Rita Ross

As a public school English teacher in New York City, Rita Ross has been so lucky to work with a vibrant and diverse group of kids over the past 16 years. After finishing graduate school at NYU, she stayed nearby and has been at the same high school since 2004. She has primarily taught AP Literature and AP Language to 11th and 12th graders and worked closely with students throughout the college process. 

Rita moved to the New Jersey suburbs about three years ago so her children could have a yard and their own bedrooms! Although Rita desperately misses her favorite Brooklyn takeout spots, she has grown used to the diners and now uses her commute time to read for pleasure. She spends at least a minute at the beginning of class each morning discussing whatever book is in her bag and believes deeply in the power of literature to change children’s lives.