Classroom Coliseum

Mrs. Janine Robinson is a core of the Social Studies department in Goshen Schools. She has spent time teaching both 7th and 8th grade US History at C.J. Hooker Middle School. Teaching Social Studies is more than teaching history - it’s about critical thinking, analysis, and developing good citizens. Mrs. Robinson is always working to reinvent herself and adapt to the student engagement needs of her classes. She relies on collaboration with her colleagues and uses the advice she has picked up from literature she has read as inspiration for her lesson planning. Civics and citizenship is ever-more important in our society, and listening to this conversation about how Goshen teachers work with young people to develop young adults will be refreshing.

GHS Principal Nick Pantaleone joined Goshen Tech Director Jon Redeker to interview Gus Rodriguez, a cybersecurity expert. Gus spent 24 years in the NYPD and developed an expertise in cybersecurity, which he turnkeyed into a great new business called the “Digital First Responders.” Gus shares his ideas for students and parents about how to keep students safe and all parents and students should listen to his advice. Check out the links discussed in the pod as well!

Commonsense Media

https://www.commonsense.org/

“The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt

https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book

DHS

https://www.dhs.gov/

CISA

https://www.cisa.gov/

WSJ: Wanted Weekend Warriors

https://www.wsj.com/tech/wanted-weekend-warriors-in-tech-3b3a7513

John Stephens is a proud Goshen graduate who came back to Goshen Schools to continue his teaching career. His pursuits on the athletic fields in high school and college were filled with many accolades, but the lessons that he learned have been invaluable to his work with students. He has brought lesson in leadership, self awareness, health consciousness, and positivity to the Goshen Health/PE and Athletics Department. This conversation with coach Stephens will make listeners wish you could be an athlete in his programs.

Dr. Greg Voloshin has been a fixture around the Goshen School District since 2013 and his time in Goshen and impact to students is as diverse as can be. He has been Athletic Director, Elementary School Principal, Director of Personnel, and currently holds the role of High School Assistant Principal. His involvement in education has always been about making connections with students, and building relationships through coaching, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Dr. Voloshin has seen a lot of change around the district, and works to support students and staff through all of it. The conversation in this episode is full of positivity with a reflection on the past decade and a view for the hope to come for the future of the school.

The ENL Department is one of the smallest, but potentially most impactful faculty departments in Goshen High School. Students who are learning English as a New Language (ENL), or English Language Learners (referred to sometimes as ELL's), face challenges beyond native English speakers. The ENL department at Goshen High School is vibrant, caring, compassionate, and dedicated to reaching all of these students. This is the largest interview on the Classroom Coliseum, where 5 of us have a conversation about the significance of their work. Special guests Katharine Gonzalez, Ana Serrano Ayau, Isabella Almodovar, and Soraya Puertas discuss this tremendous program. For many listeners, this episode may present a lot of new information, but stay through to the end and you will be moved by the shared passion and love for the work this team puts forth every single day.

Grant Boyd is in his 4th year as an English teacher at Goshen High School. His diverse interests range from reading and advising the Dungeons and Dragons club! His thoughtful approach to teaching and working with kids is meaningful and relevant to all who get to experience it. Check out his interview!

Welcome to Season 2 of the Classroom Coliseum

Chris Haller has been working with Goshen students to help them as a counselor and coach for 23 years. With over 30 years of school counseling experience, Mr. Haller has brought countless students through difficult times in school, family, and personal issues both at CJ Hooker Middle School and Goshen Intermediate School. His dedication to helping kids grow and become better versions of themselves is what has kept him coming to work each day. His work extends beyond the school day into our athletics department and he sees coaching as an extension of his counseling job and an opportunity to pour into kids to help them achieve their very best. As a lifelong New York Jets fan, Mr. Haller knows how to push through adversity and work through hard times! Mr. Haller is retiring this year and we are thankful he took time to reflect on his influence on Goshen School District with us!