WoFo’s Teacher Spotlight features awesome educators who are dedicated to teaching and inspiring young people everyday.

In this edition, WoFo features 4th grade teacher, coach and Mets fan Cory Arrighetta. I would like to thank Cory for his interview and dedication to the teaching profession.

You cannot make it in this profession unless you love it.

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Besides being a teacher Cory Arrighetta is…

a husband, dad, coach, and passionate fan of the New York Mets.

Where do you currently teach, what do you teach and for how long?

I am currently a fourth grade teacher at Hilltop Elementary which is part of the Chichester School District. This is my fourth year at Hilltop and my 13^thyear overall. I have also taught second, third and fifth grade as well.

What is your favorite lesson to teach and why?

Some of my favorite lessons deal with Growth Mind Set. When kids are motivated there is no stopping them. Creating and teaching lessons that give them a goal and path to get there is rewarding for not only my students, but for me as well. I also love teaching math. It is so exciting watching your students use and apply the strategies and see their attitude go from I will never get this to I can teach this!

If, for one day, you were in charge of your school what would you do?

I would go into every room and see the talents of my colleagues. I hear so many wonderful things about the people I work with that I would love to see. Kids will always let you know what their teacher did last year, especially when they liked it, so I think it would be a great opportunity to witness it myself.

If you could write one quote on the board for your students what would it be?

Some of the quotes I have written on my board are:

• “The person who says they can and says they can’t are both usually right.”
• “Failure is the first step to success.”
• “There are 86,400 seconds in a day. It is up to you to decide how to use them.”

My students really think about these quotes and I think it makes a difference in how they approach their day.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?

I honestly can’t imagine doing anything but teaching. It has been something I have wanted to do since I was in the 5^th grade. My teacher, Mr. Reynolds, was the best and I knew this profession was for me! Some of the things I do and say in my classroom are things I remember him saying to me when I was in my class.

What advice would you give to all new teachers?

You have to love it. I am so fortunate I wake up every morning loving what I do. I can overlook the stress and demands of being a teacher because I truly enjoy it. You cannot make it in this profession unless you love it.

If the best thing about teaching is the students, what’s the second best thing?

It is hard to think of something about teaching that is not about the kids. I have been fortunate to work with great people. People who share the same passion about education that I have. I perhaps the second best thing about teaching are the friendships I have made with the people I have worked with.

Who inspires you?

Although I have a nine month daughter who has stolen my heart, my inspiration is my son, Cory. The fact he looks up to me inspires me in so many ways. When we have, “Bring Your Child to Work Day” Cory is so proud to come to my class and spend the day with my students. Once he even suggested that he too be referred to as, “Mr. Arrighetta.” He lights up when someone says to him that they think his dad is a great teacher. Seeing that inspires me to be the best teacher I can be; I feel like I have to keep him proud of me! After every goal he has scored in soccer or play he has made in baseball, the first thing he does is look at me. Anytime he has been recognized for one of his accomplishments, Cory allows me to share his moment with him. He is truly a kind and good person and although he is seven he inspires me to be a better person.

My classroom superpower is…

I asked my students what they thought my superpower was and their responses were interesting. The one I would say is the most accurate with how I see myself is a motivator. My students have admitted that my style excites them, energizes them, and pumps them up. They know my enthusiasm is genuine and that I am truly invested in their learning. I will never forget one of my students writing assignments; the classic topic, “What would you do if you had a million dollars?” My student said they would send me to Hawaii because, “Mr. Arrighetta works his tail off!”

Hey parents, does your child have a teacher who inspires them? Does your child look forward to school becasue of an awesome educator? If so, please consider nominating your child’s teacher to be featured on WoFo’s Teacher Spotlight Series. Contact me at writeonfighton@gmail.com

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