Bios

Jakub Lau – Principal

Mr. Lau was born in Toruń, Poland, and moved to the United States when he was 7 years old. He credits his passion for learning from the teachers, librarians, and other educators that fostered his interests and opened up opportunities for him when he was a new immigrant. Upon graduating college, he moved to New York City to become a NYC Teaching Fellow and to create the opportunities for his students that were created for him.

Mr. Lau taught English, Social Studies, and a variety of elective courses to middle and high school students in the South Bronx. Through his roles as Chair of the School Leadership Team, Senior Class Advisor, and Grade Leader Coordinator, Mr. Lau strived to open doors and advocate for his students. He decided to take on the challenge of school leadership to expand his ability to develop teachers, students, and curriculum towards high expectations for high school, college and career readiness. He completed his Master’s Degrees in English Education and Public School Leadership while teaching.

Before becoming Principal of The Emerson School, Mr. Lau served as an Assistant Principal in Harlem. He successfully advocated for his school’s inclusion in piloting the Common Core Learning Standards. His work with curriculum development was recognized by the GE Foundation, which filmed classes at his school as examples of exemplary Common Core aligned instruction. He is excited to bring his knowledge and experience to The Emerson School and looks forward to learning together with the parents, teachers, and students of our vibrant Learning Community.

Elvis Diaz – Dean

Social Studies teacher Elvis Diaz was born in New York and raised in the Dominican Republic. Mr. Diaz attended Hunter College’s School of Education and began teaching at a charter school located in East Harlem. Mr. Diaz spent the last eleven years as a member of the Harbor Science and Arts Charter School faculty also located in East Harlem where he taught American History to 7^th and 8^th graders.

As a new member of the Emerson family, Mr. Diaz believes in creating an environment in which everyone is part of the learning process. On a personal level, some of his interest include coaching little league, reading books by Dan Brown, watching movies and spending time with his family.

 Omar Noureddine – Physical Education

Hi, my name is Mr. Noureddine and I’m the new PE teacher at The Emerson School. I was born in Brazil and grew up in Puerto Rico. I speak four different languages; Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and English. Completed my Master’ degree at Touro College on 2007 and my Bachelor degree in Physical education from Long Island University in 1998 a former college scholarship basketball player. I have played professional Basketball in three different countries; Turkey, Cyprus and Lebanon. Some of my professional experiences include 10 years as a physical education teacher and multiple years of coaching basketball, Soccer, Volleyball and one year as a baseball mentor. My certifications include:

New York State Teacher Certification in Physical Education
First Aid, CPR, AED Certified
New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
New York tennis junior learners

I enjoy being active and find it very difficult to be stationary for long. I actively seek ANY chance to play sports and/or participate in outdoor adventures (I LOVE SPORTS!!!). My favorite activities are: Soccer, skiing, canoeing, mountain biking, running, whitewater rafting, camping, volleyball and basketball.

The students are my priority. In the physical education program our mission is to promote healthy lifestyles through quality physical and health education. We will strive to allow each student to better understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and provide the information necessary to make choices for a lifetime of wellness.

 Marion James – Common Branch

My name is Marion James. I am a product of Jamaica, Queens. I attended Public School right here in our neighborhood. I am eager to service the community in which I was raised in. Currently, I am an English Language Arts Teacher at the Emerson School. I have been teaching for fifteen years.  I have a Master’s Degree from Hofstra University. It is my goal that my students possess the 21st Century Skills necessary to succeed in college. My educational philosophy is that, “All Students Can Learn”. In order to ensure that my philosophy is deemed realistic, students will be provided with a safe and secure environment so that they can be active participants in their learning and become critical thinkers. These two components will lead them to be productive citizens in the community. I have high expectations for all students.

Pravinee Shiwnarain – Social Studies

My name is Pravinee Shiwnarain and I currently teach 6^th grade Humanities and ELA. I attended Queens College (City University of New York) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Education, as well as, a post master’s certification in teaching students with special needs. I was born and raised in Guyana, South America. I like animated movies, comedies and historical fiction books and movies.

My philosophy as a teacher is that all students should be treated equally and be respected. I believe that in order to get respect, you have to give respect.  I have a passion for teaching and learning and truly believe that “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” (Benjamin Franklin). I will work to create a positive and nurturing environment for my students and provide the support needed, so that my students can achieve their goals.

Rosita Maurice – Math

Ms. Maurice started her professional career in the private sector. She fulfilled her desire to understand the effects of financial actions by individuals and institutions, particularly during the nation’s current difficult fiscal time, and so she pursued and received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Queens College. Shortly thereafter Maurice received her Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from Dowling College in the field of Management and Leadership.

Ms. Maurice’ drive to educate New York City adolescent is fueled by her strong desire to instill a lifelong love for learning – it was this same longing to share and transmit knowledge that brought Ms. Maurice to a career in education. More specifically, her calling to Special Education includes a mission to successfully equip adolescents with special needs with the educational and behavioral tools that will permit them an independent and self-reliant existence. She is committed to creating a classroom environment that provides each student with the opportunity to meet his or her greatest potential both in character and career trajectory.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou

Nicole Foo-Mckenzie – Math

Lateesha Odwin – Math

I was born in Houston, Texas and moved to Queens, NY at 8 years old. I went to NYC public schools and graduated from Bayside H.S. After graduation, I attended Hampton University in Hampton Virginia and graduated with a degree in Political Science.

I became a teacher when the opportunity of substituting was available. After becoming a long term substitute, I was offered a position and became a teacher. I love math, rollerblading, traveling and eating different cuisines.  “When you teach others, you teach yourself.”

Kevin Gonzalez – Paraprofessional

Heredity may have played a large role in choosing vocations. 10 members of my immediate family work as teachers in 5 countries, including my father and older sister. I was never given the chance to forsake education. My thinking was that, in life, I could be at best a writer and at least a teacher. Being part of the Emerson School has certainly helped in realizing this vision (and knowing the school bears the name of Ralph Waldo Emerson, my favorite essayist and orator of all time, hands down, was only an added delight). I applaud educators who want to improve their community and even change the world. I personally am afraid of these optimistic ambitions. I find that making a student aware of the tools available to effect change is exponentially more important. Many educators can be heroes, but ALL educators can certainly mentor great heroes. I believe this is the true spirit of the Emerson School and I am only more satisfied and fulfilled with each additional day.