Teach Asian American Stories Announces Second Cohort of Fellows

After a successful inaugural cohort, Teach Asian American Stories (TAAS) is excited to announce that we have selected seven incredible teachers for the 24-25 Cohort. The TAAS Fellowship Program is the first of its kind to transform star educators into informed facilitators and peer mentors. TAAS Fellows will work with Asian American Studies scholars Dr. Khyati Joshi of Fairleigh Dickinson University and Dr. Karishma Desai of Rutgers University over a period of 10-12 months where they will receive training and mentorship in the study of Asian American history and workshop facilitation. Fellows will apply their learnings by hosting and facilitating teacher workshops on behalf of Teach Asian American Stories.

The seven teachers selected for the second TAAS Fellowship cohort are accomplished educators who have demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the classroom and beyond.

Here is just a glimpse into their experiences and expertise:

CherylAnne Amendola has been teaching American and World History for the last 17 years.  Most recently, she was named 2023 National Council for the Social Studies Middle Level Educator of the Year. She graduated from Montclair State University with a B.A. in Political Science and from Teachers College, Columbia University with an M.A. in Social Studies Education, and an M.A. in American History from Pace University in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. She was named 2017 New Jersey History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History. CherylAnne published her first book in November 2019 entitled “On the Backs of the Enslaved” and is the host of the Teaching History Her Way Podcast.

“One of the greatest gifts that I can give to my students is for them to see themselves in what they’re learning so that they know how important they are to me and to American history.”

Faith Roncoroni is a literature teacher at Phillipsburg High School who uses comics to diversify her curriculum. She also coaches tennis, advises a women empowerment club, and runs a comic con. 

“Having students see authentic, complex versions of themselves, their ancestors, and their peers can change how they engage with the world – it can be empowering, affirming, and humbling.”

Grace Chun holds her Master of Education degree in Literacy from William Paterson University, where she earned her endorsement as a Reading Specialist and was the recipient of the Literacy Award in 2019. She also holds a Masters in Early Childhood and Education from Rutgers University. Mrs. Chun began her career as a third grade teacher and has over ten years of experience teaching English Language Arts at Leonia Middle School, where she received the Teacher of the Year award in 2017. An Adjunct Professor at William Paterson University, she teaches graduate level courses focusing on research and current issues in literacy and content area instruction. Mrs. Chun joined the Cresskill family in July, 2021, and presently serves as a K-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction. She also speaks Korean fluently and enjoys spending time with her husband (who is learning Korean), and her two small children, (who are bilingual).

“By integrating Asian American narratives into the curriculum, we can foster a sense of belonging among students and provide perspectives that broaden their understanding and empathy. These stories are not only vital for Asian American students but are an integral part of American history, enriching the educational experience for all students.”

Kate Facto is a veteran educator who is passionate about ensuring that all of her students feel seen, heard, and valued in the classroom and the school. She is a constant learner and always seeks out ways to increase her understanding of the world and the people in it.

“It is very important to me to be knowledgeable about the true history of this country and to shine a light on the people that are often left out of the narrative.  I also want to bring AANHPI history to my own district and districts across New Jersey for the sake of my own Asian American children and the many students that may not always see themselves in the curriculum.” 

Keri A. Giannotti taught at Bloomfield High School in Essex County, New Jersey, for over twenty years. She is an alumnus of Kean University, holding bachelor’s degrees in History and Political Science and a Master’s in Political Science: American Government Concentration. In addition to teaching, she is a curriculum consultant for Social Studies School Service and a Subject Matter Expert at Creator Up. She was the Director of Education and Outreach for the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation for seven years. There, she was able to work on sharing the stories of our Vietnam Allies and The Boat people. Her passion for sharing the stories of all veterans and honoring their service is infused in her daily teaching. 

“We can’t raise children who think they can change the world if we don’t let them see that people like them have made a difference. Telling the complete story of American History empowers students to see themselves as change-makers. It allows us to appreciate our differences and become aware that we share more in common than we think.”

Michael Suñga has been teaching English at Livingston High School since the Fall of 2004 and is entering his twenty-second year in public education.  He earned B.A. (English and Music) and Ed.M. degrees from Rutgers University and a Doctor of Letters degree from Drew University.  Michael is the advisor of the Filipino Club, the Livingston AAPI Youth Alliance (LAYA), and the National English Honor Society.  In addition, he is a member of the Chamber Choir and a part-time piano accompanist at his parish, St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes.

“I believe in the power that social justice efforts and community building bring to giving voice to the previously silenced and creating safe spaces for them.  I am especially excited that Asian American students will see themselves represented more prominently in the history and contributions of the United States, rather than being an afterthought or sidenote in curricula.”

Rachael Richard is a high school history teacher who teaches World History, United States 2, and an Indigenous History Elective with a service learning component that she designed herself. Outside the classroom, Rachael is the advisor for her school’s TEEEM club which is a service club that partners with the Lakota Nation. In addition to her school roles, Rachael is an active researcher and enjoys giving presentations at conferences and other school districts. 

“I applied because I am passionate about representing underrepresented groups and stories in secondary education so that scholars can see themselves and the complexity of the world reflected in their learning.”

The TAAS Fellowship program is made possible by the generous support from Asian Americans Advancing Justice, The Asian and Asian American Studies Institute at UCONN, and The Asian American Foundation.