TEACHER FEATURE

Tell us a little bit about your academic and professional background.

Ms. Parker: I attended Pratt Institute and have my undergraduate degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in drawing. Throughout my time at Pratt, I taught with their K-12 Program and served as a Franklin Furnace Fellow. I have also taught drawing and painting with the School of Visual Arts Pre-College Program.

Ms. Wise: I attended Catholic School for my first 12 years and then received my BA in journalism and Mass Communications and my MA in English and American Literature from New York University.  I worked for a newspaper when I came out of college and decided to try teaching instead.  It all started at St. Pius V High School in the Bronx where I accepted a two-week substitute position to teach English, Science, and Health. I loved it and stayed for two more years! 

I wanted to explore other aspects of education and went to work for the New York City Board of Education in the Chancellor's office. After serving as Chief of Staff for the Division of School Facilities, I decided to be a full-time mom and left the Board of Education when my son was born. When he started school, I returned to substitute teaching at Immaculate Conception School in Manhattan which is my parish, and I eventually accepted a full-time position there teaching ELA and Social Studies. 

What attracted you to Cathedral?

Ms. Parker: I went to a Catholic high school as well, and I understand what a special experience attending a school like Cathedral is. My high school education made me the artist and thinker I am today, so it is a tremendous honor to be able to pass that gift on to a new generation of students going through a similar journey!

Ms. Wise: I applied to Cathedral High School because I was attracted to the diversity of the student body and the school’s reputation. An interesting note is that my sister graduated from Cathedral many years ago. 

What are your impressions of the students after this first month?

Ms. Parker: The girls are so full of life and excitement for their new beginnings. I have been treated with nothing but kindness and enthusiasm from them, and I look forward to helping them grow into the strong and creative women Cathedral encourages them to become.  

Ms. Wise: It is important to me that I have students from all backgrounds and that I have the ability to teach in a Catholic institution.  The students at Cathedral are so open and enthusiastic and demonstrate great potential.  It has been a pleasure to meet them all and experience their excitement and eagerness.

What do you love about the subject matter that you teach?

Ms. Parker: I have always loved the visual arts, a passion that was cultivated by many of my teachers in middle and high school. Art is, for many and for myself, a form of self-expression and communication with the world around you. I love being able to spread that message and help students build a relationship with art that helps to strengthen their faith, their minds, and their self-esteem.

Ms. Wise: I am excited to teach English to the juniors this year and help them prepare for the Regents exam. Literature is a great vehicle for learning how to communicate effectively and provides endless opportunities to explore new ideas and encounter new people and places. Students get to explore and think critically about their world and their future. It excites me to see students discover their own hidden talents. By developing strong writing skills, they will be successful in college and in business. Good communication skills will help them advance in all areas and all careers. 

Please tell us one fun fact about yourself and what you like to do when you’re not teaching.

Ms. Parker: As a practicing artist, a big part of my time outside of teaching is spent experimenting and working through my own art. When I’m not doing that, I love to read, write, and take long walks throughout the city!

Ms. Wise: Outside of teaching, my family is a huge focus, but I also manage to entertain myself with ballet classes to keep in shape. I have studied with the same ballet teacher for over 30 years and have great friends in my ballet community. In my younger years I studied with greater intensity and enjoyed some performances in workshops which were open to students and nonprofessional dancers. Listening to classical music and opera on WQXR is also a favorite pastime. Of course, on Sunday I attend Mass and sometimes have the opportunity to attend a Latin Mass on Long Island in Glen Cove, which is a beautiful experience.