High school can stir up a wide range of emotions for teens, shaping how they see themselves and influencing the paths they take after graduation. What students experience in the hallways, classrooms, and through their teachers often defines their sense of possibility.

For Michele Fazzalari, English and Career Writing teacher, creating a welcoming, uplifting environment—both inside and outside the classroom—is a daily goal. She strives to make sure students feel seen, supported, and, most importantly, leave her class with a smile. Fazzalari’s love for teaching runs deep. At Cardozo, she leads several programs, including Career Writing and a new pilot program called WIN, designed to support students who struggle with reading.

Interestingly, teaching wasn’t always on her radar. “I went to St. John’s University and got into the medical program there,” she said. “But science at St. John’s was very different from high school—it was challenging for me. So I quickly dropped out of that program. A friend suggested I try teaching, and I said, ‘No, no, I don’t want to teach.’ But then I took one class—and I loved it.” And she’s been loving it ever since.

Fazzalari’s passion is evident in her everyday presence at school. “I just love everything about this building. I love the teachers, the staff, my classes,” she said. “I know I’m in the right career because I wake up happy, I come into the building happy, I teach with a smile, I walk through the hallways with a smile, and I leave with a smile. I think being that bright light in the classroom—and helping students explore career paths—is what really matters. It’s all about helping them find their passion.”

Alongside her Career Writing class, Fazzalari is spearheading the WIN program, aimed at helping students improve their reading skills. She’s excited to offer students a new space where just one class period could spark lasting academic growth.

“I’ve seen great improvement—students are decoding better, reading multisyllabic words, improving fluency and comprehension. It’s fantastic,” she shared. “The other day, a student who wasn’t even in the class was taking a test in my room. He overheard me teaching and couldn’t tune it out. The next day in the hallway, he said, ‘Miss, I have a speech impediment. I would love to be in your class.’ That made me so happy.”

Fazzalari’s impact stretches beyond the classroom. In her spare time, she tutors students at Cardozo, helping them build confidence and academic skills. “I try to be involved in tutoring whenever I can. I love getting to know students on a deeper level — understanding who they are, what their interests are, what their skills are,” she said.

With all the heart she pours into her students and her school, Fazzalari lives by a simple, powerful teaching philosophy: “The cornerstone of my philosophy is creating a welcoming environment—making a family-like atmosphere where every kid feels valued, supported, and cared for. That’s what I love to do.”