"Behind every child who believes in himself/herself is a teacher who believed first."  

"If a child can't learn the way we teach... teach the way he or she learns."

 

"The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book."

"To teach is to touch a life forever."

     Please browse through my classroom page to find my "Meet the Teacher & Welcome" letter, my online parent questionnaire, classroom expectations, helpful links, class sites / digital resources, and important documents. On the left side of my page, you will find information regarding classroom expectations, curriculum and homework. Homework assignments will also be posted on my classroom page. Students will have the opportunity to submit some homework assignments online. I will specify the homework assignments that may be submitted electronically. On the top right side of my page, you will find helpful links to access my class's digital library, book, reading, writing and math sites. The bottom right side of my page contains student instructions and student passwords to access each of your child's accounts. If you experience any difficulties or technical issues  accessing my classroom sites, please e-mail me @ jbarbiere@tenafly.k12.nj.us. The school supplies that are needed are the supplies already requested by homeroom teachers. Students will bring their homeroom supplies with them to the resource room for class. Please scroll down to find my contact information and much more!  :)

 Background Information:

     I am a lifelong learner who possesses an immense passion for learning and teaching! My educational background includes graduating from Rutgers University in 2006 with honors. In 2014, I graduated from William Paterson University as the graduate class's valedictorian and I gave a speech to over 14,000 people at the IZOD Center, which was an INCREDIBLE experience! I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching Grades K-6 and Special Education. My master's thesis received an award and was published as a book chapter in an educational technology book titled Tablets in K-12 Education: Integrated Experiences and Implications.  Additionally, in July 2022, I earned my 2nd master's degree in Educational Leadership.   

     Furthermore, I am a nationally accredited Orton-Gillingham Teacher, and Dylsexia Therapist, having completed the Post-Master's Orton-Gillingham Teacher and Dyslexia Specialist Scholarship Program at the Mason's Tenafly Learning Center through Fairleigh Dickinson University.  These certifications and training allow me to incorporate, and implement, specialized, multi-sensory, direct and explicit reading and spelling instruction into, and in, my teaching practice. 

     My professional background in special education includes instructing a diverse population of students with special needs in grades K-12 within school, home and community settings.  I have over fifteen years of experience working in the special education field within the public schools system, as well as in a private special education school. In addition, I have experience providing Orton-Gillingham instruction and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy in the school, home and community settings.

Hobbies & Interests:

     On a more personal note, I live close to MetLife Stadium, which is very convenient, since I LOVE football! Throughout my childhood and college years, I played soccer, danced, ran track and swam on the swim team. I was also captain of my varsity soccer team in high school and dance team in college. I love all sports, the beach, art, the symphony orchestra, broadway shows, reading, writing, learning, fishing, running, dancing, music, movies, drawing, painting, traveling, laughing and animals, especially owls, unicorns and dogs. Most of all, I love children and teaching! :) 

Brief Philosophy of Education:

     The best teachers are the ones that teach from the heart, not just from a book, and have a passion for what they do. Learning is FUN, and as an effective educator, it's important to be creative and think outside the box!  Teachers have the power to shape, even change lives, and we play an essential role in the lives of our learners. To teach is to touch a life forever...

     I believe that communication and collaboration between the home and school play an integral role in providing students with the most effective instruction and a successful education. A multi-sensory, interactive and adaptive approach should be implemented in order to teach students of all learning styles. Every child is unique and possesses an individual repertoire of skills; therefore, I teach the way each child learns.

     We live in a digital society, which has shaped today's digital natives, and learners. Technology is an essential tool in education and society today.  Therefore, technology should be infused into instruction in a meaningful way in order to encourage learning, motivate students and prepare them for the future. I am looking forward to working together to create a fun, positive, safe, challenging and nurturing educational program for all students.

Contact Information:

     Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have. The best way to contact me is through e-mail at jbarbiere@tenafly.k12.nj.us. I will respond to e-mails as soon as possible and within 24 hours. Thank you! :)