Christina Vagenas

Teacher

My name is Christina Vagenas. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Adolescent Education 7-12 and my Master’s degree in Literacy 5-12 both from St. John’s. I graduated Cum Luade from undergraduate school and Summa Cum Laude from graduate school. With the help of my amazing professors I was able to accept a job at Queens United Middle School last year as a 6th grade ELA teacher. I worked very hard and my students showed amazing growth in both reading and writing. Based on my great achievements last year, I was offered a position as MSQI Coordinator at my school. The Middle School Quality Initiative (MSQI) is the New York City Department of Education's focused effort to expand the number of middle schools that prepare students for college and career success. MSQI serves as the city's implementation plan for putting the Carnegie Reading Next report recommendations into action. The project has been guided by a vision for literacy reform described in Reading Next and put into practice by a team of committed and experienced literacy leaders in the city. Using the knowledge I received from my Graduate program I am working with teachers to build literacy into their curriculum in all content areas. This year I am also teaching 6th grade ELA and am involved in many aspects of my school. I am currently on the Interview committee, the Professional Development committee, head of the MOSL committee, guided reading supervisor, and a proud Cabinet member. I pride myself in being a leader of my school and a role model for both teachers and students. In Fall 2015 I will be starting the Doctorate Program at St.John's University.