Hi! I'm Ms. Maratea, but my students call me Ms. M! I am a passionate and dedicated Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) teacher with years of experience working with students in 5th through 8th grade. Currently, I am pursuing my Masters of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) for 7th-12th grade ELA to further deepen my expertise and broaden my impact in the classroom.

My journey in teaching began early on, when I first discovered my love for teaching through karate. I started as a karate instructor and eventually became the lead instructor and program coordinator at the Young Adult Institute (YAI), where I taught students with developmental disabilities in New York City. This experience solidified my commitment to making learning accessible, engaging, and impactful for all students.

Growing up, I struggled with reading comprehension, and I know firsthand how difficult it can be to feel lost in a classroom. It wasn’t until I received the one-on-one help I needed that I was able to connect with literature and develop a true love for reading. That experience has shaped my teaching philosophy: I believe every student deserves personalized attention and support to help them build the skills they need to succeed.

Over the years, I have taught at charter schools in Bedford Stuyvesant and the South Bronx, and I’m now proud to be part of the Department of Education, where I teach 6th grade English in East New York. Literacy is a personal and enduring passion of mine, and it is something I strive to foster in every student I work with. I am dedicated to helping students not only improve their reading and writing skills, but also to discover the joy and power of literature.

I believe that every student has the potential to succeed, and I am here to support them every step of the way. Whether you're looking for help with a specific assignment or seeking to improve your overall skills, I look forward to working with you and helping you reach your goals!