials
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
No; this is a second career after serving 24 years active duty in the USAF. Moving to teaching AFJROTC allows me to stay connected to the things I liked about serving in the military while also giving back to the community and helping prepare the next generations for life after school, whatever that may hold for them.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
Partly because it brings me closer to home and family, partly because DHS is a school where my knowledge and experience can help make an impact.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Put in the effort. As long as you’re trying, people are much more willing to help you get to where you need or want to be.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
There’s already so many fun and interesting things built into the AFJROTC curriculum, it’s hard to think of something else fun to add.
Resources
Sandra Weston
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
Southern Connecticut University/Special Education.
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
Working as substitute teacher in the resource room at the local primary school here in town.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
To be honest, DHS chose me but I’m very happy to be here.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Ask questions and if you have to ask the same question again.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
Debate
New staff to the Counseling + Career Academy Department
Lindsay Cavanagh- Level 2 Counselor
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
University of Scranton w/ a bachelors in Counseling & Human Services & Western Connecticut State U w/ a masters in school counseling.
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
Yes, I’ve always wanted to be a school counselor
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I love the environment here. The kids are a delight
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
I would say to be proactive and advocate for yourself.
What is a fun thing you want to do in your classroom?
I want my office to be a safe space for students.
Andre Foote- Director of the Academy of Communication and Design
What school did you attend and what was your major?
Graduated from WCSU and majored in Music Education.
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
I didn’t want to be a teacher at first. I at first wanted to use a degree in teaching as something to fall back on in the future. It wasn’t until college when I started taking classes and getting opportunities to teach that I realized how much I loved teaching.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
DHS is an amazing school. All of the staff and students here are great! I love how diverse the student population is at this school. After meeting some of my teammates at some meetings last year as well as at the beginning of this school year, I was excited to join a team that had great energy, was focused on helping students succeed, and that had members who were all very knowledgeable.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
Be wise about the company you keep. The people you spend the most time with directly affect you. If the people around you are constantly making good decisions, you’ll make good decisions too. If the people around you constantly make poor decisions, you’ll follow suit.
Kayla Creegan- School Counselor for the Academy of Information and Cybersecurity
What school did you attend and what was your major? 
Fairfield University Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Masters degree in School Counseling.
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
I did not always want to be a school counselor. I completed an internship during my undergrad that was at a high school and it made me want to pursue a career that helps children.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I wanted to work at DHS because I love the diversity here and I grew up coming to Danbury so it is nice to be in a familiar area.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
My advice is for my students to seek out my support whenever they need it and to never be afraid to ask for help!
Jackie Perez- Level 2 Counselor
What school did you attend and what was your major?
Western Connecticut State University – MS Counselor Education
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what changed your mind?
No, I didn’t intend on being a school counselor, I originally wanted to be a Probation Officer. Through a series of events in life and jobs I held after college, I decided I would like to go into counseling and more specifically in the school system.
Why DHS? What aspect of DHS made you want to work here?
I like the diversity at Danbury High School. I like that it’s a large community here but has a small town vibe. I really enjoyed my time in Danbury when attending grad school, so I thought it would be great to work here.
What advice would you give to students who want to excel in your class?
I would encourage any of my students to ask questions! Don’t be afraid to do so. It may be difficult at first but it’s important to ask questions along with advocating for yourself so the teacher knows specifically what support you need.
