12 NEW TEACHERS WELCOMED TO STANLEY SWITLIK ELEMENTARY

Written by Upper Keys Mortgage Syndicated User on August 16, 2021. Posted in Education, Upper Keys Florida Mortgage, Upper Keys Mortgage.

By Anthony Guntert

Stanley Switlik Elementary is welcoming a dozen new faces at the Middle Keys for the 2021-22 school year. They range from newly credentialed locals to transplants. If you see them at the grocery store, give them a Keys welcome.

Miriam Hribar

Class: Pre-K, 3-4 years old, Headstart Teacher
Hometown: I am from Argentina, but I’ve been a citizen since 2003. I’ve lived in Marathon since 2000.
Degree from: bachelor’s in natural science, Argentina / master’s of education in TESOL, Miami SUASM-University of Turaloo (Puerto Rico)
How long have you been in the Keys: 21 years
Why did you decide to become a teacher: I decided to become a teacher when I was a teenager; I love to teach science!
What is your teaching style/philosophy: Discover the world, take care of it because it’s our home.
What are your hobbies outside of school: I love to travel, spend time with my friends, draw whatever is around me and watch my novelas.

Regla Calandra

Class: 5th Grade
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Degree from: Nova Southeastern University
How long have you been in the Keys: 3 months
Why did you decide to become a teacher: To instill a love of learning
What is your teaching style/philosophy: Building connections and helping to both guide and inspire lifelong readers.
What are your hobbies outside of school: Reading, softball, beach

Misty Reininger

Class: 3rd Grade
Hometown: Poplar Grove, Illinois
Degree from: Eastern Illinois University
How long have you been in the Keys: 4 years
Why did you decide to become a teacher: I’ve always enjoyed spending time with kids and it’s why I want to guide them toward academic success.
What is your teaching style/philosophy: I believe in connecting with each individual student on some level, then tailoring my teaching to fit their needs.
What are your hobbies outside of school: My hobbies include spending time with my husband and three kids outside, on the water or at baseball games.

Roxy F. Murphy

Class: ELL / Reading Intervention
Hometown: Odessa, Ukraine
Degree from: Mechnikov National University
How long have you been in the Keys: 12 years
Why did you decide to become a teacher: I come from generations of professional educators and teachers.
What is your teaching style/philosophy: Staying true.
What are your hobbies outside of school: Mastering the art of doing nothing.

Jesika Ban

Class: Computer lab manager
Hometown: Marathon, Florida, born and raised
Degree from: Currently working towards bachelor’s at FIU.
How long have you been in the Keys: My whole life.
Why did you decide to become a teacher: I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives.
What is your teaching style/philosophy: My teaching style is very open and engaging, ensuring everyone gets what they need.
What are your hobbies outside of school: Outside of school I enjoy relaxing with my family.

Tom Ballanger

Class: 5th Grade, Emergency sub for Ms. Gonzalez
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Degree from: Northeastern State University
How long have you been in the Keys: 1 month
Why did you decide to become a teacher: I love helping young people succeed.
What is your teaching style/philosophy: The school is the student’s, I’m just a facilitator.
What are your hobbies outside of school: Reading, running, SCUBA

Selena Gonzalez

Class: Nurse Technician
Hometown: Marathon, Florida
Degree from: College of the Florida Keys
How long have you been in the Keys: My entire life.
Why did you decide to become a nurse tech: I just graduated nursing school and I have a passion for helping children and I wanted to explore the area of scholastic nursing.
What are your hobbies outside of school: I enjoy spending time with my husband and family and playing with my dogs.

Amelia Buchanan

Class: Title 1 Interventionist
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida
Degree from: St. Petersburg College
How long have you been in the Keys: 5 years
Why did you decide to become a teacher: I have always enjoyed helping others. Becoming a teacher means I get the opportunity to work with and help kids become the best they can be.
What is your teaching style/philosophy: I wholeheartedly believe everyone has the potential to achieve their dreams with the right amount of support, hard work and perseverance. I am lucky enough to help kids reach their goals every day.
What are your hobbies outside of school: I enjoy being out on the water. I also enjoy trying out new recipes at home.

Bill Eller

Class: Guidance Assistant
Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania
Degree from: Berk’s Technical Institute
How long have you been in the Keys: 1 year
Why did you decide to become a teacher: Everyone should enjoy watching children learn and develop. It’s exciting to watch them grow!
What is your teaching style/philosophy: Every child is an important part of our community, we must pay close attention to each and every one!
What are your hobbies outside of school: Football, fishing, boating, snorkeling, exploring

Annette Maxwell

Class: K-2 ESE
Hometown: Port Huron, Michigan
Degree from: Central Michigan University
How long have you been in the Keys: 4 years
Why did you decide to become a teacher: To help children learn and grow.
What is your teaching style/philosophy: Learning follows trust in the teacher. Love your students and make them feel safe.
What are your hobbies outside of school: Fishing, reading and driving my 1993 Jeep YJ

Regina Saller-Paskiewicz

Class: 4th Grade
Hometown: Marathon, Florida (Originally New Jersey, but have lived in Marathon since I was a kid)
Degree from: St. Thomas University
How long have you been in the Keys: 40 years
Why did you decide to become a teacher: I enjoy being around children and seeing them light up when something “clicks.”
What is your teaching style/philosophy: Since this is my first full year teaching, my style/ philosophy is a work in progress. Respect for self and others will be a big theme this year.
What are your hobbies outside of school: I like to read, spend time with my husband and kids, and boating.

Tracy Garcia

Class: Kindergarten
Hometown: Grantsville, West Virginia
How long have you been in the Keys: 35 years
Why did you decide to become a teacher: I love working and spending time with children and I want to make a difference in their lives.
What is your teaching style/philosophy: I believe all children learn in different ways so I use large groups and hands-on learning to ensure all children learn.
What are your hobbies outside of school: Baseball games, volunteering in the community and spending time with family and especially my grandbabies

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