Dingman middle school welcomes new teachers

Dingmans Ferry — Dingman Delaware Middle School is pleased to welcome four new educators.
Port Jervis native Dan Nicolette spent the last three years in Tucson, Ariz., teaching middle school, heading the mathematics portion of the science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) initiative and coaching middle school sports, including baseball, boys and girls’ basketball, girls’ volleyball, boys’ soccer and football. At DDMS this year, he is teaching Algebra 1A and Algebra 1 Honors, as well as coaching the DDMS football team.
While working on his bachelor's in Mathematics and Secondary Education through Misericordia University, Nicolette student-taught with now-DMS colleague Eve Houseknecht. In addition to his course load, Nicolette attends Arizona State University and is working toward his master's in Educational Leadership. “I am looking forward to getting to know the faculty and students, as well as participating in athletics and hopefully clubs,” Nicolette said.
Returning teacher Carl Imbt, now in his 24th year of teaching, spent the first 20 years at DDMS and the last three years at Dingman-Delaware Elementary School. “I'm looking forward to the enthusiasm that the typical middle school student has,” Imbt said.
Pittston native, Carmel Kratz, began her teaching career in Massachusetts 15 years ago, then moved to Delaware Valley Middle School in 2004. Kratz is joining the DDMS seventh- and eighth-grade Language Arts team. She is one of six children, four of which are now teachers. Since her mother was a first-grade teacher and her father was a principal, you might say that education runs in the family. “I love teaching middle school. Every year just keeps getting better!” Kratz said, adding, “I’m looking forward to being a part of a new team and getting to know all of my wonderful students.”
Corinne Boyd started with the Delaware Valley School District in 2007 and taught in the Autistic Support classroom at Dingman-Delaware Elementary School for the past nine years. Boyd is now a part of the Special Education team at DDMS and is co-teaching in inclusive classrooms.
“Even though I miss my students and staff at DDES, change is always a new adventure,” Boyd said. “I am really enjoying this new experience, and it’s an honor to be co-teaching with the outstanding teachers at DDMS.”