WOODBURY- Teachers have a huge impact on students whether it is in or out of the classroom. This is very clear when looking at both Vincent Pisano, a history teacher at Woodbury Middle School, and Kristen Pisano, a math teacher for NHS. Even though they teach different subjects and grade levels, they both share a passion for teaching and helping students learn and grow. 

Vincent focuses on making learning engaging and enjoyable for his students. With a decade of experience and spending time in alternative high school programs, he has developed a teaching style centered around connection and interest.

“I enjoy having fun while sharing my love of history with students,” said Vincent.

Vincent finds great ways to teach students making it easier to understand even though the subject may seem challenging.

Armanie Sylvester, a freshman at NHS, is a former student of Vincent Pisano. Sylvester said Pisano’s teaching style made a lasting impact on him as a student.

“I like how [he] made everything he taught entertaining,” said Sylvester who had Pisano as an 8th grader. “He always made everything interesting but kept it informational and easy to follow.”

Sylvester’s experience reflects how Vincent’s approach of teaching helps his students stay engaged while learning important material. 

Many of his students stay in Region 14, moving on to high school, where they have Kristen who brings a different, but equally impactful, approach to her classroom.

Kristen says one of her favorite parts of teaching is the variety each day brings.

“I like coming to school everyday, and that it’s never the same each day,” said Kristen.  “It’s a new lesson that I’m teaching every single day.”

Kristen Pisano also likes to update her lesson plans every year to help students learn things that may be challenging. Since work can be hard and stressful sometimes students may make mistakes.

“I change my worksheets every year having to make answer keys for them too,” said Kristen, noting how she’s constantly adjusting course assignments to meet the needs of her students. “ I then have cap corrections for students who make mistakes so they can make up points on questions.”

There is a Cap correction bin in Kristen Pisano’s classroom. When there are answers wrong on a quiz students are allowed to take a piece of paper, and then students have to explain the mistake they made on the question they got incorrect then solve it. This helps NHS students grade stay as best as possible while learning their mistakes.

Both Pisanos enjoy teaching the same students, being glad that they’re allowed to influence and impact the students.

“It’s rewarding to know that we can both be positive influences in the same students lives,” said Vincent Pisano.

Together both Pisanos show how teachers can impact students even at different ages and grade levels. From building interest with WMS students to over time preparing for students at NHS future.