Ms. Shoshana Jacobs has been a classroom teacher and literacy coach for the last nineteen years in public, private and charter schools. She launched her career as a classroom teacher in the New York City Public Schools. After several years, Shoshana was selected as a mentor teacher under the auspices of the Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University. During her time with the Project, she worked with many literacy leaders, including Lucy Calkins, on the craft of Reading and Writing Workshop. After moving to Boston, Shoshana began coaching teachers, helping them enrich their literacy practices. She worked in several Boston Public schools and in private school before joining the CLCS staff in 2009. Shoshana spends much of her time outside of school parenting her three children and developing her skills as a hockey mom. When she has time for herself, she can be found with her a face in a book, or trying to find some time to exercise.
After fifteen years working as an immigration attorney and advocate, Rhonda Berkower returned to school and received a masters degree in Language and Literacy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has worked as an editor and curriculum developer for Houghton Mifflin, Zaner-Bloser and the WGBH Educational Foundation. Rhonda has a passion for children’s literature and has taught Latino Children’s Literature at Wheelock College. She loves putting a good book in a child’s hands.
Ms. Beverly Duquette recently moved here from New York City. She earned a Masters Degree in Education from Bank Street College. She teaches special education students and believes that every child can succeed both academically and socially with the right supports. Outside of school, Beverly enjoys directing plays, writing, and playing baseball.
Michelle Marzi is thrilled to be returning to the Conservatory Lab Charter School as the English Language Learner teacher. This will be Mrs. Marzi’s fifth year teaching at Conservatory Lab, and her tenth year as a teacher. While working at Conservatory Lab, Mrs. Marzi has taught first grade, third grade, fourth grade, as well as fifth grade. Prior to moving to Boston, Mrs. Marzi worked as a third grade teacher in Granby, Connecticut. Mrs. Marzi earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Sociology from Hofstra University in 2001 and her Master’s Degree in Reading and Language Arts from Central Connecticut State University in 2008. Outside of school, Mrs. Marzi loves spending time with her family, as well as reading a good book.