Spotlight on Ms. Gambuzza

Ann Gambuzza

Teacher of Grade 6

Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School





• Name:

Ann Gambuzza

• College(s) and degrees(s):

West Chester University
o BSED Elementary Education
o MA Special Education

• Work experience:
o ARC of Chester County: Life Skills Instructor (teaching adults with cognitive disabilities independent living skills)
o West Chester University: Summer Camp Supervisor (planning and implementing a variety of activities for children ages 3-12)
o West Chester University: Graduate Assistant -- Office of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs. (working with students and student organizations to find appropriate volunteer opportunities; collaboratively coordinating several service projects for the university)

• Favorite books:
o The Kite Runner
o The Secret Life of Bees

• Favorite television show:
Grey's Anatomy

• Last movie I loved:

Seven Pounds

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing:

Bruce Springsteen; Stevie Wonder; Crosby, Still and Nash

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why:

I would have to say my grandparents. They lived through WWII and the Great Depression. They were also married for sixty years. They truly valued our family heritage and always loved to share it with my brother, sister, and me. I find the era they lived through fascinating and believe there are many lessons we can learn from that generation. They both passed away a little less than two years ago. Although I talked to them regularly before their passing, I have developed many more questions that I would like to ask them. If I could have lunch with them, I could have these questions answered.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:

Being outside when it isn't too hot or too cold.

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to:

When I visit my hometown in Northern New Jersey I never seem to get to visit with everyone!

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):

Monkey

• Favorite sports team:

Phillies

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:

Hawaii or a general tour of Europe

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession:
Mrs. Ogden was my 6th grade Language Arts and 7th grade Social Studies teacher. She made learning fun and exciting. She always made her students feel special because she tried to get to know them on a more personal level. She allowed students to access her classroom before or after school. While in her room at these times, she had these students complete tasks that made other's feel good. For example, she would have us decorate a teacher's door for her birthday or other students' lockers for their birthday. Mrs. Ogden seemed to always go above and beyond her duties as a teacher. I believe she alleviated some of the difficulties students encounter in middle school; I know that was true for me.

• Anything Else:
When I have free time, I enjoy doing community service. One service trip that I truly enjoyed was travelling to New Orleans, LA, after the hurricane to help rebuild homes. I have also travelled to Harlan, KY, and Mexico City, Mexico, to complete similar service projects. I believe community service is a mutually beneficial activity. Those providing the service gain new skills and a rewarding feeling for doing good. The recipients of the volunteer work benefit from the service. They are usually very grateful for the work and it makes one happy that they provided the service.