Michaelah Valentine
Where did you grow up and what was your first language?
I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. My first language is English.
What from your hometown do you wish you could find in New York City?
When I was younger, I loved attending the annual carnival, festival, or circus that came in town. I eagerly waited for the day I could play games to win the biggest stuffed animals, wear some funky circus light up gear, and eat zeppoles and funnel cake with my friends and family. I still look forward to all of those things even now because they bring me back to when I was a child growing up and remind me of home.
Where did you go to college?
I attended Rutgers University where I earned my B.A. in Social Work and Africana Studies. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Education at Relay Graduate School of Education.
What was your favorite book in middle school?
My favorite book in middle school was The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney.
What is the best part of teaching at Hamilton Grange?
The best part of teaching at HG is having the wonderful opportunity of getting to know my students and building relationships with them during Advisory and Club. I enjoy these moments because they allow both the students and teachers to understand that we are both not only teachable, but, we are both people. When I was in middle school often times the only thing I knew about my teachers is that they were teachers and maybe if they had a pet. It was like solving a mystery to know that they had a life outside of teaching. Club and Advisory not only add a unique way for students to learn more about one another, but for staff and students to build sustainable relationships while learning.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not teaching?
I love exploring different places like museums and restaurants with my family and close friends. I also enjoy doing hair.
What is your favorite quote?
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 NKJV
Michaelah Valentine
Where did you grow up and what was your first language?
I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. My first language is English.
What from your hometown do you wish you could find in New York City?
When I was younger, I loved attending the annual carnival, festival, or circus that came in town. I eagerly waited for the day I could play games to win the biggest stuffed animals, wear some funky circus light up gear, and eat zeppoles and funnel cake with my friends and family. I still look forward to all of those things even now because they bring me back to when I was a child growing up and remind me of home.
Where did you go to college?
I attended Rutgers University where I earned my B.A. in Social Work and Africana Studies. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Education at Relay Graduate School of Education.
What was your favorite book in middle school?
My favorite book in middle school was The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney.
What is the best part of teaching at Hamilton Grange?
The best part of teaching at HG is having the wonderful opportunity of getting to know my students and building relationships with them during Advisory and Club. I enjoy these moments because they allow both the students and teachers to understand that we are both not only teachable, but, we are both people. When I was in middle school often times the only thing I knew about my teachers is that they were teachers and maybe if they had a pet. It was like solving a mystery to know that they had a life outside of teaching. Club and Advisory not only add a unique way for students to learn more about one another, but for staff and students to build sustainable relationships while learning.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not teaching?
I love exploring different places like museums and restaurants with my family and close friends. I also enjoy doing hair.
What is your favorite quote?
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 NKJV
Robert Kowles
Where did you grow up and what was your first language?
I grew up thirty miles north of NYC in a town called Congers, NY. My first language was English.
What from your hometown do you wish you could find in New York City?
I love New York City and I lived in it for a large part of my adult life, but what I missed most when I lived there were the beautiful trees and plants that seemed to sprout up everywhere in my hometown and the colors I witnessed every spring and fall.
Where did you go to college?
I went to college in Indiana. That was my attempt to experience a different pace of life before I returned home to New York.
What was your favorite book in middle school?
My favorite book in middle school, and it is still my favorite today, is The Great Gatsby. I love the narration provided by Nick Carraway. He remains somewhat indifferent, like many of us do, toward the callous attitudes of his acquaintances throughout most of the book until it becomes clear that he can't stand to watch his friend become a sellout. I've never read a book more true to life than this one!
What is the best part of teaching at Hamilton Grange?
This will be my first year at Hamilton Grange, but I am thrilled to be working with so many adults who put the needs and interests of young people first! I am also ecstatic to be working with young people who have confidence in their capacity and know they deserve a world class education. I experienced this justified confidence when I had the privilege of giving a demo lesson to class 701 last year. They were so intellectually curious and ready to excel!
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not teaching?
I love hiking and being at the beach with my nine year old daughter and my wife more than anything! They are such beautiful and loving people and time with them makes me better at my job.
What is your favorite quote?
"They're a rotten crowd...you're worth the whole damn bunch put together." - Nick Carraway to Gatsby