Mrs. Anna Bontigao started at Explore Middle School in 2006; she teaches Mathematics. She is a dedicated, lifelong learner. Mrs. Bontigao earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Urban Education at Rutgers University in Newark. She holds an MA in Educational Leadership with specialization in Administration and Supervision from New Jersey City University, and another MA, also from NJCU, in Special Education (M.A.T.) with endorsement in Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD). In addition to these degrees, Mrs. Bontigao also completed the Holocaust Studies and Prejudice Reduction Studies from the Human Rights Institute at Kean University. Mrs. Bontigao believes that each student simply needs one other person to believe in them in order for them to be successful in life. Her goal is to be that person for students who might have a difficult time locating their personal fan. As a result of these beliefs, it is her mission to reach as many students as possible in order to make a difference in their lives. Her approach to mathematics education is grounded in the hopes that she can help students recognize their self-worth, find their own independence, and become resourceful young people. Mrs. Bontigao’s best time is time with her family, just enjoying the simple things in life. She is happily married to Winston and a proud mommy of the most inquisitive boy, Landon, and extremely fierce daughter, Dallas.