New Additions to our 2008-2009 Teaching Staff
Nadia Abbondanza is from the Brookline section of Pittsburgh and will be a guidance counselor at Plum Senior High School. Ms. Abbondanza has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Human Services from Davis and Elkins College. She also has a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling and School Counseling from Carlow University. Nadia is excited because the Plum Borough School District is exactly the type of place she was looking for—a progressive and proactive place to work with students.
Philip Beatty is from North Huntington and will be a long-term substitute at O’Block Junior High School as the 8th grade technology education teacher. Mr. Beatty received a Bachelor’s Degree in Technology Education from the California University of Pennsylvania. He is excited to teach in a district with a great reputation in technology education.
Wade Campbell is a Plum graduate who will be teaching special education at Holiday Park Elementary School. Mr. Campbell has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is also certified in Middle School Science and English. He is looking forward to teach in his native community and that place the school district whose teachers inspired him to also become a teacher.
Kelly Haupt (Depaul) is a graduate of Plum and will be continuing to teach 1st grade at Holiday Park Elementary School. Ms. Haupt received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University. She is very excited for this great opportunity to teach in her hometown.
Jacqueline Mascara is from the North Hills and will be teaching 6th grade at Center Elementary School. Ms. Mascara received her Bachelor’s Degree from Slippery Rock University. Currently, she is attending the University of Pittsburgh and will be receiving her Master’s of Education and Reading Specialist Certificate in May 2009. She is pleased to teach in a district that offers the students an excellent student-centered learning environment.
Tim Rock is from Greensburg and will be teaching Chemistry and Physical Science at Plum Senior High School. Mr. Rock graduated from Gannon University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. He has also received his Master’s of Education from Slippery Rock University. A former student teacher under the tutelage of 2007 PAL/retiree Chrissy Bender, Tim is very excited to return to our teaching community.
Christen Shovel is a Plum graduate and will be teaching in the Special Education department at Plum Senior High School. Ms. Shovel received her Bachelor’s of Psychology from Duquesne University as well as her Master’s of School Psychology and Certificate in Special Education. She still lives in Plum and now wants to give back.
Kelly Turner is from Penn Hills and will be teaching 10th grade English for the first semester as a long-term substitute. Ms. Turner received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and her Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership from Robert Morris University. After observing classrooms during her college career, she loved the district and faculty with such a great reputation.
Nicole Tardio is a Plum graduate and will be teaching 5th grade at Center Elementary School as a long-term substitute for the first semester. Ms. Tardio received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Penn State University. She is very excited to have the opportunity to teach in the district where she grew up and will begin her education career.