11TH GRADE

	SHARI BAERGA Grade Level Team Leader, 11th Grade Social Studies: U.S. History Ms. Baerga is in her third year of teaching. She is a New York City Teaching Fellow who taught for two years at Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn. This is her first year at UAMA. Ms. Baerga received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in American Ethnic Studies, where she concentrated in African American Studies. She pursued her Master’s degree in Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University, where she focused on Mixed Race Identity and Culture. In September of 2007 Ms. Baerga finished her Masters of Education at Long Island University. She is dual-certified in Social Studies and Special Education. Ms. Baerga enjoys spending time with her family, exploring NYC, and traveling. In the last three years she has been to Cuba and Italy, and on numerous trips to Puerto Rico.
	KELLY CHANG 11th Grade Math Ms. Chang took a moment out of her busy schedule to answer some questions about her math, her life, and her students. Q: So, Ms. Chang, what brings you to UAMA after three wonderful years of teaching in California? A: Well, first off, I always wanted to live and work in New York City. I love California, but New York City is an amazing place, especially Brooklyn. The pizza, the entertainment, the lights, the pizza. Woops, did I already say pizza? Q: Yes, you did. But let’s continue. I heard from my sources that you were just born a math genius. Is this true? A: Who told you that? A complete lie! I actually had to work very hard in math to get it. But there’s still so much in math to learn. I feel I’m always learning. My students often get frustrated and discouraged when the work gets harder. I’ve been there and know how hard it is. I struggled to learn math in high school and then in college. I just hope that I can make it more accessible to my students and have fun with it in the process. I want to encourage my students to always try their best and work hard. Q: Why math? What a boring subject. A: Math is so cool! There is a reason and a correct solution to every problem! I want to show my students how fun math can be and I try to do it in a way my students can relate to and enjoy. Ms. Chang is currently living in Brooklyn and travels in her free time. Her most recent travel experience was to Peru, where she visited one of the 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, and accomplished an intense 5-day trek, reaching heights of 12,000 feet!
	ERIN KEMPF 11th Grade English Ms. Kempf is in her second year at UAMA. This year, she teaches 11th grade language arts; previously she taught 9th and 10th grade ELA. at UAMA. Between Fall 2003-June 2006 she taught 9th-12th grade ELA in San Diego, CA. Ms. Kempf received her M.Ed at Ohio State University, where she was a fellow in June 2003. She graduated summa cum laude from Ohio State University with a B.A. in literature in March 2002. In addition to teaching in many different places, she attended several different high schools growing up: Fort Knox High School in Kentucky, Carlisle High School in Pennsylvania, and James I. O'Neil High School in New York.
	ERNESTO MONTALVO 11th Grade Science: Living Environments