Below is an interview done with new Freshmen architecture teacher and WHSAD alumna, Ms. Cumberbatch. Who are you? "My name is Ms. Cumberbatch. I'm a former student here that graduated in 2014. I'm currently a teacher, and I spent four years at Arcadia University studying interior design. I got to study abroad for a semester and then worked for an architecture firm for two years in the city." Tell me about your prior architecture experience. "For two years after I gradated from college I spent my time learning about the design process, not just what to do but the legal aspect-the politics. Understanding that different companies use different laws, and learning that it's not just creating homes, and there's a lot more to it. I … [Read more...]

We can all agree that the Coronavirus pandemic was a major stop in all our lives, but WHSAD made sure its students didn't suffer the consequences of not being in school or having a lack of access to design platforms as architecture students. The teachers and students had to adapt to this new layout of the school year but didn't let the circumstances stop them from striving for success. Below are the interviews from some teachers and students. Teachers: Abraham Rodriguez and Ira Geringer-Freshmen Architecture How has the layout for your class changed as a result of the pandemic? "Since we saw how the pandemic affected how and where we are located, digital literacy should be an important part of the design curriculum. The … [Read more...]

Who are you? My name is Ms. Como. I've been teaching 10th-grade global history for four years.  I attended Hunter College for my bachelor's in Social Studies Adolescence Education and received my master's degree in Educational Psychology.  History has been my favorite subject since I was a little girl, and I love teaching it to others.   In my free time, I like to cook, read, waste time on TikTok, catch up on new movies and tv shows, and spend time outdoors with my dogs.        What’s the Curriculum like? (Pre-Quarantine and Post-Quarantine). Our curriculum covers topics in world history between the years 1750 - present day.  We begin the school year with a bit of review, but our … [Read more...]

Who are you? Hi I am Ms. Moos. I am a visual art and design teacher. My interest is in helping students tap into their creative potential and see how design thinking applies to a wide range of professional opportunities. The studio is centered around the question of how to communicate ideas through different methods of visualization, digital or physical in regards to product design, fine arts or architecture. I hope to facilitate an environment where students develop their voice, their civic engagement, and understanding of sustainability. My name is Mr. O'Brien I am a Career Technical Educator specialized in electrical installation. I have been teaching since 1991. I have been working in a wide variety of educational work based … [Read more...]

This article is an overview of Freshman English class. Below, English teacher, Ms. Newton talks about what the class will cover and what to expect. Who are you?My name is Jacqueline Newton.  I am the Freshman English Language Arts teacher at Williamsburg High School for Architecture & Design.  I was born in Georgetown, Guyana South America and now reside in Brooklyn, New York.  I attended Brooklyn College (CUNY) where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communication Arts & Sciences and my Master of Science Degree in Education with a concentration in Reading. I have been teaching at WHSAD as the Freshman ELA teacher for the past 12 years. What is the Freshman English Curriculum like?The … [Read more...]

This article is an overview of the English and Algebra classes. Below Ms. Spaziani talks about what the two classes will cover and what to expect. Who are you? My name is Ms. Spaziani, and I am an Instructional Support Teacher who works with the freshman students. I work primarily in the English and Algebra classes, but I also offer tutoring and support in other subjects as well during my office hours. I have been teaching for 15 years and most of those years have been with high school students. My focus is on helping students discover how they best learn and then helping them find new ways to approach assignments, projects, and other classwork so that they are can succeed, even in their most difficult subject areas. What’s the … [Read more...]

Who are you? My name is Ms. Decker, and this is my second year teaching high school Geometry.  I grew up in Washington, D.C. and attended the University of Chicago for college.  (If you want deep dish pizza recommendations, email me!)  I worked for a math education non-profit organization for a couple of years before I decided I wanted to get back in the classroom and teach.  I moved to New York City for graduate school in 2017, and I am so thankful to have found a place here at WHSAD! What’s the Curriculum like? (Pre-Quarantine and Post-Quarantine). Geometry is the study of shapes and space, and it’s the first math class where students begin composing proofs of mathematical theorems and statements.  … [Read more...]

This article is an overview of the AP Human Geography class. Below Ms. Connors talks about what the class will cover and what to expect. Who are you? Hi, I’m Ms. Connors and I teach AP Human Geography! I’m originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and lived there for 18 years until I went to Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. I moved to New York to go to graduate school at Teachers College, Columbia University before getting a job at WHSAD. What’s the Curriculum like? (Pre-Quarantine and Post-Quarantine) The purpose of AP Human Geography is to help students understand the city, country, and world in which they live. The course is organized thematically around topics of population and migration, culture, politics, … [Read more...]

Who are you? My name is Ms. Weinstein. I teach US History and AP US History (APUSH). This is my 8th year teaching. I went to Binghamton University for undergraduate and Hofstra University for grad school. I grew up on Long Island and now live in Queens. What’s the Curriculum like? (Pre-Quarantine and Post-Quarantine)? For both US History classes, we begin with indigenous North America pre-Columbus and end with modern-day America. Pre-Quarantine, students complete a lot of collaborative and group work, as well as discussions and debates. That is a bit of a challenge with remote learning, but I try to incorporate digital discussions as much as I can. I also used a number of digital learning tools before remote learning, … [Read more...]

Who are you? My name is Mrs. Rivera. I have been teaching Architectural Drafting for 16 years, of which 9 have been here at WHSAD. I am the daughter of Dominican parents and was raised in the South Bronx. I am the mother of three beautiful children. I studied in St. Francis college for two years and then transferred to New York City College of Technology in Brooklyn to finish my degree in Technology Education. What’s the Curriculum like? (Pre-Quarantine and Post-Quarantine) Pre-quarantine students learned to identify and draw the components of a residential structure through the use of the AutoCAD and Revit programs. Students learned how to design and create floor plans, elevations, and other construction drawings. Towards the end … [Read more...]