Meet Haverford Middle School Teacher Jackie Serratore

Haverford-Havertown Patch is featuring great area teachers who deserve some spotlight. Teachers give a lot to their students, schools and studies and we'd like to recognize them and say a simple, thank you, for all that they do.

Though this is her first year at Haverford Middle School, this music teacher has already been in the spotlight, helping the school's choir, 7th Heaven, achieve second place in B101's Christmas choir competition. B101 recently visited the school to present the choir with a check and trophy for placing second in the competition.

Name: Jackie Serratore

School: Haverford Middle School

Grade/Subject: Grades 6-8/Choral Music

Years in the Industry: Seven years teaching, first year in Haverford School District.

Teaching Background: I received my bachelor’s degree in Music Education for combined Instrumental and General/Choral Music at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.  I taught for five years in Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland at Westland Middle School (three years) and Thomas S. Wootton High School (two years). While teaching in Maryland, I taught chorus, symphonic band, and AP music theory. Each summer I would travel from MD to PA to music direct and perform at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center from June to August. Last year, I moved back home to Upper Darby and began teaching at St. Bernadette of Lourdes School in Drexel Hill and music directed Haverford High School’s production of “The Wiz.” Working with the students at HHS motivated me to get back into the public schools and be a part of a wonderful school district like Haverford.

What do you like most about your job? 

The constant support from the administration and staff with the music department, not only in the middle school but also throughout the district. Having so many students eager to participate in choral music and share their talents. This year in particular, I loved waking up on Christmas morning and hearing 7th Heaven on B101 singing “Carol of the Bells.” That was truly an incredible moment and having the entire community involved and voting made it so special!

Why did you become a teacher? 

I was passionate about teaching my entire life. I would come home from school each day, grab my blackboard that I received for my birthday, and teach my little brother the math problems we learned in school that day. I’ve loved music my entire life and I wanted to teach students to love it as much as I do. 

What do you like best about your current school (projects, programs or activities that your school is a part of):

I love that so many of our middle schoolers are involved in choral music and I hope it continues to grow. I also love being a part of the musical here at HMS and seeing the artistic and acting talents that many of our students possess. It is a joy to work with all of these students and I am so lucky to have the opportunity each day.