In 2018 I joined the Lacey Township Preschool team and began teaching PSD -Preschool Disabled and Inclusion. Once again I fell in love with preschool as well as my new district and my amazing new team. I immediately signed up at Kean University to complete my masters in Special Education and in May 2021 I will finally graduate. My aim is to hang my hat at the Lacey School District and be a foundational part of a growing early childhood program is a community oriented district.
In 2018 I joined the Lacey Township Preschool team and began teaching PSD -Preschool Disabled and Inclusion. Once again I fell in love with preschool as well as my new district and my amazing new team. I immediately signed up at Kean University to complete my masters in Special Education and in May 2021 I will finally graduate. My aim is to hang my hat at the Lacey School District and be a foundational part of a growing early childhood program is a community oriented district.
In 2018 I joined the Lacey Township Preschool team and began teaching PSD -Preschool Disabled and Inclusion. Once again I fell in love with preschool as well as my new district and my amazing new team. I immediately signed up at Kean University to complete my masters in Special Education and in May 2021 I will finally graduate. My aim is to hang my hat at the Lacey School District and be a foundational part of a growing early childhood program is a community oriented district.
Inspired by my overwhelming love for Books, Books and more Books along with the need for some funding in the Preschool Program where I taught, I helped to coordinate a book fair to raise money and help get us BOOKS!!
The theme of the book fair was Circus. My class kicked off the decorating for this event by creating a hallway filled with clowns. The Book fair was a HUGE success.
AMERICAN ART
AMERICAN ART
AMERICAN ART
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EDUCATION
May 2021
GRADUATE WORK
M.A. in Special Education – Learning and Behavioral Disabilities
Earning my Master of Arts in Special Education while teaching full-time was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic and professional journey. Graduate school deepened my understanding of inclusive education and strengthened my passion for supporting young children with diverse learning and behavioral needs.
One of the highlights of my program was completing my graduate research, "An Analysis of Preschool Teachers' Perspectives on Their Knowledge of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and the Strategies Needed to Provide Early Intervention." This research reinforced my belief in the importance of equipping educators with the knowledge, confidence, and practical strategies needed to support children through early identification, intervention, and inclusive practices.
9/2009-6/2010
P–3 Early Childhood Certification
When I began teaching preschool, I learned that New Jersey required a Preschool through Grade 3 (P–3) Certification. I immediately enrolled in Kean University's P–3 program, and it proved to be one of the best decisions of my career.
While teaching full-time, I had the unique opportunity to learn new research and instructional practices in my graduate classes and then apply them in my classroom the very next day. That experience transformed me as an educator and strengthened my belief in intentional, hands-on, child-centered learning.
It was at Kean that I discovered The Project Approach, a philosophy that sparked my passion for child-driven investigations and study-based learning. That foundation continues to influence my work today through Creative Curriculum, instructional coaching, and the meaningful learning experiences I design for children and educators alike.
To see how this philosophy came to life in my classroom, I invite you to explore my Project Approach page and the many studies my students conducted together.
8/1998-9/2001
Graduate Studies in English
While working in Manhattan, my company offered a tuition reimbursement program that allowed me to pursue a Master's degree in English. At the time, one of my responsibilities was developing company-wide training manuals and instructional materials, and I knew that strengthening my writing and communication skills would benefit both my corporate career and my future goal of becoming an educator.
Unfortunately, the events of September 11, 2001 dramatically changed the course of my journey. Having completed approximately 85% of the program, I was unable to finish the degree.
Although I did not earn this master's, the experience had a lasting impact on me. It strengthened my skills in writing, communication, curriculum development, and instructional design—skills that continue to serve me today as a teacher, instructional coach, and educational leader. Looking back, this experience reinforced my belief that every step of our journey, even the unexpected ones, helps shape who we become.
1/1994-6/1998
Bachelor's Degree – Science, Letters & Societies (Elementary Education Concentration)
During my first semester of college, my guidance counselor encouraged me to take several business courses as electives. Because I had a great job in New York City, he thought I should explore advancing my corporate career before committing to education.
After about two minutes of Accounting, I knew I had made a mistake! It was by far my most challenging class—and my lowest grade—but it taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my life: no one knows my passions and purpose better than I do. My heart belonged in education.
From that point on, I fully committed to my teaching path. At the College of Staten Island, I pursued a degree in Science, Letters & Societies with a concentration in Elementary Education. The interdisciplinary nature of the program provided a strong foundation in science, mathematics, social studies, and the humanities, giving me a broad perspective that continues to enrich my teaching today.
I also chose to fill my remaining electives with Spanish courses, hoping they would one day help me better connect with students and families. That decision has proven invaluable throughout my career, allowing me to build stronger relationships and create more inclusive learning environments.
Looking back, I'm grateful for that difficult accounting class—it confirmed that I was exactly where I was meant to be.
UNDERGRADUATE
CREDENTIALS
Resume & Credentials
To request a copy of my resume, certifications, transcripts, or awards, simply email me @ skdanziger@gmail.com and I will be happy to send you a complete PDF.
These documents highlight my professional qualifications and certifications, but they tell only part of my story. Throughout this portfolio, you'll find the experiences, photographs, projects, reflections, and accomplishments that truly illustrate my passion for education and the impact I strive to make every day.
I invite you to explore my journey and discover how my unique background in education, instructional coaching, educational technology, art, leadership, community engagement, and business has shaped me into a creative, collaborative, and innovative educator. I hope this portfolio provides a meaningful glimpse into not only what I have accomplished, but also the heart, passion, and purpose I bring to every opportunity.