This year is Samantha Santangelo’s first year teaching at Woodbridge High! She previously taught in Roselle for seven years. Ms. Santangelo teaches 9th grade English and ELA. She is also a theater kid to the core and manages to stay somewhat involved with the arts wherever she goes. She’s pumped to start this new school year and looks forward to building relationships with the students and staff!

Barron Perspective: Where are you from?
Ms. Santangelo: Originally from Rahway, NJ, moved to Woodbridge Township in 2018

BP: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
MS: Famous! Growing up, I was heavily involved in the performing arts, a triple threat with acting, singing, and dancing and I wanted to be a famous actress! I imagined that my first role was to be “Victoria: The White Cat” in the Broadway Musical “Cats”.

BP: Where did you attend school before college?
MS: I am a product of the Rahway Public School system, having graduated from Rahway High School.

BP: What made you want to be a teacher and when did you realize this?
MS: I always played school with my stuffed animals when I was younger, so that was my first insight. I had a really great high school experience and thought, why not work in a setting that I enjoyed so much as a kid? So when the fame didn’t happen, I knew that teaching was it for me. Plus, I’m performing every day for my students!

BP: What college did you attend? What was your major? What activities did you enjoy while there and why?
MS: I attended Union County College where I received my Associate’s Degree in Childhood Education. I then transferred to Kean University where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in English / Teacher Certification K-12. I am also certified to teach Theatre Arts and Drama. I didn’t have the “real college” experience, as I was already a mom when I was in school. So I went to school to go to my classes and then went home to take care of my daughter.

BP: What is your previous teaching experience, if any?
MS: I previously taught in Roselle at Abraham Clark High School. I taught there for 7 years. At ACHS, I was an English and Theatre Arts teacher and I was also the Theatre Arts director, where I revived the theatre program that had been out of touch for almost 30 years! I produced 5 straight plays (almost all sold out) and that is what I am most proud of!

BP: What classes are you currently teaching and what will you be teaching next semester?
MS: Currently here at WHS, I am a 9th grade English Teacher and I will be teaching 9th grade ELA next semester as well.

BP: How were your first few days of the school year at Woodbridge High School? What do you like about WHS?
MS: Well, I was petrified of being “the new kid”. But the staff and administration were all amazing and the most welcoming. The students were also really kind and helpful, especially because this school is HUGE! So the students were great at pointing me in the right direction so that I didn’t get lost. What I love about WHS is the school spirit the exudes from both the staff and students. It makes working here so much more pleasurable! Morale is a big thing for me, so when everyone shows up because they are proud to be a BARRON, then the school day is that much better.

BP: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities, if so, what and why?
MS: Well, I hunted down Mr. Terrell when I first started letting him know that I am a “Theatre Kid” and would love to help out with his awesome theatre program, both the Drama Club and the staged performances. To me, theatre is not work at all. It’s my passion. So being involved and helping would be an absolute pleasure.

BP: How do you plan on making this a good school year?
MS: I am a huge advocate of having a growth mindset. Every day we come to the building not only to teach but to also learn. Teaching is an ever-changing career so as long as I know I am here to continually evolve and grow, I am on the path to success. I hope to provide my students not only with a great education, but also help them grow and like who they are and see that opportunities are endless if you keep a growth mindset.

BP: What are you looking forward to this school year and why?
MS: I love fresh starts! There’s just something about a new year that screams hope and possibility. I also plan to leave any lingering guilt I have over anything not accomplished this year behind me. It’s always a good feeling to start with a clean slate.

BP: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of school?
MS: I enjoy being with my family. I have two children and they are quite busy so I am constantly attending their events. With my daughter being an upcoming actress in NYC, we go to her performances and my son be an athlete, we attend his games. We love to go see Broadway shows, (am so happy the lights are coming back on) going to the beach during the summer, and my most favorite activity?? NAPPING!

BP: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
MS: Just want to thank everyone here in the Woodbridge Township School District for this opportunity. I can’t wait to see what my journey here in the high school holds.