Even after 38 years of teaching at Calais, middle school teacher Ms. Barbara Perillo says that every day brings something new and exciting. Barbara’s unwavering dedication, substantial knowledge, and intuitive teaching style make her an invaluable asset to both students and staff. 

As a veteran teacher, Ms. Perillo understands the importance of helping students see how class lessons can translate into real life applications. She has a knack for turning practical, real-world experiences into thoughtful and engaging lessons. For instance, in her supermarket unit, the class room gets transformed into a grocery store where students simulate working and shopping. They stock shelves, categorize items, operate the cash register, make change and learn smart shopping strategies. Her hands-on approach not only builds student confidence but has also inspired some to go on and pursue supermarket jobs.

“I take pride in my ability to make learning meaningful and fun while focusing on the individual strengths and abilities of my students.” shared Ms. Perillo.

In another creative lesson, Ms. Perillo tackles the complex field of real estate to help students gain valuable skills in math, science, english, social studies and economics. By using platforms like Zillow, her students turned real estate tycoons have learned how to evaluate properties, budget for repairs, and even resell them for profit. 

Her colleagues think highly of Ms. Perillo, often seeking her advice and guidance. Ms. Territo, Behavior Specialist, shares, “She is a dedicated teacher. Barb’s lessons are very innovative and hands-on. She is very knowledgeable with technology and is the go-to teacher for resources and different learning strategies.”

Ms. Perillo holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology from Rutgers University and a Master degree in Special Education from New Jersey City University. She has also earned several certifications, including Teacher of the Handicapped Certification, Elementary School Teacher (K-5), and Teacher of Psychology Certification.

All would agree that Ms. Perillo rises to every challenge and stays committed to helping her students work through their academic, emotional and behavioral issues. Her steadfast dedication, extensive experience, and insightful guidance all play a pivotal role in advancing the Calais mission. Thank you for all you do.