I was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1947. My parents were first-generation Italian-Americans. I am married with two stepdaughters. I have one sister, and she lives in New York City.
I currently live in Manhattan amidst the craziness and creative energy. I am retired after spending some fifty years as an educator. I have taught in public schools (thirty years) and college (twenty years--St. Francis College).
As an
Education Professor, I have written articles related to teaching
for several journals. Also, I wrote two resource guides (including
PowerPoints) for two Educational Psychology
textbooks.
Recently, I have published three articles for La Nostra Voce focusing on the Italian-American experience in America.
I enjoyed writing the academic articles mentioned above, but now, since I am retired, I can write more enjoyment.
I just published my first book. It's a memoir entitled, Sometimes One Cannoli Is Not Enough.
It traces my life growing up in Brooklyn, my educational journey to a doctoral degree, the cultural bias I faced as a second-generation Italian-American, and my teaching career from an elementary school teacher to a college professor. And finally, it describes my first marriage when I was seventy-one after living the life of a monk.
Writing it was a challenge and a chance to revisit my personal life and teaching career. It took three years to write and learn about the self-publishing game. Its completion has motivated me to keep writing and perhaps to write another book.
I'm thinking about writing about public education in New York City from the 70s until George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind. The focus might be on the successes and failures I experienced as a public school teacher.
My other interests are:
- My family (especially my wife, Selvi)
- Watching movies
- Playing the guitar
- Working out at a local gym
- Rediscovering my Italian heritage and spirituality
- Traveling
