Genesis Mosquera
Math Teacher
Genesis Mosquera holds a B.S. in Computer Science with a concentration in Mathematics from the University of Mount Saint Vincent and certifications in Scaffolded Curriculum Development, Differentiated Instruction, and C++ Teaching. She began her career teaching both advanced and remedial math at an elementary school in the Bronx, later transitioning to high school where she taught courses ranging from Algebra and Geometry to AP Computer Science. Over her 15 years of teaching, Genesis redeveloped several curricula, raising student success rates—most notably increasing Algebra Regents exam pass rates from 77% to 99%. Her passion for teaching was sparked early, when tutoring a struggling classmate revealed both the challenges and rewards of education. Born in the Philippines, Genesis speaks Tagalog as her first language and enjoys dancing in a variety of styles from traditional Filipino to hip hop. She describes joining the Otto Specht School as a true blessing, finding deep fulfillment in the vibrant, compassionate community and the unique learning journeys of her students.
Staff Q&A:
Current Title/Role at Otto Specht:
Math Teacher
When did you start working at OSS?
7/9/2021
What is your educational background?
BS in Computer Science with Concentration in Mathematics
University of Mount Saint Vincent
Certifications:
Scaffolded Curriculum Development
Differentiated Instruction
C++ Teaching Certificate
What roles or life experiences brought you to education or to Otto Specht? Include any previous work, career changes, or personal callings.
Began as an advanced math and remedial math teacher in an elementary school in the Bronx. I was trained by a specialist from the Chapin Academy in the education of students with special needs, creating specialized lessons, and teaching techniques. After two years, I began teaching in HS. For the next 15 years freshmen to seniors, I taught Algebra, Algebra Honors, Remedial Algebra, Remedial Geometry, Geometry, Algebra 2, Finite Mathematics, Computer Science, and AP Computer Science. In addition to teaching, I revamped and redeveloped the Algebra curriculum shifting the number of student passing the Algebra state exam to 99% passing, up from 77% passing. I redeveloped the curriculum for the geometry remedial course and I also updated and redeveloped the Computer Science course for the seniors.
During my senior year in high school, a new student transferred in at the start of his sophomore year. He had come from a state that did not administer the regents exam. As passing the algebra regents was a minimum requirement for graduation, he was given the exam in January of that year and he was unsuccessful. The head of the math department was in search of a tutor and my current teacher had suggested me. I took on the task of tutoring this sophomore every day during my lunch period from February to June. During that time, I had grown even more respect and admiration for my teachers, tutoring him was unbelievably challenging (to put it kindly), and within each session was a lot of frustration and anger from both of us. During finals, the head of the math department called me in to congratulate me. My student had passed his regents with a great score. My junior year teacher congratulated me as well and asked if I was going into education and if I wanted to be a math teacher. My answer was “NO WAY!”. I couldn’t fathom how they could teach multiple classes with so many students while I only had 1!
Fast forward 6 years later, I find myself sitting to the very same teacher that I said there would be no way I would be a math teacher. The rest is history
What have you taught or led here? Any specific grades, subjects, or programs? Any key milestones or contributions?
I have taught 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th-12th Grade Math courses such as Algebra, Physics, Economics, and Personal Finance.
What do you enjoy outside of school? Any hobbies, languages, family details, or connections to the Chestnut Ridge/Waldorf community you’d like to share?
I have a very a large extended family, and encompass so many different cultures. I love spending time with my family! I was born in the Philippines, my first language is Tagalog. I love to dance and I am familiar with various dances, from traditional Filipino, to ballroom, to hop hop.
Is there anything you’d like us to include that hasn’t been covered above?
Coming and joining Otto Spect has been a blessing in so many ways. The people who work make the heart of the school beat so strongly. Though challenging in it’s own way, navigating the day to day with our many different students, it is more rewarding than any other work I have done as a teacher. I remain so grateful that when I am asked where I work, I can say Otto Spect School.