Chelsea

Stephanie Ferraz

I have always wanted to be a teacher, ever since I was seven.  I went to school for Education, specifically to Lesley University in Cambridge, MA.  I did my undergrad in four years (grad. 2005), and immediately following that, I completed my masters in Curriculum and Instruction in under nine months (2006).

Directly from graduating, I landed my current 6th grade position within the Chelsea school system in the summer of 2006.  I never wanted to teach any higher than third, but I guess middle school was my calling.  I have, for the past 11 years, been in the same classroom, teaching ultimately the same subject (science), although I started out as a self-contained teacher teaching all five subjects.

I have my professional license in Elementary 1-6, Mathematics 1-6 and Science 1-6.  I’ve had opportunities to take my skills outside of the classroom (in a more direct leadership role), but continue to feel as the classroom is still my passion.
Other than begins a science teacher, I am currently a member of the 5DP advisory board.  In this role, I work with other educators to align curriculum and resources among 5 districts (Chelsea, Revere, Everett, Malden, and Winthrop), as our students often find themselves transitioning between these specific districts.

My role within the district as a mentor is Lead Middle School Mentor.  I have been a mentor for the past 8 years (having been selected after only 2 years of teaching).  I have been a lead for the last four.  I am responsible for all three middle schools, which includes approximately 20 mentors and about 60-70 1^st and 2^nd year teachers (at any given time).  I work closely with mentors within these schools to provide PD and support to help novice teachers navigate their first few years within district.