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Emily Phillips

Assistant Principal

ephillips@ms915brooklyn.org

What is your background and education?
I grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. I attended the University of Virginia where I majored in History. After graduation, I worked in non-profit youth services as a VISTA volunteer. I realized that I loved working with kids and wanted to be a teacher. I moved to Brooklyn and enrolled in a master’s program of secondary education at Mercy College. I started teaching Social Studies and ELA at Greenwich Village Middle School in District 2. I became a literacy coach in District 2. After my children were born, I moved to District 15, where I live, and worked as a literacy coach at MS 447. When my daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia, I became deeply invested in learning about dyslexia and other learning disabilities. I returned to school at Brooklyn College for my special education certification. I served as the SETSS teacher and reading specialist at MS 447 and eventually became the special education coordinator. In 2018, I returned to school again to pursue my masters in educational leadership at Hunter College. I joined the Bridges team as Assistant Principal in the fall of 2019 and feel so honored to be a part of such a special school community!

How long have you been teaching/working in schools?
This is currently my 25th year teaching for the New York City Department of Education.

What is your favorite part of teaching/working in schools?
My whole career has been in middle school because middle school kids are the BEST! Our students make me laugh and they challenge and inspire me too. This is a great time to find yourself and the place in the world and I love being a part of that journey. And when a student has an aha moment – well, there is nothing like it! That is a joy.

What do you like to do outside of school?
I love to explore NYC with my kids (I have 3 teenagers!). We love the zoo, the aquarium, the museums and the parks. Animals are a big part of my life. We have two dogs and a lizard at my house. On a summer day off, you’ll find me at the beach down at the Rockaways. And when I want to relax, you’ll find me curled up with a good book. I also love to have friends over, eat big meals, and dance to great music!

August 2021