Philosophy of Education
I have taught all grades from 5th to college during my 50 year career, and I base my approach to education on several key principles. First, I believe there is such a thing as the “life of the mind” and that the richer that life is, the more enriched a person’s life becomes. Emerson pointed out that a person was what he or she thought about all day.
Second, I believe that it is the teacher’s moral obligation to expose students to as much as possible, to fire their imaginations and to arouse their curiosity- in other words, to contribute to the life of their minds. It is not the teacher’s job to teach ‘facts.” but rather to urge students to think deeply-to see connections, to recognize cause and effect, to take a position after weighing evidence. Students must engage in critical thinking and writing in all areas of the curriculum.
Finally, I am convinced that the only way to engender love of learning is for the teacher to put his or her own love of subject,and passion for thought on display. Students will “catch” the teacher’s enthusiasm and become excited to learn, investigate, and make connections. It is for this reason that I espouse an interdisciplinary approach to my classes.
Resume
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PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Energetic, engaged, and committed educator who believes in an interdisciplinary approach and a foundation in the classics for the modern world with an emphasis on critical thinking.
Master teacher with 40 years’ experience teaching five academic subjects plus test preparation. Administrative and curriculum development experience as Middle School Coordinator. As Exmissions Director, successful placement of students into best NYC high schools.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2003 – 2020: The Cathedral School. English, Writing, Mythology, French, Latin; Upper School Coordinator; Exmissions Director.
1982 – 2012: CUNY System. Literature, Writing, Remedial Reading at two-year and four-year CUNY colleges. Kingsborough Community College, 1990 – 2012.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
A.B.D. 1994: Graduate Center of the City University of New York
Comparative Literature with concentration in American Literature and Aesthetics. Dissertation topic: “Use of Musical Structures in the Modern Novel.”
M.A., Comparative Literature, 1993: Graduate Center of the City University of New York:
B.A., English, French, 1971: Hunter College
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
1989 – 2020: Cambridge Educational Services
Contributing Editor. Create materials and curriculum taught in thousands of schools to prepare students for standardized exams including SAT, ACT, SHSAT, ISEE, TACHS.
1986 -1989: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Professional Testing
Test Preparation Instructor. Taught test preparation courses for SAT, ACT, GED.
PUBLICATIONS
SuperCourse for the ACT, Prentice-Hall, 1991
SuperCourse for the SAT II, Prentice-Hal,l 1990 Preparation for the Spanish CBAT, Simon & Schuster, 1987 Vocabulary Builder for the SAT, ARCO Books, 1985
REFERENCES
Eileen Ferretti: English Dept. Chair Kingsborough CC Brooklyn NY. [email protected]
David P. Waldherr, Esq.: President, Cambridge Ed’I Services, Inc. Des Plaines, IL [email protected]
Francesca Mannino, Head of School, Cathedral School 319 E. 74 Street. New York, NY 10021 [email protected]
Biography
Juliana has always been interested in the connections between the arts which led her to receive her BA in Romance Languages and then to study for her MA in Comparative Literature. She completed 60 credits and passed her oral exams for her PH.D She is now A.B.D with a concentration in music and the novel, American Literature and Aesthetics.
Juliana has been teaching for over 40 years at all levels from Middle School to College. She was at The Cathedral School for 18 years where she taught English, French, and Latin. As the Exmissions director, she was in charge of processing high school applications, reaching out to admissions directors and preparing students for the SHSAT, ISEE, and TACHS. Her students were admitted to the best high schools in New York City. As Middle School Coordinator, she was responsible for administrative duties such as observing and mentoring teachers, reviewing report cards, holding faculty meetings and serving as liaison between the principal and the faculty.
Juliana has also created test preparation materials and taught classes for the SAT and the GED for Cambridge Educational Services where she still serves as an educational consultant.
In addition to her studies in literature and language, Juliana is a professional opera singer. She started to study piano at age 5 and voice at age 12. She received her training from master teachers such as Olga Makarina of the Metropolitan Opera, and has given concerts and operatic performances in the U.S., Italy and Germany. She currently teaches piano and voice
Testimonials
Testimonials:
Ms Fazzone is one of those teachers who defines a student’s life. I will not forget her infectious laugh, quick wit, or her rare ability to engage students in class.
Elektra P. – Cathedral School student
Ms. Fazzone constantly challenged me to be a better writer. She was the kindest yet most intelligent teacher I have ever had. She was my favorite teacher for the three years she taught me.
Olia P.-Cathedral School student
Ms. Fazzone is not only a brilliant teacher, she is kind, compassionate, patient, and extremely dedicated to her students. Her teaching style makes each and every child feel like they can conquer the world. Both of my children have been extremely fortunate to have had her both as teacher and mentor.
Janet A. Cathedral School parent.
With Juliana, the fount of knowledge never runs dry. She gives her students superb preparation by teaching them how to read carefully and critically, and Juliana is spectacular in her ability to elicit and develop these skills in her students.
Phillip Mitsis, Cathedral School parent and former board member. Professor of Classics and Philosophy, A.S. Professor of Hellenic Culture and Civilization. N.Y.U.
Ms. Fazzone is an amazing ELA and piano teacher. She taught me how to write my own poem or fable and she checked my work and made suggestions for improvement. She also taught me life lessons like how to conquer the “dreaded eighth note and how to deal with the frustration the eighth note gave me.
Lambros K. Cathedral School student.
I am very fortunate to have had Juliana teach both my children. Her multi-disciplinary approach to teaching and depth of knowledge of music, art, and history kept them engaged and motivated to learn. She is a wonderful educator because she values each student and what they have to say.
Soteria K- Cathedral School student.