Joan Petrocelli is one of the new teachers that Westwood High School hired this 2023-24 school year. She has previously taught at a performing arts school in Paterson, but decided to bring her knowledge here to Westwood. With her former experience and involvement, this school was a perfect fit for her.
Petrocelli was able to switch locations due to her friend of many years, Ms. Murray, making her aware of the new job opening. Petrocelli explains, “I was really excited to come to Westwood because I knew Ms. Murray who also works here and I knew it was an amazing school.” She felt that she needed to be in this environment here at Westwood High School. Not only the students and staff, but the campus made her decision for her.
Petrocelli wants her students to expand their knowledge on different areas of film even going as far as making their own TV shows. Petrocelli shares, “We are all really, really excited to be able to bring a TV show, create a TV show here at Westwood High School.” This new teacher hopes each and every one of her students excels in what they love within this type of program. In her class, the students use technology to create and use their creativity in school, which keeps them engaged in this specific class.
Speaking from experience, Petrocelli has created an environment where students want to come into her class and work on the certain topic they are doing at the time. She has an open door all the time for her students or even for kids she doesn’t teach. Petrocelli is there for her students and teaches with passion.
