In The Q
August 24, 2022 Special Edition Newsletter
Meet QCSD's Newest Teachers
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Carly Althauser
Education: Bachelors in History and Spanish, Seattle University; Masters in Latin American History, University of Texas; Master in Teaching, Seattle University.
In QCSD: English Language Arts, 6th Grade Center
Previously: Six years at a public school in Washington State, five years at an international school in South Korea, and five years at an international school in Israel.
Fun things: Painting, reading, gardening
Why did you become a teacher? “I love working with middle school students and am passionate about helping people learn.”
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Shannon Barlow
Education: B.A, M.S, Delaware Valley University; M.Ed, Lehigh University
In QCSD: Emotional Support, Pfaff Elementary
Previously: Emotional Support, Centennial School of Lehigh University; Special Education, Central Bucks School District
Fun things: Coaching college basketball, running, spending time with friends and family
Why did you become a teacher?: “I've always loved working with and teaching students with special needs and being a positive role model for all students.”
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Brooke Cobb
In QCSD: Learning Support, QCHS
Previously: Dieruff High School, Allentown
Fun things: Reading, hiking, crafting, Legos
Why did you become a teacher?: "For my love of learning and wanting to help instill that in others. My love of working with people of all ages and abilities. A desire to help these populations."
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Dan Cymerman
Education: Gwynedd Mercy University
In QCSD: Third-grade, Trumbauersville Elementary
Previously: Emotional Support, Boyertown; Autistic Support, Wissahickon
Fun things: Playing sports, hanging with my new puppy, Ruby
Why did you become a teacher?: "To help make a difference and encourage students that anything is possible."
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Jennifer DiCrisco
Education: Bachelor’s, Secondary English Education, West Chester University
In QCSD: Ninth-Grade English, Creative Writing, QCHS
Previously: First-year teacher!
Fun things: Going to concerts, kayaking, hiking, reading
Why did you become a teacher?: "Teaching is something I’ve always wanted to do. I feel passionate about educating and empowering young adults. I’m also excited for all of the learning opportunities I will have while working closely with other teachers and administrators."
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Jamie Hunt
In QCSD: Special Education, Richland Elementary
Previously: Bristol Township School District (15 years)
Fun things: Spending time with my family, traveling, shopping, cooking, reading
Why did you become a teacher?: "My brother was my inspiration. He struggled in school due to dyslexia. He came home from school growing up, discouraged and hating school. I don't want any of my students to feel that way."
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Jessica Jones
Education: Master of Science in Educational Leadership
In QCSD: Fourth-grade math/science, Trumbauersville Elementary
Previously: Mathematics specialist, Mastery Charter Schools, Philadelphia
Fun things: Rugby, Sudoku puzzles, board games with family
Why did you become a teacher?: "I struggled with math as a child. I'm committed to teaching students math through fun, practical ways. Fractions should be cool to everyone."
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Emily Lubitz
Education: West Chester University/Lehigh University
In QCSD: Emotional Support, QCHS
Previously: Centennial School of Lehigh University; Palisades School District
Fun things: Running with my dog, ultimate frisbee, hiking
Why did you become a teacher?: "I became a teacher to be one of the many who help students feel empowered and successful."
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Joanne McGough
Education: B.S. Secondary Education, Social Studies, Clarion University; M.S. Special Education, Lehigh University; continuing education courses, Delaware Valley University (Autism Endorsement certification credits) and Holy Family University (Reading Specialist certification credits)
In QCSD: Learning Support, Trumbauersville Elementary
Previously: Learning Support Teacher, Central Bucks School District (16 years); Exeter Junior High (1 year), Centennial School of Lehigh University (2 years)
Fun things: Getting lost in a good book, shore trips with my husband and two boys, and playing in the garden with plants
Why did you become a teacher?: "The need to help others. My father struggles with a language-based learning disability. He showed me that life is not always easy, but to never let it hold you back."
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Eric Molchan
In QCSD: Seventh-grade Math, head soccer coach, Strayer
Previously: Northampton Middle School
Fun things: Soccer, basketball, video games, snowboarding, sports card/MTG collector
Why did you become a teacher?: "Both my parents were teachers while I was growing up. My mother would bring me to her classroom for 'Take Your Child To Work Day.' The students were always happy to see me and looked up to me like an older sibling. This resonated with me when picking my career path. I want to be someone my students can always come to and feel comfortable to express who they are. In turn, I want to set them up for success and make learning as engaging as possible."
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Maegan Mostellar
Education: Bachelor's, Early Childhood Education PreK-4, Special Education PreK-8; Master's, Special Education
In QCSD: Learning Support, Neidig Elementary
Previously: Third-grade Learning Support Teacher, Pleasant Valley School District
Fun things: Playing with my dog, exercising, reading
Why did you become a teacher?: "My second-grade teacher made such a positive impact on me. She inspired me to want to make a positive impact as a teacher in the future."
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Laura Olchewsky
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, minor in Integrative STEM Education, Millersville University
In QCSD: Long-term substitute, third grade, Pfaff Elementary
Previously: First-year teacher!
Fun things: "I love to explore and be creative! When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy cooking and spending time outside."
Why did you become a teacher?: "I became a teacher because of the impact that I can make on future generations. I enjoy seeing the spark in my students when they understand the content as well as their continued passion for learning."
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Tara Paglia-Curato
Education: Bachelor's, Psychology, La Salle University; Master's, Special Education with Elementary certification, Lehigh University
In QCSD: Learning Support, Neidig Elementary
Previously: Learning Support Teacher, Wilson Area School District
Fun things: Playing games with my son and daughter, going to local farms for seasonal picking festivals, fishing, reading, and learning the ukulele
Why did you become a teacher?: "To support exceptional students through the barriers to their learning, and instill a lifelong love of learning for all students."
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Kristy Sparwasser
Education: Bachelors of Science, Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Athletic Coaching Minor, Millersville University; Graduate Level Endorsement, Social Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness, Lehigh University
In QCSD: First-grade, Richland Elementary
Previously: Substitute, Quakertown Elementary schools; Learning Support Aide, Richland Elementary
Fun things: Playing volleyball and hiking with my kids, gardening, reading, jogging
Why did you become a teacher?: "Teaching brings out creativity, continuous learning, eagerness to try new things, and allows for differences to shine. Every day brings something new and challenging and provides opportunities to inspire each student in a different way. These are all motivating things that I value."
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Claire Surovi
Education: West Chester University, Lehigh University
In QCSD: Emotional Support, Pfaff Elementary
Previously: Whitehall Coplay School District; Centennial School of Lehigh University
Hobbies: Reading, cooking, going to concerts, being outdoors
Why did you become a teacher?: "To make a positive impact on students. Meet the social/emotional needs of all learners."
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Colleen Vazquez
Education: Bachelor's, Childhood Education PreK - 6, St. John's; Master's, Childhood Education & Special Education, Molloy College
In QCSD: Third grade, Neidig Elementary
Previously: Taught in New York for 12 years, teaching grades 1-3, and spent the last 10 years teaching in Texas, teaching fourth grade.
Fun things: I love crafting, painting, reading, and spending time with my family.
Why did you become a teacher? "I absolutely love learning and helping students develop that desire to learn as much as you can in everything you do. Each day my mission is to inspire, challenge, and help empower students to drive their own learning. There is absolutely nothing more rewarding."
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Kristen Vorwaller
Education: Bachelor's, Elementary/Special Education; Master's, Special Education, Holy Family University
In QCSD: Emotional Support, Sixth Grade Center
Previously: Autistic Support and Learning Support, Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, School District of Philadelphia
Fun things: Attending concerts, playing board games, yoga, hiking
Why did you become a teacher? "The impact certain educators had on my life inspired me to follow a similar path and help students develop and grow in a loving environment."
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Timothy Wolfe
Education: Bachelor's, Music, Lebanon Valley College; M.A.T. Music Education, University of the Arts; Master's, Jazz Studies, University of the Arts
In QCSD: Elementary Orchestra, Trumbauersville, Quakertown Elementary, Richland
Previously: Freelance work performing and recording music (I play the bass professionally); adjunct professor of music, Lebanon Valley College
Fun things: Yoga and good coffee
Why did you become a teacher? "I was fortunate to have a number of excellent teachers in my life, and I feel called to 'pay it forward' by returning some of their wisdom back into the world."
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Quakertown Community School District
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Shannon Barlow
Education: B.A, M.S, Delaware Valley University; M.Ed, Lehigh University
In QCSD: Emotional Support, Pfaff Elementary
Previously: Emotional Support, Centennial School of Lehigh University; Special Education, Central Bucks School District
Fun things: Coaching college basketball, running, spending time with friends and family
Why did you become a teacher?: “I've always loved working with and teaching students with special needs and being a positive role model for all students.”
Laura Olchewsky
Name: Laura Olchewsky
2. College and Education: I graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and completed a minor in Integrative STEM Education Methods.
3. What you'll be doing at QCSD: This year I will be a long term substitute teaching 3rd grade at Pfaff Elementary School.
4. Where did you previously work: I just graduated in May from Millersville, but have had several part-time jobs working with children.
5. Hobbies: I love to explore and be creative! When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy cooking and spending time outside.
6. Why did you become a teacher: I became a teacher because of the impact that I can make on future generations. I enjoy seeing the spark in my students when they understand the content as well as their continued passion for learning.
Dan Cymerman
Education: Gwynedd Mercy University
In QCSD: Third-grade, Trumbauersville Elementary
Previously: Emotional Support, Boyertown; Autistic Support, Wissahickon
Fun things: Playing sports, hanging with my new puppy, Ruby
Why did you become a teacher?: "To help make a difference and encourage students that anything is possible."