Most of you have probably have probably gotten to know the new teachers we have this year, but here’s some of the nitty gritty…

Mr. Jacaruso is one of the new math teachers here, specializing in Algebra 1 and 2 as well as calculus. He can be found in room 507.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: This is my 5th year teaching.

Q: What made you want to go into teaching?

A:  I was always really good at math. I always had a knack for being able to explain things to people in a way they could understand. It seemed logical to put those two skills together and become a math teacher.

Q: Who is the most inspiring teacher you had as a student? Why?

A:  I had two very inspiring teachers. They were my 7th grade social studies teacher and my AP US History / AP Government teacher. My 7th grade social studies teacher had a way of making social studies interesting and always motivated me to be the best student I could be. He was a really tough teacher, but I appreciated that. My AP teacher was not the most exciting teacher, but he was good at balancing between a serious college level class and making jokes and having fun.

Q: What is the most important thing you have learned in the past year?

A:  I learned a ton about renovating this past summer. My wife and I, with some help from some family members, renovated a laundry room/half bath.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A:  I don’t really have a favorite quote, but here are two I like: “Most people won’t change until the pain of where they are exceeds the pain of change,” and “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

Next door to Mr. Jacaruso is Mrs. Gaworecki, the new geometry, pre-calculus and algebra teacher.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: This is my 7th year teaching and we moved around a bit so I’ve taught in Delaware and Maryland, as well as New York.

Q: What made you want to go into teaching?

A: I always enjoyed math as a student and I like working with kids/young adults. As a teacher, every day is different, which is much more exciting and interesting than other career fields.

Q: Who is the most inspiring teacher you have had as a student? Why?

A: The most inspiring teacher I had was my high school calculus teacher. He made everything interesting and motivated me to work hard toward my goals.

Q: What is the most important thing you have learned in the past year?

A: The most important thing I’ve learned in the past year, and continue to learn, is how to successfully balance working full time and being a mom. My two sons are 3 years old and 9 months, which is a full time job in itself 🙂

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: Positive anything is better than negative nothing. -Elbert Hubbard

Mr. Toscano is the new history teacher, also teaching History of the Adirondacks and World War II in the spring semester. His classroom is in Mr. Maliszewski’s old room,  410.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A:  I’ve been teaching high school for 3 years, I was a teaching assistant in a kindergarten/first grade room for 1 year.

Q: What made you want to become a teacher?

A: Originally I thought I didn’t want to teach because both my parents are teachers, so naturally I didn’t want to do what they did. I was thinking about sports management and took an intro class in college and hated it. The more I thought about it I was always around schools and kids, so it just seemed like the right decision. I can confidently say that it was definitely the right choice.

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in the past year?

A: I think the most important thing I’ve learned over the past year, or in my short time teaching, is that the kids always have things to teach you. I learn something new and different everyday from the students, and that is part of why my job is so enjoyable.

Q: Who was the most inspirational teacher you had as a student? Why?

A:  In college I had a professor, Dr. Maples, who was extremely inspirational. She was the type of person that when she was talking or telling a story, everyone else was quiet. She had a way of captivating a room and she used a lot of real life experiences to help get her points across. She definitely had a positive impact on me and who I am as a person.

Q: What’s your favorite quote?

A:  I’ve always loved Jimmy Valvano and his quote, ”Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.” I also am a fan of John Wooden’s quote, ” Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

Ms. Clifford is the new technology teacher here, and also teaches Wildlife and Resource Management, Agri-science, and Agricultural Business Management. She is across from the band room, in 307.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: This is my second year teaching. I teach biology labs at SUNY Cobleskill in addition to teaching at Galway.

Q: What made you want to become a teacher?

A: I wanted to become a teacher because I’ve been incredibly passionate about agriculture my entire life – being able to share that passion with students is the most exciting and rewarding career choice for me. My favorite part of teaching agriculture is introducing students to the Non-production side of agriculture – learning about the different jobs, opportunities and industries within agriculture that they may not realize are available. I think the biggest misconception in agricultural education is that you have to be a farmer to be involved.

Q: What is the most important thing you’ve learned in the past year?

A: This year was a year of “firsts” for me so the most important thing I learned was to go more “with the flow” and enjoy the craziness of life instead of trying to make it perfect.

Q: Who was the most inspiring teacher from when you were a student? Why?

A:My most inspiring teacher was my chemistry  teacher. She pushed her students to do their absolute best, without any excuses. She helped us to learn and grow from our many, many mistakes. Her sense of humor and down to earth style of teaching made for a memorable experience and we keep in touch regularly still.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: My favorite quote is from Glinda in the Wizard of Oz “You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” I’m a firm believer that we are our own “wizards” in life and that we shouldn’t ever doubt ourselves or our abilities.

Finally, Señorita Cavaleri is the long-term substitute for Señora Sartin. She will be at Galway until the end of November.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: I have been teaching for about two years now. I started when I was an intern at Guilderland elementary school in 2014. I then continued teaching when I was a student teacher at Guilderland High School, and then Lisha Kill Middle School, in South Colonie. After I graduated from college, I began subbing at various schools throughout the capital region.

Q: What made you want to become a teacher?

A:  I wanted to become a teacher for a number of reasons. Kids are our future, and I feel I get to make a difference in the world by making a difference for our students. I also love the Spanish language and I wanted to have the opportunity to share it and teach it. Being a teacher is so rewarding because we get to see how much our students grow and truly learn over time.

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in the past year?

A: The most important thing I have learned in the past year is that everyone has something to offer, and share. We all (teachers and students alike) have our strengths and weaknesses, and it is important to recognize that in the classroom. We must be patient with each other, and kind to each other, because learning cannot happen in a hostile environment.

Q:Who was the most inspirational teacher for you while you were a student? Why?

A: The most inspirational teacher for me when I was a student was my High School History teacher, Mr. McGurn. Not only was extremely passionate about history and the classes he taught, but he was also devoted to his students. You could immediately just tell that he loved his profession, and he was fascinating to listen to. He would always put his students first, and he always would incorporate ways to help us remember the topics. I used the tactics he taught me for the rest of my educational career. He is the kind of teacher I aspire to be like.

Q:What is your favorite quote?

A: My favorite quote: “Not all those who wander are lost.” -J.R.R. Tolkien

It’s great to welcome new teachers in Galway High, just like with new students. Next time you see one of these five teachers, say “Hi,” even if it’s a little late into the year. Thanks for reading!