New Staff at WHS - Vanessa Monell

Vanessa Monell - Foreign Language (Spanish)

I asked each new staff member to answer a few questions about themselves.  

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, moved to NY in 1990.  Earned a masters degree in Queens College in Hydrogeology. In 1996 I moved to Waldwick and in 1999 started teaching in JAT as a paraprofessional and loved teaching Spanish.  Became certified via alternate route and in 2006 started my Master's in Spanish language and Culture in Salamanca, Spain and have been teaching full time as a high school teacher since 2005.

What made you choose Education as a career? 

When I started teaching in Traphagen and fell in love with teaching.

What appealed to you about Waldwick High School?

The fact that I love this town, the people and the children here. They are smart, have values and come from a diversity of backgrounds. I have lived in many places but this is the place where I have lived the longest and where I chose to raise my children. It is a great place to be!

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I have five dogs, three rescued greyhounds and two Labradors! It's crazy but a lot of fun!