Teacher Spotlight

My name is Ms. Lori, and I am absolutely thrilled to be one of the Kindergarten teachers here at P.S. 83! While this is my first-year teaching within the DOE, I have been working in classroom settings for six years now, gaining invaluable experience as a teacher assistant, substitute teacher, and full-time educator. I hold a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College.

My teaching philosophy is centered around making learning fun, engaging, and hands-on for our youngest learners. I strive to create a nurturing, positive environment where students feel safe to socialize with their classmates, explore new ideas, and thrive both academically and socially emotionally.

My absolute favorite part of the day is our Morning Meeting. It gives me a wonderful opportunity to have meaningful discussions with the students and truly bond with them as a classroom family. What I love most about teaching kindergarten is watching the incredible, magical growth that happens from the very start of the school year to the very end.

A Few Fun Facts About Me:

• Favorite Children’s Book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

• Hobbies: Cooking, reading, and spending time with my two dogs.

• Favorite Things: Matcha lattes, sushi, and enjoying nature!

Best,

Ms. Lori

Teacher Name: Jamie Catz

Grade/Subject: Kindergarten

Years at PS 83: I have been at PS 83 for 15 years but I have been teaching for 25 years.

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Jamie Catz, and I am a kindergarten teacher at PS 83, where I have proudly worked for the past 15 years as part of a 25-year teaching career. Throughout my time in education, I have primarily worked with young learners in kindergarten and first grade, helping them build a strong foundation and a love of learning. I strive to create a safe and nurturing classroom environment where students feel comfortable being themselves, participating, and trying their best. I am a very positive teacher and believe in providing consistent encouragement to help each child grow in confidence and ability. I feel truly fortunate to be part of the PS 83 community, where the teachers are incredibly supportive and dedicated. It brings me great joy to work with our wonderful students and to partner with their families as we guide each child’s growth and success.

What do you love most about teaching at P.S. 83?

What I love most about teaching at PS 83 is the opportunity to work with my students each day and witness their incredible growth over the course of the school year. It is truly amazing to see them transform from children who are just beginning their learning journey into confident students who are starting to read and write. By the end of the year, they have grown and changed in so many meaningful ways, and I feel grateful to be part of that process. Being able to support and guide them through these important milestones is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

What are your students working on this month?

As we end the school year my students are working on reading and writing CVC words, they are working on writing their opinions about various topics and reasons to support them, and they are reviewing addition and subtraction in math.

Fun fact about you:

I like reading good books, listening to music, and tap dance.

A message to P.S. 83 families:

Thank you for all of your support this year—it truly makes a meaningful difference. When families are involved in their child’s education by supporting learning at home, helping with homework, and reading together each day, it greatly strengthens each child’s growth and success.

Teacher Name: Brenda Simek

Grade/Subject: Grade 1

Years at PS 83: This is my 21^st year at PS83.

Tell us about yourself: I live in New Jersey and am the proud mom of a lively 5‑year‑old named Brooklynn, who keeps me laughing and reminds me every day why early childhood education matters so much. After more than two decades in the classroom, I still wake up excited to teach first grade. I’ve always loved math — especially watching young learners discover patterns, make connections, and grow more confident with numbers — but what I love most is seeing how much children grow in just one school year. Their curiosity, joy, and resilience inspire me, and I am always so proud of the progress they make.

What do you love most about teaching at P.S. 83? The families and children at P.S. 83 are truly special. Our school community is warm, supportive, and deeply connected, and it’s a privilege to work with families who partner so closely with us. The relationships we build — with students, siblings, and parents — are what make this school feel like home.

What are your students working on this month? We are wrapping up a wonderful year of first grade! Students are finishing their phonics and reading units, working hard to read longer two‑syllable words, and writing their own realistic‑fiction stories. In math, we are exploring shapes and learning to tell time — big milestones for our young learners.

Fun fact about you: Before teaching first grade, I spent a year teaching art — a creative experience that still influences the way I bring imagination and hands‑on learning into my classroom.

A message to P.S. 83 families: Thank you for your constant support and for all you do with your children. Thank you for reading with them, playing with them, and encouraging their growth. Thank you for showing up — for open house days, for conversations, for partnering with me throughout the year. It means more than you know, and I am grateful for each of you.