I was born and raised in a small town in India (Tarapur) and lived and worked in Mumbai (Bombay) and Bengaluru (Bangalore) until 2000. In November 2000, I relocated to the United States. I had completed a B.A. in Economics at University of Bombay in India, but I wanted to live and work here, so I went back to school to get my B.A. in Liberal Arts at Rider University, followed by Graduate Level Teacher Preparation program, and later a M.A. in Reading and Literacy. I became a US citizen in October 2022.
While earning my teaching certificate, I student taught at the International Charter School of Trenton, NJ and have worked there ever since. I started teaching in 2nd grade, transitioned to 3rd grade, implemented Title 1 services for two years, returned to 3rd grade, and now I am teaching 5th grade. I am currently in my 16th year of teaching in an elementary school.
Teaching was not my first career choice. Before I began my teaching career, I explored other professions including film production, marketing, event management, web designing, programming, and technology consultancy. In teaching, I have found the opportunity to use each one of those experiences.
My focus on my profression had often affected the development of hobbies, but I have taken to two things that have proven to bring great satisfaction. Over the summer, I can the vegetables we grow in our garden and make jams and jellies with the berries we grow. I also try to sew.
I enjoy going on long hikes, traveling to scenic places, reading, and writing, and playing tennis. I love board games and am very competitive, especially when playing scrabble or chess. I love to solve mysteries. I often read mystery books and enjoy watching mystery shows and movies. I also like Science Fiction, but mostly in television shows and movies.
My favorite books are:
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