“Only by learning to live in harmony with your contradictions can you keep it all afloat.”- Audre Lorde

My name is Gina Dellatte, and this quote typifies my existence. I am a Catholic school kid who grew up in Brooklyn. I’m the only child of a stellar teacher and a woman of substance, and I waited to step into teaching for far too many years. Now that I’m here, I have no idea how I ever did anything else in my life, and I did many things, from NYC paramedic to administrative assistant to HMO representative to gorilla-suited balloon delivery person.

I have lots of interests, and those tend to be a more than slightly contradictory as well. I am a ‘Net enthusiast, but I don’t read books on any electronic device because I love the earthy smell of old books. I favor writing prior to 1900, but I’ll debate feminist theory with anyone. I’m at home on a softball diamond, in a haunted house and at the beach. I like shirts and ties and gothic jewelry.

I’m both delighted and anxious about being part of the new vision and mission of the NECSD. Arrogant though I may be about other things, teaching brings out all the humility in me. I am eager to learn everything I can about the teaching of English, because I am a firm believer that my students are not here for me, I am here for them, and I owe them every bit of competency I am able to develop.