Teacher Bio and Contact Information
ELA/ENL Department
Ms. Nicole Camera has taught English at the High School of World Cultures since 2019. She is also the advisor to the student newspaper (The New Voice), the yearbook club, and the GSA (Gender-Sexuality Alliance). In her free time she enjoys reading, watching anime, making crafts, and playing with her three cats Toast, Milo, and Gouda. [email protected]
Mr. Sean Powell has been a member of the HSWC community since 2009 prior to which he taught English in Westchester, Florida, and Turkey. Mr. Powell has a special affinity for newcomers having himself come to the US at age 16. He is teaching 9th grade ELA as well as a Debate course this year. [email protected]
Mr. Raymond Choi has been teaching at ELA,ENL, and Business (BUILD) at HSWC for the last 8 years. He loves connecting and learning about all the different countries, cultures, and languages that our international population comes with. If you need to find him you can usually listen for the sound of guitar since he likes to play during his free time - no surprise as he runs the music club after school as well. [email protected]
Mr. David Wald is in his 8th year teaching ELA at HSWC. He teaches the 12th grade and focuses on preparing the students for their ELA Regents and AP English Language exams as well as their college and career pathways. Mr. Wald is also the ELA Department Leader, UFT Chapter Leader, and Girls Varsity Soccer Coach. [email protected]
Ms. Emilia Perlwitz studied Modern languages and Education in college and is very passionate about learning and teaching. This year she teaches ENL for grades 9-12 and has many students from the 10th grade. She loves teaching at HSWC because we have students from some many different cultures. [email protected]
Ms. Maria Morales earned her Master's degree Teaching English as a New Language in 2016. She has worked at the High School of World Cultures for almost 9 years. She truly enjoys working with newcomers and learning about all the different cultures. Ms. Morales also teaches a BUILD class which is part of our business program. She is currently teaching 10th grade ENL, 11th grade Business class and 9th grade ENL during afterschool. [email protected]
Ms. Jennifer Charlera joins the HSWC community with three years of teaching experience and a deep commitment to supporting multilingual learners. Passionate about teaching writing, she helps newcomers strengthen their skills and is dedicated to learning about her students’ diverse backgrounds. This year, Ms. Charlera teaches 11th and 12th-grade writing, tutors students for the ELA Regents exams, and mentors students in grades 9 through 11. [email protected]
Mr. Mark Plesac, originally from Buffalo, NY, is a dedicated educator with experience in both secondary and higher education. Since joining the High School of World Cultures in 2017, he has focused on developing innovative ENL/MLL strategies to help newcomers succeed on the ELA Regents. In addition to his teaching role, Mr. Plesac serves as an advisor for the Music Club and offers guitar lessons after school, sharing his passion for music with students. [email protected]
Ms.Senay Mollaoglu is an ENL teacher in High School of World Cultures. She has experience with co-teaching ELA, Algebra 1, Biology and Social Studies. This year, she is teaching Phonics for Reading to 9th graders, English Intensive to 9th, 10th, and 11th graders, and co-teaching ELA to 12th graders. [email protected]
Social Studies Department
Ms. Kaitlin Moyer has been teaching at HSWC for 10+ years. This year she is teaching Regents US History and AP US History. Her goal is to teach students how to think critically about the world they live in and to be actively engaged in their communities. [email protected]
Ms. Kathryn Gilbert is an ENL teacher at HSWC with over 10 years experience. She loves being the weirdest reading teacher in the Bronx. Although she is an expert bike rider and has plans to ride her bike from the Bronx to Canada this summer, she is still learning how to embroider. [email protected]
Mr. Timothy Albright is in his second year in the HSWC community. After many years in the technology corporate world, he made a career change to become a History Teacher, focused on Global History (a Regents course). He is also passionate about many other topics, including art and literature, which he incorporates in his lessons. [email protected]
Mr. Giancarlo Mascaro has been one of the brightest additions to the History Department at HSWC. His ambition and energy guides ninth graders as they begin their transition into high school. Teaching the English language and speaking about history are his biggest passions and he loves to share them with everyone! Besides history, he also loves coffee and chocolate. [email protected]
Mr. Joshua De Michele is in his second year teaching at HSWC however, comes to the school with 2 years of teaching experience prior. This year, he is teaching Economics and Government in conjunction with Regent U.S. History. He enjoys teaching about fiscal and civic responsibility with the hope to facilitate student success post graduation. [email protected]
Math and Special Education Department
Ms. Amalia Palomeque is our Algebra I teacher with 5 years of experience. She is passionate about teaching mathematical skills that can be used in school and in our community. [email protected]
Mr. Jason Kilada is a new special education teacher at HSWC and also has a background in math. He will be working with students in grades 9, 10, and 11. He is excited about getting to know our students and helping them achieve their high school and post-secondary goals. [email protected]
Mr. Leonidas De Los Santos has been teaching for 10 years. He has been teaching at HSWC for 4 years. What Mr. De Los Santos likes the most is to demystify Algebra & Geometry. With the right approach, practice and patience, anybody can understand and apply algebra and geometry in their lives. [email protected]
Science Department
Ms. Maria Maldonado has been teaching Bilingual Earth Science at HSWC for 25 years, focusing on supporting newcomers. She believes that integrating technology is essential for students to learn about their environment while simultaneously acquiring a new language. [email protected]
Spanish
Ms. Pimentel is a veteran teacher at HSWC with 20+ years of experience. Since she started working for the DOE, she's been working with ELLs/Multilingual students in Dual Language and Bilingual programs. She is very dedicated and passionate about teaching her AP students. She is teaching 11th and 12th grade AP Spanish Language and Literature. [email protected]
Ms. Lucidenny Mercedes has been in HSWC community for 15 yrs. She is passionate about teaching Spanish for native and non-native students. She is teaching levels 1-3 in Spanish. [email protected]
Mrs. Ivelisse Escoto is a Spanish teacher going through her eighth year at HSWC, but comes with 20 years of prior teaching experience. She is passionate about teaching Spanish and Hispanic American literature. She enjoys seeing the transformation of students when they acquire knowledge. This school year, she is teaching 9th and 10th graders. [email protected]
Physical Education
Mr. Jason Murnan serves as a physical education teacher at the High School of World Cultures. Since joining the school in 2004, he has dedicated 21 years to fostering physical education in a dynamic and inclusive setting. Mr. Murnan is passionate about creating an engaging, active and positive learning environment for his multicultural student body. [email protected]
Mr. Michael Berlin joined the HSWC staff back in 2018 after choosing teaching as a second career. His passion is Physical Education, but he also has taught various elective courses and now serves as Dean of Students. [email protected]
Mr. Stuart Dungey is a 22 year veteran teacher to the HSWC community but comes with many talents and experiences. He is passionate about teaching physical education to newcomers and learning about all the different backgrounds of his students. He is coaching the varsity swimming team this year and drawing as an elective. [email protected]
CTE
Mr. Jaquan Whidbee has been teaching Culinary Arts at the High school of World Cultures for 9 years now. With years of experience he has be able to help students realize their passions and learn to be open minded towards food. With in his class student obtain the chance to understand what marketability is and what is needed to being their professional careers. He is at this present time teaching 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. [email protected]
Art
Ms. Jee Eun Esther Jang is an artist, third culture kid, and a visual arts teacher. Having grown up in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, and the States, she is passionate about teaching newcomer students the joy of creativity, self expression, and celebrating their heritage! [email protected]