Teacher Spotlight

Monica Pagan-Guzman

3/4-205 Self Contained

Years at PS 83: Been here since September 2021.

Tell us about yourself:

I am a dedicated educator who believes that every child is capable of learning when they are seen, heard, and supported in ways that meet their individual needs. Over the years, I have worn many hats in the classroom — mentor, cheerleader, facilitator, counselor, and advocate — all while creating a learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow. I believe learning should be personal, meaningful, and collaborative. My goal is to help students develop confidence, curiosity, resilience, and the ability to connect with others while building the academic skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Being affiliated with the P.S. 83 Chorus since my second year at the school — and serving as the chorus teacher for students in grades 3–5 this past year — has also taught me so much about myself as both an educator and a person. Music and the arts have always been an important part of my life, and I love being able to share that passion with my students. Through chorus, I have seen students build confidence, teamwork, discipline, and joy while expressing themselves creatively.

What do you love most about teaching at P.S. 83?

What I love most about teaching at P.S. 83 Luis Muñoz Rivera School is the sense of community and culture that fills the building. Our students bring such unique personalities, experiences, and talents into the classroom every day, and it is rewarding to help nurture their growth academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively. I also appreciate working alongside caring colleagues and families who truly want the best for our children.

What are your students working on this month?

This month, students are continuing to strengthen their reading comprehension, writing stamina, and math problem-solving skills. In literacy, we are focusing on making deeper connections to texts, supporting responses with evidence, and building confidence in discussion and written expression. In math, students are practicing strategies to solve multi-step problems while explaining their thinking. Across all subject areas, we are also working on collaboration, self-management, and building independence as learners.

Fun fact about you:

I have loved singing since I was in 1st grade and participated in choirs and chorus throughout the years! I also took a few piano classes, although piano definitely did not stick with me. Another fun fact — I love playing Bingo for the chance to win designer bags!

A message to P.S. 83 families:

Thank you for trusting us with your children each day. Education works best when schools and families work together as partners. I appreciate your continued support, communication, and encouragement at home. Together, we can help our students grow into confident, compassionate, and successful learners.

Teacher Name: Laura Higgins
Grade/Subject: Grade 3
Years at P.S. 83: This will be my 18th year at P.S. 83, which is also where I completed my student teaching.

Tell us about yourself:
I was born in Wisconsin and moved ten times before settling in New York, which I have proudly called home for almost 30 years. I graduated with a B.A. from the University of Chicago and earned my master’s degree from Hunter College.

What do you love most about teaching at P.S. 83?
First and foremost, I love the students I’ve had the privilege of teaching and getting to know. They have shown me what true resilience, patience, and optimism look and feel like, and they’ve filled my years with countless sweet and memorable moments.

A close second is the strong sense of community that is fostered and sustained at our school. From administration and staff to students and families, we celebrate one another’s accomplishments and milestones and support each other when it matters most.

What are your students working on this month?
This month, we are working on writing a well organized essay as well as understanding concepts in geometry. 

Fun fact about you:
Before becoming a teacher, I was an actress and performed in many cities across the country.

Teacher Name: Olga Tsoupros

My name is Olga Tsoupros and I've been teaching at PS 83 for 22 years. I am currently teaching third grade but I've been blessed to have taught second, fourth and fifth as well.

I was born and raised a New Yorker and have been part of the NYC public school system my whole life. I finished a BA from Pace university and then decided to travel abroad and spent 5 years in Europe. While there I taught fourth grade at a private American school and traveled as much as I could. I decided I wanted to come back and teach in the most wonderful and exciting school system in the world.

What I love most about 83 is the amazing community that makes up 83. The wonderful and dedicated staff, the understanding administration, the supportive families and the students who want to make us come into work every day.

In class right now we are having more fun since we worked really hard to complete the state tests. We are going on trips, working on an art project for Museo del Barrio and working on group projects that help strengthen our communication and cooperative skills. It's an exciting time in class 3-228.

Fun fact about me is that I love baking and I have the cutest dog ever!

I would like to thank the PS 83 community for always being supportive and helpful and I love working here.