Position: English Teacher

Email: novarajm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Ms. Novara was not someone who always knew she wanted to be a teacher. While playing school was one of her favorite childhood activities, she wasn’t initially convinced that teaching was her calling. Due to her love of animals, she considered becoming a veterinarian, and because of her passion for sports and helping others, she also thought about becoming a physical therapist. However, it was through playing school that she first realized her enjoyment in teaching people new skills, strategies, and ideas. At 12, she became a volunteer assistant swim instructor. Teaching the young students was incredibly rewarding, especially when they achieved a skill they thought they couldn’t. This experience led her to become a swim instructor and a camp counselor.

It was during her freshman year of college that Ms. Novara began re-evaluating her career path. Through her previous jobs, she recognized that she loved working with students of all ages. She also enjoyed reading, thinking, and writing, and had always viewed education as both important and powerful. She believed that education helps ensure understanding—of the material presented to us, of the world around us, and of ourselves—and that being educated prevents others from taking advantage of us. All these factors led her to become an English teacher. Now, she is preparing to start her twelfth year at Pulaski and her 20th year as an educator.

Teaching isn’t Ms. Novara’s first experience with MPS, though. She graduated from Rufus King High School in 1999 before attending UW-Milwaukee, where she completed her student teaching at both Townsend Street School and Custer High School. After graduating, she taught in Shorewood and Illinois before returning to MPS. Since coming back, she has taught at both Vincent and JMAC before joining Pulaski.