NAME:
Mrs. MaryEllen Magura
SCHOOL:
West Shore Middle School
CLASS:
8th Grade (Gold Team) Resource
SCHOOL PHONE:
783-3553
I have been a Special Education Teacher for over 25 years, and I love my job
as much today as I did when I first began. I love to make a difference in
the academic careers of the kids who just find school to be a tough place to
be.
My first degree from Fairfield University was a BA in Psychology. I then
completed a Special Education teaching degree from Southern Connecticut
State University and a Masters Degree in Education from Sacred Heart
University. My final degree at this point (because I never say never) is a
6th year degree in Educational Leadership. This degree allows me to become
a school Principal or Vice Principal but, to date, I have not wanted to
leave the classroom for an administrative position. My next venture would
be a Doctorate degree...............but that remains to be seen!!!!
My certification allows me to teach in Kindergarten all the way through High
School. I have never taught little ones. I have spent five years teaching
High School and the rest of my time here at West Shore.
I have been happily married for over 30 years and have 3 wonderful
children. My oldest daughter(28)graduated from Fairfield University (like
Mom) and is an energy trader for Goldman Sacks in New York City. She is
getting married on October 23rd, and we are all very excited. My second
daughter(26)graduated from the University of Massachusettes with a BSRN
degree,and works as a surgical trauma nurse at Beth Israel Hospital in
Boston, MA. My son(21)just graduated from Iona College with a degree in
Advertising. He is working as the Aquatics Manager at the Norwalk YMCA. Even
though all grown up, they still keep us plenty busy!!!!
In my spare time I love to play tennis, swim, read, and travel. I have been
fortunate enough to be a Student Ambassador Teacher Leader for the People to
People Program for a number of years, and have travelled a good bit of the
world. I have been to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Italy, France, England,
Ireland, Scotland, Whales, Spain, Greece..........These trips offer
invaluable insights and experiences that I love bringing back to the
classroom.
Please know that I am always here to help your child with whatever support
they might need. I take my job seriously, knowing that I am responsible for
your child's preparation for High School. I will encourage them, help them,
and guide them, but I will also expect that, as 8th grade students, they
begin to take real ownership and responsibility for their assignments, their
belongings, and their learning.
Please feel free to email me with any questions, comments, or concerns as
the year preogresses. I encourage and look forward to your input in your
child's educational process.
My goal in the 8th grade Resource Room is to prepare each and every student
for the next big phase in their academic careers. My hope for all of my
Resource students is that they leave West Shore Middle School feeling and
knowing that they are competent, capable, and ready to face all the
excitement, the learning, and the challenges of their High School careers.
