Meet The Staff
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Ms. Erin O'Boyle
Hi there! My name is Miss Erin O’Boyle. 2023 will mark my first year at Tuckerton Elementary School but my third year teaching preschool. I graduated from Georgian Court University in May of 2021 with my degree in Early Childhood Education while also being dual certified as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities. Preschool has been my passion because I love laying the foundation of learning for children; they are not just learning math and reading they are also learning how to be a kind human. Being a preschool teacher also gives me the opportunity to see the world through the most innocent eyes that make everything so simple; all they know is good. I believe that the social and emotional well being of a child is just as important as the academic well being of a child.
In my free time I enjoy reading and taking and teaching Jiu Jitsu classes. I also enjoy doing escape rooms with my family. A lot of my hands-on experience was during Covid when I homeschooled my nephew who was three at the time and this has really helped shape me into the teacher I am. I cannot wait to watch the children grow and develop in their time here at TES!
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Ms. Barbarann Powers
Hello, I am Ms. Powers. Teaching is an absolute passion of mine! I am so excited to work with you and your child. Each year is full of fun, learning, and lots of adventures. We will be working on fostering independence, cooperation, and communication skills, literacy and math skills as well as hands-on learning.
I have been teaching here at TES since 2003. In May 2010, I graduated with my Masters
in Education: Selected Strand-Autism. This is my third year teaching preschool. Before that I taught in a fifth and sixth grade looping class. I absolutely love teaching Pre-K! It is my goal to teach a love for learning in my students. I attempt to teach with a passion for my subject so my students develop a desire to become life-long learners.
Some of my favorite activities include reading and writing, going on vacations, especially to Disney, and spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy spending time with my horse, Ollie. I have two children; Lucas is 8 and Benjamin is 5. Both attend TES! I love watching them discover new things each day. Autumn is my favorite time of year, I enjoy watching the leaves change color and fall. I love teaching and look forward to the adventures each day brings.
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Miss Kristen Zafonte
Hello there, My name is Ms. Kristen Zafonte. This is my first year at Tuckerton Elementary School and also my first year in a classroom of my very own. I am a graduate of Stockton University and I am currently enrolled at New Jersey City University in their Preschool through Grade Three program endorsement. I feel so lucky to be able to come to school everyday and see our Preschoolers' passions and love for discovering and trying new things. One of the best things about Preschool is that the children are so eager to learn, grow, and build relationships with the people around them. I am so excited to see what amazing things our Preschool group will do this year!
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Ms. Preschool Instructional Coach
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Mrs. Brianna Gibaldi, LCSW - Supervisor of Special Services, School Social worker, Community & Parent Involvement Specialist (CPIS)
I wear many hats here at Tuckerton Elementary School, but for all intents and purposes I am the school social worker and supervise all special service needs. I support teachers and students in social emotional learning as well as strategizing with teachers to meet the individual, unique needs of our students. In my role as CPIS, I work hand and hand with the Co-Chairs of the TES Early Childhood Advisory (TES ECAC) whose goal is to work collaboratively with staff, parents and the community. If you would like more information or you are interested in joining the TES ECAC committee please email me, we would love to have you!
As a school community we work hard to prepare our students for success at every level. Our high quality preschool program allows children to learn through play and exploration. The curriculum is purposeful in its delivery, but also allows for student choice. Parents, guardians and the community play pivotal roles in the success of this program; your participation is greatly encouraged. Our preschool program lays the foundation to set students up for success as they progress through elementary school and beyond.