
Hear from Maria Tangredi about why the performing arts motivates her students.
Meet Maria Tangredi
Teacher Ambassador

Ansonia's greatest asset is its diversity. Students come to our district with a vast array of life experiences that enrich us all.

Why I Teach
The students I serve inspire me each day to help lead them to aesthetic experiences. Their energy and hunger to be better performers motivate me to provide them with experiences that can only be achieved through the performing arts.
I strongly believe in the power of the word yet—that in the vast majority of circumstances, unable is a temporary state of being. The definition of able may look different for each student, but progress is really just small stops along a continuum. Oftentimes, what comes across as a lack of ability or lack of aptitude is actually just a manifestation of a lack of sustained, high-quality opportunities.
It is both our moral and professional obligation as individual educators, as well as the institution of public education itself, to create these high-quality, supportive opportunities where all children can reach their potential.
In the end, it all boils down to relationships at every level of our profession—within our own classrooms, with our students, with the people in our buildings, at the district level, with families and with the greater community. Making these connections helps everyone feel supported. When people feel supported and have a sense of ownership in what’s at stake, their odds of being successful are much greater.
Dedicated Teachers
Engaged Learners
New Teacher Starting Salary
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