Our Faculty & Staff~WE ARE…
School Leader & Leadership Team
Ms. Tisha A. Douglas, Principal
Born in Jamaica, I came to America at a very young age excited for the opportunities that I heard so much about. I grew up in Philadelphia where I attended Philadelphia Public Schools. I am a proud product! I graduated from Delaware State University with a B.S. in Agricultural Business. I went on to attain a Masters in Education and a Masters in School Administration from Drexel University. Blankenburg Elementary was the first and only school I taught for 11 years before going to central office to work as an Academic Coach for the Office of Effectiveness. Two year later I left the district and served as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction for a Charter Management Company overseeing the curricular program for four charter schools. I came back to the district in January 2017 as the Proud Principal of Longstreth Elementary School!
Philosophy on Education
My philosophy on education is that all scholars, teachers and adults are able to learn and perform to their full potential when in a warm, nurturing environment where the glass is not perceived as half-empty or half-full, but instead perceived as having something inside which is the potential to succeed.
“Tell Me and I Forget; Teach Me and I May Remember; Involve Me and I Learn” ~ Benjamin Franklin
Mrs. Nakia Harpi, School Based Teacher Leader/Instructional Coach
My name is Nakia Harpi. I am currently the School Base Teacher Leader (SBTL) at W. C. Longstreth School. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in education from Temple University. I started my career here and have worked at Longstreth for the last 22 years. I’ve taught 2nd, 3rd and 5th grade. It has been my goal to work with students in efforts to help them reach their full academic potential. In my time at Longstreth, I have had the pleasure to be a mentor teacher to student teachers, work with school partners, within and outside of the Longstreth community. As I work with teachers, parents, students and school partners, it is my mission to support the successful education of all the young people that set foot through our doors.
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching is a craft woven with strategies learned and implemented with careful guidance, love, patience, practice and reflection.
“Work hard is silence, Let your success make noise”. -Frank Ocean
2021-2022 Leadership Team Members
- Principal Douglas – School Leader
- Mrs. Harpi – SBTL
- Mrs. Jones – SPECM
- Mrs. Brenneman – Counselor
- Mr. Rocco – Dean of Student Voice/Social Studies Teacher MYA
- Mrs. Summer – Early Literacy Teacher Leader
- Mrs. Christmas – School Based Talent Specialist
- Mr. Minguela – Technology Teacher Leader
- Dean of Students – K-4
- Dean of Student – 5-8
Office Staff
Ms. Yancey – School Secretary
Mrs. Ayers – School Secretary
2021-2022 TEACHING STAFF
PreK
Ms. Basso, Room 109
“Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.” Rita Pierson
I have had the joy of teaching in early elementary grades for fifteen years. I graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Early Education. I am currently working on a second Master’s degree from Mississippi College in Curriculum and Instruction. I hold dual certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. This will be my first year teaching at Longstreth. I am very excited to be part of the Longstreth family!
Mr. Dotter, Rm 107
Hi everyone, my name is Steve Dotter and this is my first year at Longstreth. I am looking forward to working with all of you and educating your children. I taught Head Start at George Clymer for 6 years and I taught kindergarten at Lewis Elkin for 5 years. I am not originally from Philly but have been living here since 2004. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Temple University and a Master’s Degree from Cabrini College. I enjoy going to plays and reading books but my favorite thing to do is go to concerts. I can’t wait to get to know all of you and work alongside you.
Kindergarten
Mrs. Christmas
Section: 900 Room 111
Hello! My name is Mrs. Christmas. I have a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and this will be my 9th year teaching. I have taught Kindergarten through 5th grade. This will be my 7th year teaching Kindergarten. I love seeing the amazing growth a scholar can make in just one year. On top of teaching, I love reading, making different crafts and doing different family activities with my husband and daughter.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world!” -Nelson Mandela
Mrs. Summers
Section: 901 Room 113
My name is Chartel Summers. I have been teaching at Longstreth for over 20 years. I currently teach Kindergarten but I have also taught 1st through 5th grades. I am a certified Elementary Teacher and Reading Specialist with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters in Reading. I believe all children can learn given the right conditions. I believe children learn in different ways and it is up to the teacher to incorporate different teaching and learning styles into their lessons so all children can learn. I give children the tools to become good readers, writers and critical thinkers. I love teaching and building foundational skills, that’s probably why I have a love of teaching Kindergarten.
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. ” -Confusious
1st Grade
Ms. Lewis
Section: 101 Room 204
Mr. Ricketts
Section 102: R00m 207
2nd Grade
Mrs. Garofola
Section: 202 Room 205
3rd Grade
Mr. Edney
Section 301: Room 203
My name is Mr. Edney. I am an African American male who was born and raised in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I attended public school from grades K-12. After I graduated from high school, I went to Temple University. I began teaching for the SDP in 1999. I enjoy playing chess and teaching others how to play the game of chess. I also love Hip Hop and R & B music. I enjoy reading and writing poetry as well. Working with children and helping them as they grow socially and academically is one of the main reasons why I chose to be an educator.
“Achieving a quality education can open doors and give you better opportunities to help you further yourself and compete in a challenging society.” ~ Taj Edney
Mr. Minguela
Section 302: Room 208
Greetings Longstreth Community!
My name is Mr. Minguela, and I am one of the 3rd grade teachers here at Longstreth. This is my first year at Longstreth, but this will be my fourth year teaching-all in Philadelphia. I have taught 3rd grade all four of my teaching years thus far. I love to eat, cook, read, watch sports, spend time with my friends and family, and travel. I also love to play video games especially my Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4. I went to Philadelphia School District as a student; however, I was born and raised a bit in New York. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education along with a STEM Education Endorsement. I am currently working on my Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning. Third grade is a fun year, but also a tough one. Be prepared to work hard and learn a lot. I love being a teacher. See you on September 2nd! I look forward to being part of the Longstreth community.
Philosophy on Education/Learning
I teach because I want to share my enthusiasm and passion for learning with students. Some of my best teachers were ones who showed their love for education; which in turn, made me love it. As a teacher I can become a positive role model for students. I want students to know that I am there to help them learn and love learning. I am also there to be a voice for my students. I want students to feel welcome in my classroom.
“Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students.” – Solomon Ortiz
4th Grade
Ms. Hurst
Section: 401 Rm. 211
5th Grade & 6th Grade
Ms. Wiedman
Section: 501 Rm. 206
My name is Ms. Wiedman. I have been teaching at Longstreth for the past four years and am moving back to fourth grade this year which I am super excited about! I have a love for learning which I try to instill in the students that I teach. In my free time, I like to spend time with friends and family, and I also love to travel.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all which have the potential to turn a life around.” –Leo Buscaglia
Mrs. Wagner
Homeroom Section: 601 Room 312
Mrs. Teki Knox-Wagner has a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science from Penn State University. She has earned her Master’s Degree in Multicultural Education from Eastern University. Mrs. Knox-Wagner has worked in the education field for the past 18 years in the Philadelphia region. She has been a team member teacher at William C. Longstreth for the past 9 years. Mrs. Knox-Wagner believes it is a joy and honor to be able to teach students as they enter into their Middle Academy years. She is very active in using novels, short stories, and primary source speeches to enhance the learning process for her students.
“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” By Langston Hughes
Philosophy on Education/Learning
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken people” by Fredrick Douglass.
Education is a foundation that allows a person to reach for the skies.
7th & 8th Grade
Ms. E. Wagner – 7th & 8th Mathematics
Homeroom Section: 701 Room 308
Mr. Armiger – 7th & 8th Science
Homeroom Section: 702 Room 306
This will be my 3rd year at Longstreth as the 7th and 8th grade science teacher. I’m a strong believer in hands-on learning, and I love being outside and getting my hands dirty. I also love to build and create. I currently live in Philly with my partner, and a host of animals, including cats, pigeons, a dove, canary, gecko, turtle, fish, and several other invertebrates, many which either call my classroom home during the school year, or make an appearance. You may see me biking or going for runs throughout the city, and I love growing plants and a garden. As my students can tell you, some of my favorite days at school are the days we hold class outside or conduct an investigative lab. When I’m not at school, I also enjoy reading, drawing, and exploring Philly.
Philosophy on Education/Learning
I hope that my students of today will become kind leaders, teachers, and lifelong learners of tomorrow. Practice and preparedness makes (nearly) perfect, as do routines and open exploration. Science is a tool that my scholars can use to understand their world. Everyone can learn when they have the tools and are motivated.
Mr. Rocco – 7th & 8th Social Studies & Dean of Student Voice
Room 305
My name is Michael Rocco and I’ve been with the Longstreth Family as a Middle Years Social Studies teacher for seven years. I have 13 years experience teaching middle school. I received my Masters in Education from Arcadia University in 2006. I also have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Temple University and spent six years as a community journalist. I live in Bucks County with my wife and three children. I consider being your child’s teacher a tremendous responsibility. I will do my best this year to ensure that each student has a motivating and safe learning experience in the classroom.
Philosophy on Education/Learning
As a teacher, I’ve seen the light bulb go off above a student’s head when they get it, and every time I smile. The light bulb is a reward and validation for what I am doing in my classroom. It takes passion to continue to push students and continue to find ways for students to discover information. Teaching social studies is challenging because, unlike math and science where there are formulas that facilitate discovery, social studies is interpretive. Students are more independent to come up with thoughts and ideas as they probe primary sources such as letters, political cartoons and speeches, and make conclusions based on their own interpretations. There may be some bumps along the way as we productively struggle, but it will be worth it.
“We are either a United people, or we are not. If the former, let us, in all matters of general concern act as a nation, which have national objects to promote, and a national character to support. If we are not, let us no longer act a farce by pretending to it.” ~George Washington
Ms. Barron – 7th & 8th ELA & Social Studies
Homeroom Section: 801 Room 309
Hi, I’m Cherice Barron. I’m from Downingtown, PA and I began teaching for the District in 2000! I’m a proud Nittany Lion, Penn Quaker and Drexel Dragon. I love reading non-fiction and writing whenever and whatever I can. I have teaching certifications in K-6, ESL, SS 7-8 and ELA 7-8.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” ― W.B. Yeats
Instructional Support Team
Mrs. Green: Early Literacy Coach – Main Office
SSA’s
- Mrs. Weston
- Ms. Powell
- Ms. Pridgen
- Ms. Smith
SPECIALIST TEACHERS
Mr. Frazier – Health Room 307 & Physical Education in Gymnasium
My name is Mr. Frazier and I am the Health & PE teacher for Longstreth School. This will be my second year teaching at the school and my second year teaching overall. I am from Philadelphia, PA and also attended Philadelphia Public schools myself from K-12th grade. I enjoy working with the youth and uplifting young people. I also enjoy sports, art, and spending time with family.
I feel as though building relationships with students, being transparent and allowing them to know that you care and have their best interest at heart is the best way to educate and uplift the youth. Once you have their trust, they are willing to hear what you are teaching them.
Art Education Ms. Horton – R00m 302
Mrs. Hurst- Intervention Class Room 310
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEAM
Autistic Support
Mrs. Edwards – Rm. 213
Classroom Assistant: Ms. Hill
LS K-5
Dr. Knight
Room 219
Dr. Nina Knight, Ed.D, a Philadelphia native, is an educator, youth advocate and community volunteer. She completed her undergraduate studies in urban education at Penn State University, graduate studies in special education and reading intervention at St. Joseph’s University, her Doctorate of Education, with an emphasis on administrative leadership for teaching and learning at Walden University, and her Principal Certificate at Lamar University. She is also a published author of a memoir and first book, “Wilderness to Wellness” published by WestBow Press. Dr. Knight enjoys family, music, education and serving others.
Philosophy on Education/Learning
All students possess the ability to learn and through a holistic approach to education must be empowered to create opportunities for academic and social-emotional growth.
“Let he who has been watered water. Let he who has been given give.” ~Chadwick Boseman
ILS 6-8
Ms. Van Boening
Rm. 201
I have been proud to call the School District of Philadelphia my home base for the last six years during which I have also become certified as an Orton-Gillingham Therapist. I have taught in numerous capacities throughout my career and am currently the middle school intensive learning support teacher. I am an alumnus of Arcadia University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with my master’s degree in Literacy Studies. I have two fur babies, a 17 year old blind cat named Montgomery and a five month old puppy named Ollie.
The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you. ~ B.B. King
6-8 LS/SPECM
Mrs. Jones – Rm. 319
Emotional Support 6-8
Mr. Snipes – Rm. 309
Classroom One-on-One: Mrs. Barham
Classroom Assistant: Ms. Anderson
School Psychologist
Mrs. Woodley – Room 104
Speech Therapist
Ms. Pacharis – Room 104
Counselor
Mrs. Brenneman – Rm. 105
CLIMATE & CULTURE TEAM
Dean of Students K-4 – Room 212
Dean of Student 5-8 – Room 312
Climate Coaches
- Coach Dukes
- Coach Middleton
- Coach Brown