Ms. Sarah Hinzman
Biography
I am a graduate of Reading High School and worked with pregnant and parenting teens and as a drug counselor before becoming a teacher for the Reading School District.
Date of hire: 2005
Education – B.A., Pennsylvania State University; M.S., Alvernia College
Certifications – Instructional II Certification-Social Studies, College Board certified Advanced Placement World History.
Experience
I have been a social worker and have assisted clients in achieving their GED. As a teacher for the Reading School District, I have taught Citizenship, World Cultures, Advanced Placement World History, and Sociology.
Mrs. Elizabeth Shumanis
Courses taught – American History Accelerated, American Economics & Government Systems, World Studies Standard
Biography
I am a graduate of Exeter High School (2000) and Kutztown University (2004), where I earned a bachelor’s degree in history. I was a long-term substitute for one year at Reading High School and am currently teaching Social Studies at the Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center.
Date of hire: 2006
Advanced Education – Bachelor’s degree
Community Service
I am a former member of Circle K (the college division of Kiwanis), which entitled me to many hours of community service. I helped with numerous on-campus activities, as well as many hours spent off campus at different events.
Interests – I enjoy spending time with my family, learning new things regarding history, and watching baseball. I have a son, with whom I love to spend time.
Message – “Shoot for the moon, if you miss you will land among the stars.”
Mr. J. Michael Morrissey
Courses taught – American History Standard, World Studies Standard, World Studies Accelerated
Biography
I graduated from Wyomissing High School in 1980. I have a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College (1986) and received my Teacher Certification from Albright College in 1988.
Date of hire: 1993
Education – Bachelor’s degree plus 60 credits
Certifications
Instructional II in History
Major in Political Science
Minor in History
Experience – I was an Alternate Education Instructor for nine years. I also taught Gifted History for three years.
Interests – I enjoy spending time with my family.
Message – The difference between history repeating itself and you making history is what you learn.
Mr. Tracey Semmel
Courses taught – American History Standard, World Studies Standard, World Studies Accelerated
Biography
I am a graduate of Hamburg High School and Bloomsburg University with a bachelor’s degree in history. I taught 8th-grade history in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, for three years, and I have been with the Reading School District for several years. I am married and have a son.
Date of hire – 2001
Advanced Education – Bachelor’s degree with 24 post-graduate credits.
Community Service
I am a former member of Alpha Phi Omega, which entailed many hours of community service with organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Special Olympics. I am also preparing to participate in the Relay For Life event.
Interests – I enjoy spending time with my family, reading books about history, watching football and baseball, and movies.
Message – “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education.” John F. Kennedy
Mr. Philip Lechner
Courses taught – American History Accelerated, World Studies Standard, World Studies Accelerated
Biography – I graduated from Oley Valley High School. I live in Reading and have two cats.
Date of hire: Hired by Reading School District in 2002
Education – Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and Social Studies, Flagler College
Certifications –Level II teaching certificate
Experience
Over ten years’ teaching experience at the middle school and high school levels; night school and summer school teacher; coached junior high and college cross country; property and business management.
Community Service – Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club
Interests – Building restoration, ultra-distance trail running (26 miles plus), travel, and reading
Awards – Florida Sun Conference 1996 coach of the year
Message – If taught and experienced correctly, history can be a fun and inspirational class.
Mr. Anthony Marulla
Courses taught – Modern American History, World Studies
Biography – I am a graduate of Muhlenberg High School and Kutztown University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a minor in history. I’ve been teaching social studies in the Reading School District for more than 15 years.
Date of hire – 2019
Advanced Education – M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and School Supervision
Interests – I enjoy working out lifting weights, spending time with my family, learning new things regarding history, and watching all sports.
Message – “The secret to success is not measured in personal gain, but in service to others.”
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