| PA Distance Learning Charter School Teachers |
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Name: Jena Adams
Title/Position: Intervention Specialist
Education/Certification(s): Elementary and Special Education
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 x 143
Hobbies/Interest: I love to go shopping. In my spare time, I like to read books, watch movies, and go out with my husband and friends.
Favorite Movie: I have a lot of favorite movies too! Some are: The Notebook, Never Been Kissed, Ella Enchanted, and Enchanted
Personal Information: I am a graduate from Slippery Rock University. This is my second year teaching. Last year, I worked in a classroom as a learning support teacher for grades 3, 4, and 5. I love to travel and see different parts of the world. I have been to Italy, Barbados, the Bahamas, St. Kitts, St. Martin, St. Thomas, and Punta Cana. Hopefully, I will get to travel again very soon!
Suggestions: Keep up on your schoolwork. It can be very overwhelming to catch up if you get behind. We have a great staff here who love to teach and want to help. Do not hesitate to ask us for help. It’s our job!
Plans for the future: Pursuing a Master’s Degree in either K-8 Math and Science or Special Education: Severe Disabilities
What I like about working at PA Distance: I like working with a great variety of students. The atmosphere at PA Distance is very welcoming and positive. It is really wonderful that the other teachers at PA Distance share my passion for learning and teaching.
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Name: Crystal Bombard
Title/Position: High school math teacher
Education/Certification(s): BS in Mathematics Education from Grove City College, MS in Instructional Leadership / Mathematics from Robert Morris University, PA Instructional II Certificate in Secondary Mathematics.
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 117
Suggestions: Study hard and ask questions.
What I like about working at PA Distance: The students!
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Name: Lauren Borghetti
Title/Position: English Teacher
Education/Certification(s): Masters of Arts in Teaching – University of Pittsburgh; English 7-12 Certification; Biology 7-12 Certification
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 107
Favorite Book: There are so many to choose just one! A Tree Grows in Brooklyn; The Poison Wood Bible; Anne of Green Gables; To Kill a Mockingbird
Hobbies/Interest: I am an avid sports fan – especially for the University of Pittsburgh.
Favorite Quote: “A word is dead when it is said, some say. I say it just begins to live that day.” – Emily Dickinson
Personal Information: I reside in the North Hills of Pittsburgh with my husband, EJ and my son, Branden.
Plans for the future: I hope to travel to as many places as possible with my family and maybe some day write a young adult novel.
What I like about working at PA Distance: I love getting to know my students. Every student has a story and something special to bring to the school. |
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Name: Coleen Brennen
Title/Position: Science Teacher
Education/Certification(s): BS in Secondary Education, MS in Elementary Education, PA Instructional II /Biology and General Science
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 116
Favorite Book: I enjoy reading books by James Patterson, John Grisham and Jodi Picoult.
Hobbies/Interest: Hiking, bicycling, gardening, cooking
Favorite Movie: Napoleon Dynamite
Suggestions: Be involved with your child’s education and communicate on a regular basis with their teachers.
What I like about working at PA Distance: I enjoy working with the students and learning new ways to engage them in Science. |
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Name: Tracey Colbert
Title/Position: Teacher
Education/Certification(s): Chemistry, General Science, Physics, Business/Technology, Mid level Math, Mid level Citizenship
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 113
Favorite Book: I do not have a favorite book but enjoy reading most biographies and historical fiction.
Hobbies/Interest: Traveling and gardening
Personal Information: I worked as a chemist for 25 years before becoming a teacher. I am married and have 2 daughters.
What I like about working at PA Distance: I enjoy seeing the students succeed and learn a lot from working with the other teachers. |
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Name: Tanya Contos
Title/Position: 8th Grade Social Studies and 9th Grade English Teacher. SAP team member (Student Assistance Program)
Education/Certification(s): B.A. in History from the University of Pittsburgh. Received my teaching certification at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Education. Certified to teach K-6, 7-9 Social Studies, and 7-9 English.
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 138
Favorite Book: Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss and the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is the greatest book of all time. It simply explains what the experience of life is all about. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are; I promise this book will make you smile.
Hobbies/Interest: I really enjoy going to new restaurants and eating different food. I am really inspired by Gordon Ramsay. I hope to be a food critic on the side one day! I also like to Zumba and spend time with my husband and friends.
Favorite Quote: "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players" ~William Shakespeare
Personal Information: I live in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh with my husband. I absolutely love dogs, but I currently don’t have any. I also have a problem with shopping; I can’t stop
Plans for the future: To finish my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and build a new house |
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Name: Kelly Crooks
Title/Position: English Teacher, 11th and 12th grade
Education/Certification(s): BA English Education and English Literature
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 159
Favorite Book: Pride and Prejudice, The Outsiders, and To Kill a Mockingbird
Hobbies/Interests: Eating out, I love restaurants! I also love reality TV, going to the gym, swimming, traveling, especially to the beach, and concerts! I love all music too, but especially country, soft rock, and pop. I also love to sing, even though my friends and family insist that I do not!
Favorite Movie: Little Women, A League of Their Own, Troy, The Holiday, and, of course, The Twilight movies
Favorite Quote: “You only live once, but if you do it right once is enough” ~Mae West.
Personal Information: I live in Pittsburgh, PA and I have for my entire life. I attended La Roche College for my undergrad, majoring in English Education and Literature. I am currently enrolled in Point Park University’s graduate program for my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction leading to Educational Administration.
Plans for the future: I’m not completely sure what my plans for the future are; I like to see where life takes me. I know I want to continue teaching and become a principal one day. I also want to travel the world. In the near future I want to travel to Italy, Ireland and Croatia. I would love to live in a different city someday as well, just to experience someplace new. I also plan to go on CMT’s “The Singing Bee” and maybe even try out for “Survivor”. Of course those are just aspirations, but maybe someday!! |
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Name: Lisa Dolder
Title/Position: Spanish Teacher
Education/Certification(s): University of Pittsburgh, Professional Year Graduate with Certifications in Spanish K-12, English 7-12, and Library Science K-12
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 119
Favorite Book: Too many to list! However, some authors that I have never been disappointed by are Wally Lamb, Maya Angelou, Janet Fitch, Joyce Carol Oates, Barbara Kingsolver, Augusten Burroughs, Jodi Picoult, and John Irving.
Hobbies/Interest: I go camping with my husband a lot! We hike, kayak, mountain bike, climb, and make plenty of camp fires! I like to get crafty by knitting and salvaging old junk that I find at garage sales. I also love music. Right now I’m listening to Imogen Heap, Beirut, Rufus Wainwright, Yeasayer, and Cat Power.
Favorite Quote: “Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future.” Earl Nightingale
Personal Information: I am married, own one very annoying cat, and grew up and still live in Butler, PA.
Plans for the future: Travel! There are many, many places that I am anxious to see. I hope to travel throughout Asia, South America, Africa, and Eastern Europe some day soon!
What I like about working at PA Distance: Traditional education is changing and we are a part of that change! It is exciting to know that we are preparing young people with the skills they need to compete in a global economy.
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Name: Emily Ebert
Title/Position: 2nd Grade Teacher/Special Education Aide
Education/Certification(s): Certified to teach grades K-6
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 104
Favorite Movie: Twister
Favorite Quote: “I am not a teacher, only a fellow traveler of whom you asked the way. I pointed ahead-ahead of myself as well as of you.” – George Bernard Shaw
Suggestions: Communication is the key to success at PDLCS!!
What I like about working at PA Distance: The families, students and staff!! It is awesome to see how well everyone works together for the success of the student! |
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Name: Natalie Haley
Title/Position: Kindergarten and First Grade Teacher
Education/Certification(s): Bachelors Degree in Psychology. Children’s Literature Certificate. Masters in the Art of Teaching. Certifications: Elementary; Middle Level Math.
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 112
Favorite Book: Marley and Me
Hobbies/Interest: Gymnastics
Personal Information: In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband and beautiful daughter!
Suggestions: Communication is very important to your success at PDLCS.
What I like about working at PA Distance: I love working with families from all over Pennsylvania!
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Name: Katie Heiles
Title/Position: Secondary English Teacher
Education/Certification(s): BA English Language and Literature, BA English Education, Teacher Certification: English 7-12
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 108
Hobbies/Interest: Pittsburgh sports, anything outdoorsy (hiking, biking, canoeing), and living life to its fullest every day.
Favorite Quote: “We know what we are, but not what we may be” – William Shakespeare
Personal Information: I am a Pittsburgh girl, born and raised. I graduated high school from North Allegheny School District in 2002, and then attended and graduated from La Roche College in 2007. I started teaching at Hampton High School as a Language Arts Academic Support teacher before joining PDLCS in February 2008.
Plans for the future: I would like to write a book someday… in my spare time. I also plan on extending my teaching abilities by acquiring a masters in teaching degree.
What I like about working at PA Distance: I really enjoy the “team” atmosphere; It is nice to have co-workers that are always cooperative and supportive towards fellow staff members, as well as to our students and families. |
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Name: Karen Kline
Title/Position: Special Education Teacher
Education/Certification(s): My certification is in Special Education in the state of Pennsylvania and New York. Masters in Special Education/Special Education Certification in PA and NY.
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 141
Favorite Book: Of Mice and Men
Favorite Movie: Elf and The Sound of Music
Favorite Quote: “Dance as if no one were watching, Sing as if no one were listening, live every day as if it were your last."
Personal Information: I am originally from Buffalo, NY. I am still a fan of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres !! I moved to Pittsburgh, PA four years ago. I enjoy working out daily, traveling (the beach), and reading books for enjoyment.
Suggestionsfor parents and students: Communication is so important in our learning environment. Always call when you have questions/concerns.
What I like about working at PA Distance: Our students |
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Name: Nick Kocuba
Title/Position: Math Teacher (Grades 8-12)
Education/Certification(s): B.S Secondary Education (2001) – Edinboro University, Masters of Education Instructional Technology (2009) – Waynesburg University, Pennsylvania Certified in 7-12 Mathematics and Instructional Technology Specialist.
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 109
Hobbies/Interest: When not teaching, I race my street stock racecar on the dirt short tracks of Western Pennsylvania, primarily Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. I also enjoy hunting and golf, and supporting the fine Pittsburgh sports teams.
Favorite Book: Anything biographical… I like learning things about famous or interesting people.
Favorite Movie: The whole Pirate’s of the Caribbean series.
Suggestions: Stay in constant contact with your teachers and advisors! Don’t be afraid to ask us for help; that is what we’re here for!
What I like about working at PA Distance: I enjoy getting to interact with students from all across the state. |
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Name: Jeffrey Korber
Title/Position: 7-12 Math and Physical Education Teacher
Education/Certification(s): BS in Math / Computer Science and Certified in Secondary Education (Math)
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 158
Favorite Movie: Austin Powers series
Favorite Quote: The Journey is the Reward.
Personal Information: Worked as a Computer Programmer for 7 years before becoming certified as Secondary Ed. Math Teacher. I live in Beaver County with my wife, Christine and our chocolate lab, Phoenix.
Suggestions: Always create a plan to work smarter not harder
What I like about working at PA Distance: I love being able to work with students all across PA!
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Name: Matthew Richert
Title/Position: Secondary Social Studies Teacher
Education/Certification(s): BA Psychology from Washington and Jefferson College, MS Instructional Leadership from Robert Morris University; PA Teaching Certificate in Secondary Social Studies
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 120
Hobbies/Interest: Ice Hockey, Olympics, Conspiracy Theories
Personal Information: Married to a wonderful woman and soon to be a father!
Suggestions: To be successful at PA Distance, students and parents need to stay in constant contact with their teachers and follow the course calendars daily so you do not fall behind.
Plans for the future: I would like to attend law school, not to practice law, but to have the experience and the degree. I would also like to be the President of the United States someday. |
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Name: Daniel Short
Title/Position: High School Social Studies Teacher
Education/Certification(s): B/A (History) - University of New Hampshire; PA Secondary Social Studies Certification
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 110
Favorite Book: I read a lot, so it is difficult to choose. If pressed, I would go with The Lord of the Rings. Authors whose work I have consistently enjoyed include: Matthew Stover, Richard Morgan, Dan Simmons, and Jeff Lindsey. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was good for a laugh.
Hobbies/Interest: I enjoy traveling with family and friends. Whether short trips by car or longer treks to the far corners of the globe. On the other hand, I am equally content at home with my wife, dog and XBOX 360. I live and die with the Penguins and Steelers.
Favorite Movie: There are three films that, if I come across them on TV, I must watch to the end. They are: The Empire Strikes Back, The Grapes of Wrath, and The Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Quote: "Knowing is half the battle"
What I like about working at PA Distance: I enjoy the ability to interact with a wide spectrum of students from all corners of the state. I also like the teamwork, support and sense of camaraderie amongst the entire staff.
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Name: Donita Spencer
Title/Position: Teacher, Grades 5 and 6
Education/Certification(s): Graduated from West Liberty State College in WV with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Certified in Pennsylvania Elementary K-6
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 1187
Favorite Book: I like all kinds of books. Some of my favorites are Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, Harry Potter series, and Pride and Prejudice. More recently, I enjoyed the Twilight series.
Favorite Quote: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” ~William Arthur Ward
Personal Information: Originally from West Virginia, I have lived in Pennsylvania for about 11 years. I have a beautiful son named, Logan, who is 10 and in 4th grade. Teaching has been my goal since I can remember. When I was little, I played school a lot, pretending like I was teaching my stuffed animals. I began my career as a substitute teacher when my son was little, then taught at a brick and mortar charter school for 3 years. This is my fourth year teaching for PDLCS; I love teaching cyber school.
What I like about working at PA Distance: Working at PDLCS gives me the opportunity to work with a very unique population of families. The majority of my students are tremendously motivated and eager to learn, and my parents are extremely involved, which provides such a positive teaching experience that I feel very fortunate to do what I do each and every day.
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Name: Kerry Warofka
Title/Position: Science teacher
Education/Certification(s): BA chemistry from W&J College, MEd. Education from Slippery Rock University, Certified in Chemistry, General Science, Middle School Math
Contact Information: 1-877-469-3352 ext. 1190
Favorite Book: Uncle Tungsten by Oliver Sacks (yes, I’m a science nerd)
Hobbies/Interest: traveling, trying new foods (especially those containing bacon!)
Favorite Quote: “I am not like anyone, I’m me!”
Personal Information: I live at the beach with my husband, and we love to travel. I enjoy learning and trying new things. I love spending time with friends and family, and find that you can learn just as much from listening to others as you can reading a book.
Suggestions: Try. If you don’t try, you will never know your potential. Push yourself to always be a little better than you were yesterday.
What I like about working at PA Distance: I love the students, and being able to give students that “EUREKA!” moment. I also love the staff and their willingness to share new ideas. |
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Name: Brigitt Watts
Title/Position: Teacher
Education/Certification(s): BA Art Education k-12, Certified PA and VA
Contact Information: 1-888-997-3352 ext. 118
Hobbies/Interest: Art, scrapbooking
Favorite Quote: “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Albert Einstein
Personal Information: I have been teaching art and working with kids for 18 years. I also have been working in the public schools as a teacher for 7 years. I enjoy teaching art as it has been shown that taking art can help students in all aspects of their lives by fostering self respect and creative thinking and problem solving.
Plans for the future: I am working to earn my Masters in Instructional Leadership and hope to continue my career at PDLCS in the fine arts department. I hope with my time here to expand upon the art department and art course offerings. |
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