Coaches

Deanna Catanzaro began her journey in education as an undergraduate at New York University, where she earned dual degrees in Childhood Education and Special Education, as well as a minor in Psychology. Eager to begin her dream job as a teacher, Deanna began teaching in a second grade ICT class the fall after she graduated from NYU, while she simultaneously began pursuing her Masters Degree in Literacy from Hunter College.  For the next six years, Deanna served as one of three founding teachers at PS 267 in District 2 where she taught across the primary grades in various classroom settings.

As a teacher helping to grow and strengthen a new school, Deanna collaborated daily with her colleagues and administrators in order to develop engaging curricula accessible by all learners in literacy and mathematics. She took on several leadership roles, including serving as the lead teacher on the kindergarten team and mentoring first and second year teachers. Deanna also co-planned and facilitated several workshops for parents on the importance of developmentally appropriate mathematics instruction.

During her years as a classroom teacher, Deanna was fortunate to work closely with several math coaches, as well as participate in numerous Institutes and Teaching Learning Communities. Deanna found her work with Metamorphosis to be transformational, in both her own teaching practice and philosophies about mathematics instruction. She grew fascinated with the open-ended, authentic approach to teaching and learning mathematics, where students construct their own deep understandings of big ideas and strategies through guided investigations, minilessons, and games.

 In 2017, Deanna transitioned out of the classroom to become a math coach, supporting teachers, coaches, and administrators in both public and independent schools around NYC. In this role, Deanna brings her expertise of teaching and learning mathematics in early childhood; her ability to foster strong relationships with teachers; and her experience working with communities serving students with special needs as well as English Language Learners. 

In addition to consulting with schools around NYC, Deanna owns Prime Learning Advisors, an educational company she co-founded in 2014. Prime Learning Advisors provides tailored academic support to families through private and small group tutoring. Deanna is a sought-after mathematics tutor for students in grades pre-K – 5.