For decades, the Monmouth University Department of Curriculum and Instruction has prepared graduates who go on to build impactful and fulfilling careers across K–12 teaching, educational leadership, and higher education. Our alumni make meaningful contributions in classrooms, schools, and communities, and we are proud to celebrate their accomplishments. We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence as future graduates add their own stories of professional growth and success in the field of education.
Sabrina Chung ’25
Position: Special Education Teacher in Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Degree Program: B.A. English with a Concentration in Creative Writing with Endorsements in Secondary Education and Teacher of Students with Disabilities K–12
I graduated from Monmouth University in Spring 2025, and before I even graduated, I was recruited by Monmouth University professors to teach English and special education in multiple school districts. Those opportunities speak volume about the trust, mentorship, and professional connections fostered within Monmouth’s School of Education.
The School of Education is filled with some of the most passionate, compassionate, and knowledgeable educators I have ever learned from and worked with. Throughout all four years, I felt genuinely supported—academically, professionally, and personally. My professors went beyond teaching coursework; they invested in my success and actively helped open doors for my future.
Monmouth University prepared me to enter the field of education with confidence and intention. The experiences and mentorship I received taught me how to support diverse learners, advocate for students, and make a lasting difference in the classroom. Monmouth didn’t just help me earn a degree; it helped me become an educator my students deserve.
Jennifer Fraller ’22
Position: Teacher in Middletown Village Elementary School (Second Grade)
Degree Program: B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies for Elementary Educators, with Endorsement in Teacher of Students with Disabilities
I graduated from Monmouth University in January 2022, and I still cherish all of the friendships, opportunities, and experiences I had during my time there. I immersed myself in several clubs and organizations, both inside and outside the School of Education, to grow as a leader and as a person. I loved being involved on campus and forming relationships with professors and classmates. The School of Education’s partnerships with local school districts helped me after graduation, as what started off as a field placement of 25 hours in an elementary school in Middletown gradually increased each semester and led to my full-time student teaching, which after graduation, turned into a long-term leave replacement and finally, a permanent position. Now, I am teaching third grade at Middletown Village in the Middletown Township Public School District.
Dana Hochstaedter ’14
Position: Special Education Teacher in Long Branch (Fourth Grade)
Degree Program: B.S. in Mathematics and Education with Endorsements in Elementary Education and Teacher of Students with Disabilities
I graduated from the School of Education in 2014 with a bachelor’s segree in Mathematics and Education, with a TSD endorsement. I later went back to further my education and graduated with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. I currently work as a special education teacher in Long Branch at the same school where I completed my student teaching! Throughout both programs, I felt genuinely cared about and supported by my professors and advisors, who were deeply invested in my growth and success. Monmouth’s School of Education provided a hands-on learning experience that truly prepared me to create inclusive, meaningful learning experiences for my students. I would highly recommend the School of Education to anyone seeking a rigorous and enriching program that prepares educators to make a meaningful impact!
Ryan Kinghorn ’15
Position: K–5 Health and Physical Education Teacher in Howell Township; Adjunct in Monmouth University’s Department of Health and Physical Education
Degree Program: B.S. Health and Physical Education with Endorsement in Teacher of Students with Disabilities
I am currently in my 10th year as a K–5 health and physical education teacher in Howell Township. I am also in my second year as an adjunct professor in Monmouth’s Department of Health and Physical Education. I love being a Monmouth Hawk and am very proud to have graduated from this university. When I enrolled at Monmouth, the Health and Physical Education program was fairly new, but through the guidance for Staci Drewson, Ph.D., and other key members of the department, I left for the workforce feeling confident and qualified to excel in any school district I applied to. In 11 years I have seen our department consistently evolve into a truly respected and professional program that gives students the tools and the hands on experience that they needed to be successful in our field. As I enter the second decade of my career, I am taking courses to complete my school principals as supervisors certification, striving to take the next step in my career. I owe a high level of gratitude to the Health and Physical Education program at Monmouth for instill a high level of confidence in my abilities. Go Hawks!
Ally Marchesani ’21 ’22M
Position: Teacher in Evesham School District (Sixth Grade)
Degree Programs: B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies for Elementary Educators; M.S.Ed. in Special Education – Teacher of Students with Disabilities
I graduated from Monmouth in May of 2021 with my bachelor’s degree and in May of 2022 with my master’s degree. As a student, I felt that Monmouth challenged me appropriately and truly prepared me for my future as a teacher. The program had a wide range of classes that seamlessly combined academics with teaching pedagogy. Additionally, I always felt supported by my professors and knew I could go to them whenever I needed help! Overall, Monmouth truly helped me discover my passion for teaching. I currently teach sixth-grade math at Evesham School District, and I love it!
Gillian Ober ’18M
Position: Multilingual Educator, Freehold Borough Public School; Adjunct, Monmouth University and Georgian Court University
Degree Program: Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with Certifications in K–12 Spanish and English as a Second Language
I entered Monmouth University as a highly motivated, reflective student with a deep passion for language, equity, and educational access. Throughout the MAT program, I was challenged to think critically about diverse learners and to ground my practice in research, reflection, and authentic classroom experiences.
As a public school multilingual educator, I have spent years working directly with newcomer students and students with interrupted formal education, designing culturally sustaining instruction and advocating for multilingual learners and their families. This work led to my recognition as the 2026 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year.
Alongside my K–12 work, I serve as an adjunct professor, preparing future educators to support multilingual learners through research-driven, equity-centered coursework. My experience as a graduate assistant and research collaborator at Monmouth provided a strong foundation for bridging theory and practice, a skill I now model for both pre-service and graduate-level teachers.
Currently, I am on sabbatical at the New Jersey Department of Education serving as the State Teacher of the Year, where I contribute to statewide initiatives focused on teacher leadership, multilingual education, and educational equity. This work has included serving on the New Jersey governor’s Education Action Team and supporting transition planning efforts. The clinical training, faculty mentorship, and research opportunities I experienced at Monmouth prepared me to lead confidently across classrooms, universities, and policy spaces, and to advocate for students and educators at every level of the education system.
Aja Perez ’25 ’25M
Position: Teacher at at Lafayette Mills School in Manalapan, New Jersey (Third Grade)
Degree Programs: B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies for Elementary Educators; M.Ed. with Endorsement in English as a Second Language
Monmouth University has given me the opportunity to strengthen my passion for education, define my pedagogy, and build long-lasting communications with countless students. Working alongside my dedicated professors, motivating cooperating teachers, and enthusiastic students had set me up for a career built on a strong foundation of support and strategies. Through my teaching, I strive to make students feel validated and nurtured, while showing them the joy of learning new things. Knowledge is power, and I want all of my students to recognize the power they hold when they learn something new!
Dylan Portaro ’24
Position: History Teacher at Red Bank Catholic High School
Degree Program: B.A. in History and Education with Endorsements in Secondary Education and Teacher of Students with Disabilities
As a student at Monmouth University, I was very driven and academically focused; I was fortunate enough to graduate with a 3.926 GPA with summa cum laude honors. During my time in Monmouth University’s education program, I tried to take as much constructive feedback as possible and use that to better myself as a student and eventually as a teacher.
I am currently a history teacher at Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank. I currently teach Honors US History I, CP US History II, ACP US History I, and will be teaching AP U.S. History starting next year.
There were various parts of the program that helped me after graduation although the most helpful was the year of clinical practice as a senior at Monmouth. During that time, I was able to experiment and see what worked and what didn’t and build my foundation as a teacher. Additionally, the ability to be in different educational settings during my four years within the program such as special education, general education, middle school, high school, etc., gave me the ability to work with different grade levels and groups which has been extremely beneficial. I think the biggest thing I am able to do now because of the program is that I am able to focus on experimenting and growing pedagogically as Monmouth’s education program provided me with a great starting point as a professional. In short, my time in Monmouth’s education program was vital to my career and success.
Rachel Vassallo ’25
Position: Teacher at Pitman Highschool
Degree Program: B.S. in Mathematics and Education with Endorsement in Secondary Education in Mathematics
As a student at Monmouth University, I was very ambitious and studious. I often worked with my peers and professors to understand and apply the challenging material given in my math courses, while brainstorming and analyzing lesson plans and teaching methods in my education courses. My experience at Monmouth, especially my student teaching experience, helped me transition into my career as a high school math teacher. As a first-year teacher, I have taken on teaching AP Calculus, Honors Calculus, and Honors Pre-Calculus at Pitman High School in Pitman, NJ. This year, I have been able to use lessons and teaching strategies that I created or learned about at Monmouth in my own classroom. Monmouth not only helped me learn how to teach effectively but also helped me learn how to create a positive, inclusive learning environment, while analyzing the comprehension levels of my students. I am grateful for my academic experience at Monmouth and the connections I made throughout both programs, as they have helped shape me into the teacher I have always wanted to be.
Josh Yates ’22
Position: Teacher at Point Pleasant Beach High School
Degree Program: B.A. in History and Education with Endorsement in Secondary Education in Social Studies
My time at Monmouth University was a unique journey, especially as the pandemic created unexpected challenges for students all over the world. The University—particularly the School of Education—did an excellent job supporting us as students and helping us navigate those obstacles. Whether it was preparing for exams, completing research papers, or completing observation hours, I always felt supported at Monmouth. The small class sizes, engaging professors, beautiful campus, and strong academic support, helped make my time at Monmouth both successful and positive. The education program taught me so much, and provided great learning opportunities within local classrooms that helped me gain valuable experience to begin my teaching career.
After graduating in May of 2022 from the education program, I was able to accept a job almost immediately. I am currently in my fourth year teaching at Point Pleasant Beach High School. I am fortunate to be able to coach three varsity sports as well, which has always been a dream come true. I can confidently say I would not be in the position I am now without the people at Monmouth University who supported me along the way. Go Hawks!
Christina Criscitello ’15
Position: Teacher at Middle Road School in Hazlet, New Jersey
Degree Program: B.A. in English/Creative Writing and Education with Endorsements in Elementary Education and Early Childhood – P-3
I loved my time at Monmouth University, where I attended from 2010 to 2014. Monmouth provided me with the confidence, knowledge, and meaningful field experiences that prepared me to become the teacher I am today. Through many hands-on field placements, I gained the real-world experience and inspiration that shaped my teaching philosophy and passion for teaching.
My goal as a teacher has always been to be the person who helps a child believe in themselves. That means creating a safe, positive classroom family where students feel supported, valued, and encouraged… all while having fun. I believe learning should be an adventure, and that mistakes are a part of the learning process. Every child deserves an adult who will never give up on them, and I strive to be that person for each of my students.
I was fortunate to complete my student teaching at Middle Road School in Hazlet, where I later began my official teaching career. I have been part of the Hazlet School District for 11 years, teaching both first and third grade, after also teaching second grade in Edison Township. I have taught third grade for the past 10 years, and it is truly my passion. In 2025, I was honored to be named Teacher of the Year for the Monmouth County Superintendents Teacher Recognition Program. Throughout my career, I have also served as a New Jersey Future Ready School Representative and as a Teacher Leader within my building, supporting my fellow colleagues.
While teaching core subjects like reading, writing, and math is surely important, I care deeply about my students as whole individuals. Asking how their soccer game went, how they celebrated a family birthday, and the experiences that shape who they are, are all things that create a positive classroom family. When students feel seen and valued, they are more motivated. A quote that has always resonated with me is: “Relationships before rigor, grace before grades, patience before programs, and love before lessons.”
Today, I am grateful to have the privilege of using my passion, love, and knowledge as an educator with my own son. Sharing my love for reading and learning with him, at such a young age, has been my most meaningful and rewarding teaching experience yet.