Profile Info

Sixth grade math and science teacher at Hammarskjold Upper Elementary School

Elementary Education, B.A., Integrated Science & Math (Earth Science Concentration)
Middle School Education (Science), Minor
Master of Arts in Special Education

College of Education and Human Services

Joseph Bondi Headshot
Continuing education

Reading Specialist Certification
Rider Endeavor STEM Leadership Certification

Classroom Must-Have

The book The Day you Began by Jacqueline Woodson. Joseph reads this book to his students on the first day of class as the author does a beautiful job of telling students it is okay to be different. The book helps to remind his students to embrace and acknowledge differences in each other.

Why Joseph Wanted to Become a Teacher

Joseph enjoyed school but he struggled a little. He remembers his teachers who had a lasting impact on him and helped him in his special education classes. The teachers helped him grow as a learner and a person. He wanted to emulate them when he grew up and be one of those amazing teachers who has a positive impact on a child during their years in school and give them the support and confidence in school they need to succeed, which is what he received.

In His Words

“Working with kids is something I absolutely love and to have that positive impact on a child that will last a lifetime is a huge honor that I never and will never take for granted."

Why Joseph chose Rider

Rider felt like home from the first time he walked on campus. The staff and students were so welcoming and amazing from the beginning. “Rider has an outstanding teacher education program and of all the schools I looked into, it was the place where I knew I could learn to be a strong teacher,” he says. “I felt that I would get an education that I would be thankful for and value for a lifetime.”

Education professor: Teachers must embrace risk-taking to be
The faculty truly care about your success, mentor you in the classroom and on campus, and guide you towards being a great educator right out of college."
Joseph Bondi '19 '22
Sixth grade math and science teacher

Rider’s impact on Joseph’s career

Joseph was offered a teaching position shortly after graduation and has been employed with the South Brunswick School District for more than a year. He describes his experience during his program as "phenomenal" and credits that to the amazing professors who understand the profession inside and out. During his field experiences at Rider, Joseph was able to work with students of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of educational settings.

Bierenbaum Fisher Hall
Be grateful for what you get to do and know that you have a tremendous impact no matter if you're teaching virtually or in person. Just know that you're doing your best, you're loved and you're doing great!"
Joseph Bondi '19 '22
Sixth grade math and science teacher

Continued success

Joseph describes that the COVID-19 pandemic "has been an interesting way to begin my career of teaching" with many challenges offset by so many wonderful moments. His experience has required him to be flexible and to be able to change in order to meet the needs of his students. The motto for the school district is "There is always a silver lining...find yours!" Joseph's goal is to find as many silver linings as possible and he is currently focused on the fact that he is still able to teach and he is able to see smiling faces while teaching, be that behind a mask or a computer screen.

Joseph continued his academic journey at Rider University, earning his master's degree in special education in 2022.

Portions of this story were compiled and written by Francesca Davie, Class of 2022.

Learn more about Rider’s teacher education programs.

Request More Info

Contact Us