Providence, Rhode Island, United States
As the Senior Deputy Majority Leader at the City of Providence, my journey in public service has been marked by a steadfast commitment to the constituents of Ward 1. My role encompasses not just legislative responsibilities but also connecting deeply with the community, successfully resolving thousands of service tickets, and maintaining transparent communication through substantial outreach efforts. Parallel to my government service, I served as a teacher at The Wheeler School, where my dedication to creating inclusive educational environments is unwavering. In this capacity, I employ a hands-on, student-centered approach to teaching, ensuring that every child receives a tailored learning experience. My expertise in government and education has positioned me as a vital bridge between policy and community, enabling me to drive positive change in both arenas.
• Legislator for Providence City Council, Ward 1, representing constituents in Fox Point, Downtown, Wayland Square, College Hill, and Jewelry & Innovation District neighborhoods in the City of Providence, which has a total population of 190,934 (Providence is the capital city of the U.S. state of Rhode Island and is also home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design) • Led a successful primary campaign to defeat two candidates during first run for public office with over 60% of the vote and won the general election with 98% of the vote • Have effectively resolved several thousand constituent service tickets and sent over 1.2+ million e-mails to constituents and counting • Pass, vet, and adopt over a half a billion, $511 Million annual municipal budget for public infrastructure projects, public safety, city services, youth summer programs, employment opportunities, and more • Manage and help facilitate millions of dollars in government Capital Improvment Projects/Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) in addition to a $100,000 yearly Neighborhood Infrastructure Fund • Introduced, passed, and was the lead sponsor on over 50+ pieces of legislation related to resident services, Providence public education, public safety, economic development, historic preservation, affordable housing, parks and recreation, environmental justice, human rights, and more to improve the quality of life of children, families, and senior citizens in the City of Providence • Worked with Council to push for $140MM Bond for student-centered Providence Public School improvements • Launched and spearheaded key proactive and aggressive initiatives to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to promote a health and safety community amid the local response to the pandemic • Partner and collaborate with key government stakeholders, City and State and Federal leaders, including United States House and the United States Senate congressional delegation to advocate for critical funding
• Create a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for grades 4 to facilitate academic and social-emotional growth • Teach all core academic content areas including mathematics, language arts, and social studies using a hands-on, student-centered, and interactive approach to ensure meaningful and differentiated learning experiences • Plan and create inquiry-based/diverse learning activities and assessments that incorporate technology daily as well as visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic modalities to meet the needs of all learners • Establish positive relationships with fellow teachers, school administration, and staff and maintain constant communication with parents in person, via e-mail, parent newsletters, conferences, etc. • Teach Singapore Math In Focus curriculum in a differentiated way to deeply challenge and engage learners, and move through a sequence beginning with concrete, then pictorial, then abstract representations and mathematical strategies to help students develop a strong, higher-order conceptual understanding of mathematics skills and concepts
• Created positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for grades 3 & 4 to facilitate academic and social emotional growth • Taught all core academic content areas including mathematics, language arts, and social studies using a hands-on, student-centered, and interactive approach to ensure meaningful and differentiated learning experiences • Planned and created inquiry-based/diverse learning activities and assessments that incorporated technology daily as well as visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic modalities to meet the needs of all learners • Established positive relationships with fellow teachers, school administration and staff and maintained constant communication with parents in person, via e-mail, weekly parent newsletters, conferences etc. • Taught Singapore Math In Focus curriculum and Implemented writers workshop and utilized best practices based on Columbia University’s Teachers College Writing Units of Study model • Participated in weekly team teacher meetings to address curriculum development, projects and unit plans, community building, school programs and special events • Served as an after-school mathematics tutor for a small group of struggling students who needed extra support • Served on hiring and interview committee of the Lower School Learning Specialist alongside the assistant head of school, school principal, vice-principal, director for the center of teaching and learning, lower school psychologist • Elected by lower school faculty to serve on the Lilly Fund Awards Committee, a committee responsible for disbursing $150,000 in aid and grants for faculty PD • Faculty Chair of the Lower School Annual Fund • Co-Chair of the Lower School Faculty Council • Served on the Diversity and Pluralism Committee and Task Force • Served on the K-5 Human Development and Sexuality Task Force • Coached 5th grade boys basketball and 5th grade flag football season to lead team to flag football championship win
John Goncalves is the author of the book “It's Important: Teaching The Importance of Kindness, Empathy, Inclusivity, Difference and Compassion” It's Important explicitly teaches children the importance of kindness, empathy, inclusivity, difference and compassion towards others. This book also teaches young children the importance of respect, acceptance and understanding for others, while inspiring kids to embrace and celebrate their individuality. It's Important touches upon a number of themes that ultimately encourage and celebrate peace, unity, happiness and love. With beautiful illustrations and rhythmic words, It's Important teaches children, in a developmentally-appropriate, clear, straightforward, and kid-friendly way, the importance of doing the right thing from spreading kindness, to being honest and empathetic, to taking care of the environment etc. Unlike other children's books which require kids to infer theme or the author's message, It's Important explicitly states what's important and how we can all contribute to making the world a more loving, happy, and peaceful place. It's Important is written in a poetic way and includes a broad array of characters that reflect and represent the diversity in our world. It also includes very bright, eclectic and colorful illustrations that extend to the characters and the setting on each page. Young readers will enjoy this book but most importantly, it will benefit them by directly teaching them values and lessons that will be important as they grow and develop their individual character. This book is intended for all students Grade 2 through 5, although it will also be accessible to Pre-K to Grade 2. It's Important is a useful book for every family, school and teacher to have in their home, library and classroom!