Kat Flaherty

I am now in my second year as an elementary school teacher in a special education school. My students have emotional, and learning disabilities. They vary from levels of PreK to 3rd grade.

My teaching style is progressive yet rooted in quality over quantity despite the push to follow strict curriculum maps designed for a broad "grade level" of children. Since I teach special education I am able to follow my philosophy more easily and cater my teaching to each need of the student. I like a hands-on approach using games and engaging activities to teach rote skills. Due to my children's emotional disabilities and behavioral manifestations of these, my classroom management is very structured. I try to teach many of my topics interdisciplinary so that my students can truly grasp the concepts and reapply them to other subject areas or skills (i.e.: bringing science concepts into our literacy or even math).

I was accepted as a NYC Teaching Fellow and am currently serving my 2nd year.

I completed my Bachelor's at Bowdoin College in Brunswick Maine studying Environmental Studies and Sociology. I received an award in Sociology for my collaboration of academic work and community service with the mentally ill population in Brunswick. I am currently working under a Transitional B license in NYC as a NYC Teaching Fellow. I am currently in my second year Masters program receiving a Masters in Elementary Teaching Grades 1 - 6 and Special Education.

I grew up in Connecticut and currently reside in NYC. I work in District 75 (a special education district) in Brooklyn near Coney Island. I love teaching and hope to broaden my horizons to help with educational policy and developing more supports and instituions to better urban education.