Global Learning Charter School- New Bedford

Polly Zajac

Education – University of Massachusetts/Amherst – BA Elementary Education, minor Spanish (1992), Lesley University, M.Ed – Curriculum and Instruction (1997)

My life in teaching:

I started my career in education working as a long term substitute for New Bedford Public Schools  that lead to year-long placements in 3 different schools.   From there, I left the classroom and worked for Schooner Ernestina as a program coordinator and education director.  Using the ship as a platform for experiential education, students learned marine biology, oceanography, seamanship, and team building.  Teacher education workshops involved teachers in history, science, and hands-on learning.

I returned to the classroom in 2005 at the Global Learning Charter Public School.  I have taught 7th grade Humanities, 6th grade science, and for 10 years, 5th grade science and a math focus class.  After school, I have been the Drama Club director for 12 years, putting on a “near-Broadway musical”(as least I like to think of them as such) each spring with students in grades 5-12.  I also teach flute to beginning players and assist the band director as needed.

In leadership roles, I have been the Science department chairs and the Mentor Coordinator for 5 years.  I have taking many levels of Mentoring classes with Carol, and I look forward to adding to mentoring and induction skills this course will bring.