ISLANDERS TEACHER OF THE MONTH
EVERFI IS TEAMING UP WITH THE ISLES
EverFi Future Goals Program
Sign Your School Up
Nov. 2022: Therese Brinken
Dec. 2022: Patricia Mellas
I began my teaching career in Long Island City, New York, where I grew up. For approximately 15 years I worked with the English language learners in grades K through three and I enjoyed using music and a variety of other strategies to teach these students to speak English and learn the curriculum as well. After that, I became part of the dual language program on the English side. The students in this program were able to learn English and Spanish simultaneously as I worked with a co-teacher and we designed a cohesive curriculum to support this ideal. After that, I'll implemented the gifted and talented program at our school. I was able to make sure that these students were given every opportunity to enrich and accelerate their learning needs. I became a teacher to meet the needs of every student no matter what level what ability or what needs they may have.
What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™ program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?
I absolutely love that the program allows the students to work on their own and at the pace that they need to work on. It is important that they see visuals. Especially when they are not familiar with vocabulary. This program enables every child to feel that they are mastering the content.
Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?
Huge hockey fan, a huge Islanders fan, and love Mat Barzal.
If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?
I would probably play defense because my son plays goalie for a roller hockey league, and I realize how important it is to have other defensive players to support him.
