Hello! I grew up in Merrimac, MA and currently live in Lowell with my husband and son. I graduated from Fitchburg State University with a BS in Education and a BA in Psychology, have a Masters in Educational Administration from UMASS Lowell, and am currently pursuing a CAGS in Educational Leadership and Management through the LPS partnership with Fitchburg State. I have been a middle school math and/or science teacher for more than 15 years, and have taught in various places like Westford, Lowell’s BRIDGE Program, Peabody, Stoklosa, and now here at the Wang. In addition to teaching, I enjoy art, music, and theater, playing volleyball and soccer, and spending time with my family at the beach, camping, and playing board games.

My name is Matt Palmer and this is my fifth year teaching 7th and 8th grade Social Studies at the Wang Middle school.  Prior to becoming a teacher,  I was a private practicing attorney for several years.  I coach three sports in Lowell; Field Hockey at LHS, Basketball and Volleyball at the Wang.  7th graders will explore the origins of our species and our development of civilizations by focusing on early Mediterranean cultures.  We begin the year with Mesopotamia then move to Egypt, which is followed by Greece and then students will finish the year with Rome.  The 8th graders will experience the early period of U.S. History; beginning with the colonies and working our way through the American Civil War.  Focal points will include our major primary sources, such as the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, and monumental moments in U.S. History, like the establishment of our government, industrial revolution, and the major wars of the American Revolution and Civil War.

Hello! My name is Talia Shabanian and this is my third year teaching ELA and my first year at the Wang. My favorite part of teaching is helping reluctant readers and writers find their voice. This year we will study a total of five different reading genres and complete one major writing assignment on each. I believe in teaching through a social justice lens and find that students learn best when they are free to think critically about issues that are relevant to their lives and experiences. Outside of school you can find me reading, baking, or making pottery. Please do not hesitate to reach out if needed.  

I am happy to be back for my second year at the Wang Middle School.

My name is Joanne Grillakis and this is my third year working at the Wang Middle School. While my three children were students at the Wang, I was a volunteer PTO officer and helped make popcorn during lunch on Fridays. I grew up outside of Cleveland, OH and graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a degree in Psychology. I enjoy working with the teachers on my team and helping the students reach their full potential.