Employee Directory

Angela Gittens

• World Languages Faculty
• 718-836-9800
• Email
• Dyker Heights
• Upper School

“It is my wish that all students learn the importance of making cultural connections globally, far beyond the classroom, and that everyone deserves to be heard, understood, respected, and appreciated.”

Dr. Angela Fatou Gittens P’23,‘26 began her journey at Poly in the World Languages Department in 2010. “With a research background in sociolinguistics, Francophone language and literary studies, and nonverbal coding systems, I was an adjunct professor at Barnard College/Columbia University while completing my doctoral degree,” she says. Angela holds a B.A. from Oberlin College, an M.A. from Yale University, and a Ph.D. from New York University and has enjoyed teaching French, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL) at Poly. “The highlight of my teaching career is having alumni return to tell me that seeds for their love of speaking world languages were originally planted in my classroom and that they travel throughout the world not only using their language skills, but advocating for others in the target language,” Angela says. In addition to teaching, Angela is also the Upper School Coordinator in our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Department, and she devotes much of her time beyond the classroom creating extracurricular spaces on campus where students can use the performing arts to amplify their voices. As a performer herself, Angela has advised the Poly Dance Team, the African Dance & Drum Club, and the Step Team.