Staff

Tracey Bruton, M.S.W.

David Cutts

BA, University of Warwick; MA, PhD, University of Miami

David Dowling

BS, Ithaca College; MA, Adelphi University

Mr. Dowling is a founding faculty member at BHSEC Newark.  Since 2011, Mr. Dowling has taught and coached here at BHSEC. He has received his Bachelor’s Degree at Ithaca College in upstate New York, and his Master’s Degree from Adelphi University.  Prior to teaching at BHSEC Newark he taught all levels of Physical Education and Health on Long Island.  In addition to teaching, Mr. Dowling coaches the girls’ volleyball team and coordinates the athletic program.  He is an avid sports fan and enjoys participating in outdoor activities.  He resides with his wife and three children in Sussex County NJ.

Cindy Duran

B.A. Rutgers University – Newark; M.S. Montclair State University

F. Foster, Ed.S.

BS, City College of NY; MA Jersey City University; Ed.S.

Ms. Foster earned her Bachelor of Science in Education/Psychology from City College of NY and holds a New York City Common Knowledge teacher license. She earned her MA in Guidance and Counseling from Jersey City University. She is also an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Education Leadership Management and Policy.

Mini Jayaprakash

• [email protected] 

BS, MS, PhD, University of Madras, India; Ed.S. Seton Hall University

Rosa Lazzizera

B.A. Kean University; M.A. Kean University

Greetings! My name is Rosa Lazzizera, and I proudly hold a B.A. in English Secondary Education from Kean University, which I earned in 2004. After dedicating eight rewarding years to teaching language arts, I felt a strong calling to return to academia to pursue a master’s degree in Technology in Education, along with a certification as a School Library Media Specialist. This journey led me to become a media specialist in 2014, where I could merge my passion for literature and technology. Alongside my certification, I also decided to obtain my supervisor’s certification to broaden my experience in educational administration. In 2015, I had the honor of being appointed as the Supervisor of English Language Arts for grades 6-8 and School Library Media Specialist.

After five years as a supervisor, I decided that being a library media specialist was the role that truly resonated with my passion for fostering a love of reading and learning in students. The dynamic environment of a school library allows me to engage directly with students, helping them navigate information, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate their creativity, which I missed while being an administrator.

Throughout my career, I have embraced various leadership roles and received several honors that reflect my commitment to education. I served as the treasurer of the English Honor Society at Kean University from 2002 to 2004 and was a member of the International Honor Society in Education as well. Additionally, I was featured in the Star-Ledger for conducting a 7th and 8th-grade Writing Strategy Workshop. My dedication to my students was recognized when I was named the District Teacher of the Year for the 2007-2008 school year, and I was also proud to receive the Teacher Who Rocks Award in 2009 from WDHA FM. These experiences have enriched my professional journey and fueled my dedication to education and student engagement.

In my current position as school library media specialist/technology coordinator, I strive to create an inclusive and resource-rich space that supports both students and teachers, ensuring that all members of our school community have access to the materials they need to succeed. As I continue to grow in this role at Bard High School Early College, I remain committed to integrating technology in meaningful ways to enhance the learning experience and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of education.

A critical element of my role as a media specialist/technology coordinator is the promotion of digital citizenship and digital literacy among students. In today’s interconnected world, it’s essential that learners understand how to engage with digital content responsibly. I will continue to emphasize the importance of online safety, teaching students how to protect their personal information and recognize reliable sources of information. Additionally, I will focus on the importance of understanding plagiarism and the ethical use of information, helping students recognize the significance of originality and respect for intellectual property. Another key aspect of digital literacy is instilling strong online communication etiquette, helping students understand how to interact respectfully and constructively within digital forums. By fostering these essential skills, I empower our students to become responsible and informed digital citizens, equipping them for success in both their academic pursuits and their future endeavors.

Some Interesting Facts About Me!

• Favorite Genre: Historical Fiction
• Favorite Authors: Phillipa Gregory and Colleen Hoover
• Most read books in a year: 189 read in 2022
• I speak multiple languages: English, Italian, and Spanish. Creole, I can understand it more than I speak it. Currently, I am learning to speak Turkish.
• I have duel citizenship: USA and Italy
• I am a New York Rangers Season Ticket Holder, so consider me a diehard fan!
• I love watching football, especially the New York Giants.
• Salsa is one of my favorite forms of dancing.
• I am an animal lover; I have a Yorkie, Tuxedo cat, and a Red-Crowned Amazon parrot.
• I love traveling; I’ve had the opportunity to visit Italy, France, Spain, Iceland, Czech Republic, Canada, and a number of Caribbean countries.

Radhiya Mattox

• [email protected]

BS, William Paterson University

Tamar Mitchell, M.S.W.

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BA, Douglass College, MSW Rutgers New Brunswick, The State University of New Jersey

As child growing up in the inner city of Newark, NJ my first role models were teachers in the public schools.  I am a first generation college student from a single-parent household.   My life has been full of challenges and opportunities.  Graduating with high honors from Douglass College,  I received the Ralph Johnson Bunche Distinguished Fellowship Award to pursue my Master Degree at Rutgers University.

While attending Rutgers (New Brunswick)  I found my desire and calling to help others.   The social work profession has given me many opportunities to advocate for the needs of youth and bring about real change for families.  I have been employed with the Newark Public Schools for more than seventeen (17) years.

I see myself as a positive role model for a new generation of high school students.    I strive to understand the needs of my community and the challenges people face on a daily basis.  My love for humanity keeps me grounded and devoted to my work both on a personal and professional level.

973-733-8362

Shaviece Osborne

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BA, Rider University; MA, Montclair State University

Shaviece Osborne née Harmon (B.A. Sociology /Multicultural Studies, Rider University; M.A, Educational Leadership, Montclair State University), a former EOF student and counselor, has worked in higher education for the past ten plus years.  Ms. Harmon worked for The Princeton Review, Drew University and Seton Hall University prior to her start at Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) Newark as the Coordinator of the College Transfer Office. Her purpose and passion are her students. She is living her passion daily as she guides students through the college admissions process and provides graduate support for alumni. Ms. Harmon is creating a safe and supportive school climate as the Dean of Students with presence, participation and purpose.  In addition to her professional passions, she enjoys reading, dining out, politics and spending time with her family.

Shannon Saint Louis

I am Shannon Saint Louis, I serve as support to our students, parents and staff as school Operations Assistant. I provide support to students while they utilize school facilities; ensuring students are learning in a safe and supportive environment. I am the single point of contact for support in navigating Kronos, purchasing, school level budget and student accounts. As an essential link amongst the students and their teachers; I am ensuring a positive school climate and culture. My Philosophy is to focus on student success through a safe environment promoting self motivation and creativity to prepare for the ever-changing world.

Sharanda Shabazz

Tiffany R. Sims

BS, MS, New Jersey Institute of Technology; PhD, Rutgers University and University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Sims’s interests include robotics, sensorimotor integration, physical rehabilitation,  and the development of outcome measures for movement disorders. She has taught 9th grade physics, Geometry, College Physics, Engineering, Bioengineering, and Bioinformatics. She is also the coach for the robotics team.

Carol Wisneiski, B.S.N.