Christine Pitrelli

It is my 13th year teaching fourth grade in my current district. I have worked with many different teachers in my grade level and district, learning new ideas every day! I have worked as a private tutor for students in second grade throught 12th grade as I prepared students for the SATs. I have taught a STEMS program for third graders for over five years now, and I have developed lessons for the district for this program. I have also taught a Math Olympiads program at my school for the past four years with fifth grade students. I have worked with students in various clubs at my school as well: Newspaper Club, Student Council, and a Writing Club. I have also led numerous collegial circles in my district on various topics over the years.

Although I am a fourth grade teacher, where the rigor and testing is often apparent, I try to keep my teaching focused on the learners in my classroom and their love of learning. My aim is to keep all students actively engaged and eager to arrive at school each day. Students are part of a community of learners where we work together to support our learning.

Several of my students over the years have earned high rewards in writing contests held across the state, and I am hopeful that their love of learning continues after fourth grade. Several of my groups of students in Math Olympiads have competed against other students in our county and have placed in these contests. The best "award" though, is a child who leaves my classroom as a lifelong reader, who can't wait to tell me the new book they are reading.

My Bachelor's degree in Child Study is from St. Joseph's College in New York, and I also have a Master's degree in Reading from Long Island University. I have also earned an additional 60 credits beyond my Master's degree in various courses over the years.

My husband and I have been married for over nine years, and we have two little girls. I have a six year old daughter named Sadie and a 15 month old daughter named Addison. When I am not creating lessons at night, I am enjoying my time with family and friends. It's important to have a balance in life, and I aim to reach the right balance...I'm not quite there yet.