Carmen Scalfaro Ph.D.
Helping learners find success one student at a time.
My Approach
The Heart of a Teacher
I believe in the power of education. The ability to make sense of the world around us and make an impact is a critical skill. It is the charge of a compassionate, approachable teacher to work along side learners to cultivate this skill. Teachers are not merely holders of information but they are part of the learning process where they are constantly learning with their students.
Leadership Style
I adhere to a multi-faceted approach to leadership. At times I find myself leading with direction - communicating clear and reasonable expectations. Other times, I lead through collaboration; facilitating productive discussion and creating action steps to solve problems through teams. I also believe there are circumstances that call for a hands-off approach allowing others to showcase their skillsets and creativity to shine.
What Students Have Said…
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Dr. Scalfaro had a profound impact on my educational journey, both personally and professionally, during my time at Mason High School. As a student in The Comet Zone, I was first introduced to the world of business through the school store, which sparked my interest in pursuing a career in the field. Dr. Scalfaro not only taught me valuable business concepts but also mentored me in how to approach the real world with confidence. His guidance, coupled with the incredible opportunities at Mason, has inspired me to make the most of every experience and has shaped my path as a student at The Ohio State University. I am deeply grateful for the role he played in my growth and education, and I encourage future students to embrace the chance to learn from such a dedicated and inspiring educator. Take full advantage of the incredible opportunities, knowledge, and experiences that Mason High School offers. I’m truly grateful for how Dr. Scalfaro played a pivotal role in shaping my education and guiding me toward my future. Not many high schoolers are fortunate enough to receive the level of education and opportunities that Mason provides, so make the most of it. Time passes quickly—cherish every moment. I’m proud to be an alumni from MHS Class of 2021! -Cassi Wead
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From day one, Dr. Scalfaro went above and beyond to provide support towards me and fellow classmates. Even when taking accounting exams, he would help point you in the right direction. Something about his style of teaching just makes you feel continuously included in the classroom, and many teachers lack that true compassion. On a more personal level, Dr. Scalfaro has played a massive role in helping me decide my future. Through his passion for teaching accounting, sparked a passion in me to study accounting in college. I am truly grateful for the care, guidance, and inspiration Dr. Scalfaro has provided throughout my time as his student. -Aaron Davidson
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Dr. Scalfaro transformed my approach to learning, creating an environment where making mistakes felt safe and valuable. His passionate yet graceful teaching style made a significant impact on my growth as a student. In his classroom, I felt comfortable asking questions and taking risks, which helped me develop confidence that I still carry with me today. His hands-on methods and unwavering support empowered me to tackle challenges that once seemed impossible. Dr. Scalfaro showed me that asking questions is essential to learning, and that mindset has been invaluable in my continued academic journey. -Alexa Crociata
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Dr. Scalfaro is an empathetic leader who cares about his students first as people then as students. He tries to give us real world experiences so we can use them as we grow professionally at the next level, whether it be collegiality or elsewhere. He thinks of as more of a trusted person to talk to than a teacher, and that leads to fun experiences and a much better classroom mood. -Cody Algor
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Working with you in the Comet Zone has truly been a transformative experience. Your guidance and encouragement have pushed me to think more creatively and take ownership of my learning. You've always made the environment welcoming and engaging, which has inspired me to be curious and take risks. Your feedback is thoughtful and constructive, helping me to improve and see my potential in ways I hadn’t considered before. You've genuinely made learning enjoyable with a hands-on approach, and I'm grateful for the impact you've had on my journey as a student beyond just high school. -Ali Sami
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Dr. Scalfaro has been a constant source of encouragement and support, especially with my spontaneous "quests" to explore ideas in the Comet Zone. His passion for teaching shines through in every class, and he has a unique way of making classes like Communications and Leadership Development not only engaging but also relevant. Outside his role as a teacher, he is a friend to all his students and is always willing to listen. His lessons go beyond academics, helping me grow my ability to express ideas clearly and confidently while also building essential leadership skills. His dedication to creating a welcoming and empowering environment has truly made learning enjoyable and impactful, and I’m incredibly grateful for his guidance and inspiration! -Ria Kanteti
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Coming into my first year in the Comet Zone, I felt pretty unsure of the career path that I wanted to pursue and how to step into leadership. From the very first day, Dr. Scalfaro offered the perfect balance of freedom to innovate and try new things while providing guidance and stepping in when needed. This ability to lead in a hands-off, nurturing environment helped develop my passion for business and leadership. To this day, I try to embody Dr. Scalfaro's leadership style in the leadership positions I've taken in college, and I hope to continue this in the workforce. - Nikith Vangala
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Doctor Scalfaro’s teaching had a lasting impact on my learning experience. During my junior year, I took his accounting course, which sparked a passion for a business mindset and thought process. This passion ultimately led me to choose a business major in college, and it all stemmed from the way Doctor Scalfaro taught. If you answered a question incorrectly, it wasn’t about being wrong—it was about what you could learn from that experience. This approach encouraged us as students to be curious, which I believe is essential for growth, driven by the questions we ask and the mindset we adopt. -Ethan Coughlin
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I had the privilege of being in Dr. Scalfaro’s class, and it was truly one of the highlights of my high school experience. He has a unique teaching style that keeps everyone engaged, incorporating fun into every lesson and making sure each student feels valued and heard. Dr. Scalfaro encourages us to embrace the entire learning process, including the times we stumble. Rather than making failure something to avoid, he turns it into a chance to learn and grow. His dedication to our success and well-being shines through every day, and I genuinely enjoyed every moment in his class. Dr. Scalfaro is an amazing teacher who makes a real difference! -Jacob Tartabini
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You guys really should feel lucky to have Dr. Scalfaro as your teacher. I first had Dr. my Sophomore year for Financial Literacy. At that time, I was convinced that I not only had everything figured out but also that I was never going to study business. I am now in the Lindner Business Honors program at the University of Cincinnati, and owe my success to the teachers like Dr. Scalfaro who pushed me to excel. My very first assignment in college was to make a resume, and because I was a student of Dr. Scalfaro and a participant in NBHS, my resume was already polished. But besides just my resume, my business experiences in high school made me a better leader and listener, and overall pushed my curiosity. I will never forget when I came back to Dr. Scalfaro to present the “Business Curriculum” presentation my junior year. Slight problem, I had never seen the presentation before, but got up there and did it with the confidence my past business preparation gave me. Dr. is the most funny and caring teacher I ever had. I spent two hours with him packaging gloves at Matthew 25, and had fun doing so. Dr. Scalfaro is an amazing resource, incredibly knowledgeable in the business sector, and overall my favorite teacher ever. -Emma Shepard
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Hello, my name is Isaac Schachleiter. I was a 2023 honors graduate of William Mason High School. In my senior year, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity Dr. Scalfaro as my teacher. Dr. Scalfaro helped me in my academic career as a mentor for my growth and knowledge. Dr. Scalfaro was always willing to lead a hand with my learning in or out of his classroom, with websites, videos, etc, to help my interests. Dr. Scalfaro isn't just a great educator he's a great person overall. Thanks to him I am where I am today. -Isaac Schachleiter
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Dr. Scalfaro made such a positive impact on my high school experience as the advisor to our school spirit store, The Comet Zone. His uplifting nature helped create a remarkable work environment where I could be myself and everyone could contribute their unique strengths to the team. The Comet Zone was an incredible opportunity to bring real-world experience to the high school classroom and would not have been possible without his leadership. Dr. Scalfaro's passion for helping students grow is very evident and I am so thankful he played such a vital role in my high school experience! -Adam Little
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Get in touch
Want to chat? Drop me a note to connect. I'm always open to new opportunities and collaborations.