By Paige Adams
Many students remember certain teachers because of the subjects they teach, but others are remembered because of the impact they have. For Ms. Calleri, teaching history is much more than presenting facts and dates. It is a career she genuinely loves and a subject she enjoys sharing with others every day. Through her passion for learning, her dedication to students, and her enthusiasm for history, she has become a teacher who inspires those around her!
Miss Calleri may teach U.S. History but she did not even take Advanced Placement U.S. History in high school because it was not one of her favorite subjects at the time. She liked world history much more. She always wanted to be a teacher but her fear of speaking in front of others would have made that difficult. However, her life changed during her 9th grade history project in Mr. Meetze’s class! Miss Calleri normally found presenting projects to be difficult and nerve-racking, but when she was presenting a history project on knighthood and jousting for her global class, she found it easier to speak in front of everyone. She learned that talking about a history topic she enjoyed was something she could do in front of people. While attending college for History, she saw it as a way to understand people, societies, and the world.
Miss Calleri attended Kenmore West high school. She describes her high school experience as positive and enjoyable! Although she wasn’t in the group of popular students, she always got along well with everyone, whether that be people from her varsity soccer team, one of her classes, or people in her free period. One memorable experience she recalls, was a major fire in the cafeteria the summer before her freshman year. This resulted in students eating cold lunches in the gym for the next year while they rebuilt the cafeteria, which bonded the students in a sort of way. Experiences like these help make her high school years memorable!
Academically, Miss Calleri enjoyed many different subjects. History, AP biology, and Earth sciences were among her favorites. Rather than focusing on one area, she appreciated learning about a variety of topics. Several teachers also influenced her educational journey! She remembers History teachers who made lessons exciting and engaging, along with other educators who encouraged students to think critically and participate actively in class. She also had many teachers in her family. Their enthusiasm for teaching left a lasting impression on her.
After high school, Miss Calleri attended the University at Buffalo. She majored in history and also took education courses to be prepared for a teaching career. During college, she especially enjoyed studying ancient civilizations, such as Greece and Rome. If she had chosen a different major, she believes she might have studied archaeology or the history of science, because both subjects connect closely with her love of learning about the past.
Her college experience was once she remembers fondly! She enjoyed her classes, learned from knowledgeable professors, and gained experiences that helped her shape her future career such as participating in an archaeological dig in Turkey. College also helped her realize that teaching could be a meaningful way to share her passion for history with others.
Today, Miss Calleri teaches a variety of social studies courses. She has taught 7th and 8th grade, US History, Global 9 and 10, as well as Government, Economics, psychology, current events, and AP World. When asked about her favorite topic to teach, she said, “History! Anything related to history!”
She especially likes teaching students in grade 9 through 12 because “each age group brings a different perspective to the classroom”.
One of the most interesting things about Miss Calleri is her admiration for President Theodore Roosevelt. She considers Roosevelt her favorite president because of his engaging personality and leadership style. She believes people are naturally drawn to him because of his energy and confidence. She especially appreciates his domestic policies and his efforts to improve life for American citizens, including worker’s rights, conservation of nature, and making our food and medicine cleaner. Roosevelt’s larger- than-life presence and take action qualities make him stand out in her mind.
Teaching is more than a job for Miss Calleri; it is something that carries emotional significance. She explains that teachers “rarely go a day without thinking about their students.” The successes, challenges, and experiences of students stay with teachers long after the school day ends. She notes that when students trust their teachers, it creates meaningful relationships that can have a lasting impact. For her, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is knowing that she can help students learn, grow, and become more confident.
History also plays an important role in Miss Calleri’s personal life. Her knowledge of History often influences conversations with her family members. She and her siblings frequently discuss historical topics, and family conversations sometimes turn into opportunities to share interesting facts or stories from the past. History helps to connect with others because it provides a common subject that sparks curiosity and discussion.
Family has been an important part throughout Miss Calleri’s life. Her parents divorced when she was in third grade, but she describes her family as loving and supportive. Her mother worked for many years at Roswell Park, her dad was a photography teacher at UB and her stepmom worked in the theater industry. They all worked to introduce her to art, culture, science, and creative experiences. Growing up, these experiences helped broaden her interests, and encouraged her appreciation for learning.
Miss Calleri also has two older brothers and a sister. As a child, she enjoyed spending time with them, and their different personalities helped shape her own experiences growing up. They often played games together, shared interests, and created memories that still she values today. Over time, her relationships with her siblings have grown and they are an important part of her life, even though they all live in different cities.
When asked which family member she feels closest to, Miss Calleri immediately mentions her mother. She speaks with her regularly and values the strong connection they share. Their close relationship has remained an important source of support throughout her life.
Whether she’s teaching about ancient civilizations, discussing American presidents, or helping students understand the connections between past and present events, Miss Calleri brings enthusiasm and dedication to her classroom every day. Her journey from a student who was afraid to give presentations in class to a teacher who inspires others, demonstrates the power of education and personal growth. Through her passion for learning, commitment to students, and love of history, she continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of those she teaches.