I began my career teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in Astoria, Queens as a first-grade teacher. During my eight years there, I modeled lessons for the Office of English Language Learners and the Office of Gifted and Talented. My primary focus in instruction was in designing units where students learned through inquiry-based research projects in early childhood.

I am a strong advocate for our community, especially for our English Language Learners (ELLs). Growing up as an ELL was not easy. There were very few bilingual or ESL programs in the suburbs of Boston.

As a newcomer to the country, I did not speak any English and was placed in a bilingual Chinese program where I had to take a van to a school that made several stops. The ride was dreadful and long; thus, my parents decided to place me in a mainstream English-speaking class with ESL once a week.

While my family did not speak English well, they did teach me how to persevere through language barriers when I was young.  My experience as a first-generation American is what drives me to be a diligent Assistant Principal for our ELLs.

Students learn best when they feel comfortable in their school and classroom. At P.S. 143, we strive to ensure that all our students feel safe and are at their best all day, especially after a long bus ride to school.

We also want students’ families to feel comfortable in reaching out about their questions and concerns. Information is such a powerful tool, and there is no better way to share information than through a website!

With a touch of your phone, you can connect instantly with any staff member in our school. I am very excited to be working as the Assistant Principal for English as a New Language (ENL).

This year will be full of explorations and new discoveries for our ELLs. We have a lot of new and wonderful things to share with you this year!

With love,

Karen Pang
Proud Assistant Principal
kpang@schools.nyc.gov