Who is Ms. Mastrangelo?

By: Julia Volovelsky

This year, Don Soffer Aventura High School welcomed a new teacher, Ms. Mastrangelo, who now teaches AP Seminar. With years of experience in education and leadership, she brings a new perspective to the classroom. In this interview, Ms. Mastrangelo shares her background, teaching philosophy, and advice for future AP Seminar students.

Ms. Mastrangelo, also known as Ms. M to most students, has begun her journey and dream of working with high school students. She started off as a teacher at Ben Gamla Charter School and then transferred to being a principal for fourteen years in a private school. She has her degree in Elementary Education from Florida International University and she has worked with children ever since she was twelve years old! The 2025-26 School Year has changed her career. She then gets to live her dream of working with high school students at Don Soffer Aventura Highschool. She is teaching AP Seminar— a class that helps students develop research, communication, and group skills. 

Fun Fact: She lives with her high school sweetheart and has a family.

Interview (Q&A): Interviewing Ms. M About her Journey

Q1. What was your first impression of Don Soffer Aventura High School?

Ms. Mastarangelo: “My first impression was how welcoming and academically focused the school felt. I felt a strong sense that students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, set big goals, and succeed at all costs.”

Q2. What was it like to transfer from one school to another? How did it make you feel?

Ms. Mastarangelo: “Transferring schools was definitely an adjustment since I had never worked with highschoolers before in the past, but it also felt like a fresh start. I felt supported by the staff which made the transition smoother and helped me settle in quickly.”

Q3. What is teaching an AP Seminar for the first time like?

 Ms. Mastarangelo: “Teaching AP Seminar for the first time has been both challenging and exciting.It is rewarding to watch students grow in confidence as they learn how to question sources, build arguments, and express their ideas clearly.”

Q4. What was the most challenging part that you faced so far while teaching AP Seminar?

Ms. Mastarangelo:”The biggest challenge is helping students shift from looking for “right answers” to embracing inquiry and multiple perspectives. Once that mindset clicks, their work improves significantly.”

Q5. How do you help students develop their critical thinking and research skills?

Ms. Mastarangelo: “I guide students through asking meaningful research questions, evaluating sources for credibility, and supporting claims with evidence. We focus a lot on reflection, revision, and learning how to think rather than what to think.”

Q6. What are the goals you have to get the students to achieve their goal of passing the class?

Ms. Mastarangelo: “My main goal is for students to leave this class feeling confident in their ability to research, analyze information and communicate effectively. If they build those skills, success on the AP Exam should naturally follow.”

Q7. What do you admire about the students?

Ms. Mastarangelo: I admire how willing students are to challenge themselves and engage in discussion. Many of them show strong curiosity and are open to improving their work through feedback and collaboration, which is an incredibly difficult thing to do.”

Q8. What advice would you give the upcoming AP Seminar student?

Ms. Mastarangelo: “Stay curious, ask questions and don’t be afraid to struggle! This is part of the learning process. AP Seminar rewards effort, reflection, and growth more than perfection.”

Thank You Ms. Masteragelo for letting me interview you for the school newspaper!