Our third featured teacher is Mrs. Sbrocchi who teaches Pre-AP English Two, and English Ten. Mrs. Sbrocchi is proud to say that she has spent her entire career here at Pat Med.  

When asked select questions that go beyond just what goes on in the classroom, these were her responses: 

Q: What is something you make sure to do with all your classes that you believe benefits your students? 

A: I always have students working together and I try to be aware of creating a positive classroom culture so my students have a sense of belonging and are included with one another. 

Q: What are your passions outside of being in the teaching profession? 

A: I love reading and creative writing. I also enjoy being outdoors, me and my family explore different places such as the High Peaks and the Adirondacks. I always make sure I am present for my kids and do things such as go to their games. 

Q: What kinds of topics do you enjoy writing about and what genre of writing do you focus on?
A: Any topics that pique my interest, I write about. I mainly write fiction, although I did write some personal experience narratives such as mom blogs. 

Q: What inspired you to become an English teacher? 

A: My tenth-grade English teacher Mrs. Diana, I loved her and looked up to her. I thought to myself: “I want to be her when I grow up.” 

Q: What is your favorite book or play to teach during the school year and why? 

A: My favorite is The Great Gatsby; it never gets old although I have been teaching it for 16 years! 

Q: What is one word you would use to describe yourself when you were in high school and why? 

A: Quiet, because I don’t think I said anything to anybody ever. I was so shy but it’s ironic because now I spend my whole day talking to people as a teacher.  

Q: Who is one person in your life that had an impact on you? 

A: Ms. Carota (a fellow English teacher) had an impact on me. We started the same year, and we were both super overwhelmed, but she was just so positive and funny. Ms. Carota was serious about things she needed to be serious about but also made light of things. Ms. Carota is my people! 

Q: What college did you go to? What was your favorite experience you had during college and what makes it your favorite? 

A: For my Bachelor’s I went to SUNY Albany and for my Master’s I went to Hofstra University. When I was in SUNY Albany I studied aboard in London for my last semester. It was amazing. My best friend and I went together, and they put us in an apartment in central London. I had gotten all my prerequisites out of the way, so I got to pick all my classes. I took history of the British museum and a bunch of other interesting classes. I got to see shows in London as well. It was a profound cultural experience.  

Q: If you could say one thing to your high school self, what would it be and why?  

A: Don’t sweat the small stuff, that is what I did most of my life. None of it ended up mattering, and it all worked out.  

Q: What is one word of advice that you believe benefits high school students? 

A: Slow down and enjoy it. As much as it’s crazy and stressful, there’s also a lot of good. Be a part of the good. Join the clubs and sports you want to join. Go to the events and make connections with people.