Black Rocket

Sarah

Sarah might look a little young to start her own company, but she was even younger when her Dad, was considering whether or not to teach young children leading film school techniques through new, affordable technology.

He wavered, and Sarah said “DO IT”! And they did!

And that’s how Black Rocket began. She named the company after her black Labrador, Rocket.  After the company experienced exponential growth, New Jersey Business Magazine said she “may be the next Mark Zuckerberg”.

Rich

“A little bit of help…one afternoon at the most.” That was Bill’s request to Rich over fourteen years ago. Rich had no idea at the time this favor would be the start of Black Rocket’s quest to revolutionize education. Rich began his career teaching violence prevention to elementary students before going on to become recognized as “Teacher of the Year” at the #1 ranked high school in the nation. After earning dual Master’s degrees, Rich transitioned to school administration in one of New Jersey’s largest K-8 districts. In 2008, he left public education to grow Black Rocket. In the last few years the company has expanded from one location in NJ to 150 locations throughout North America. Rich continues to consult with schools and teachers on game based learning and embedded assessment.

Mike

What do you call the guy who believes in your young company when no one else does?  You can call him Mike.  We call him The Original Rocketeer!  “Mickey” makes our promise and our programs a reality.  As an honors grad from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Mike combines his belief in Black Rocket’s mission with academic pedigree. Whether he is working behind the scenes to program a new game engine or teaching students in our online institute, Mike is the ‘go to guy’ when we are ready to move from concept to creation.  Just as he believed in us throughout the first few years, we believe in him. More than an employee, Mike is like family.

Jen

Amber

Amber, or Ambo as she’s known around Fort Awesome, has a hand in many projects at Black Rocket. A known lover of travel and world cultures, she taught English abroad and Spanish in the States before joining the BR family in 2010. Amber will be the first to tell you how her past in teaching, service and sales has prepared her well for the different roles she plays at BR. When not busy preparing for the next phase in the Rocketeer calendar, she’s planning her next big adventure out in the world.

Eric

Jay

Clare

Efi

Ethan

Dave R

During the summer, I turn kids into game developers.

When I’m not teaching, I’m on an epic quest to find the pieces of the tri-force, defeat Gannon and save the princess (but she is always in another castle…)

Josef

Jake

While I’m not teaching, I’m developing games!

Brian

Dan

Jeremy

Every day at work, I would eat a different variation of chicken with rice for lunch. Therefore they called me the chicken man. “He is a simple man with simple needs” – Mike J

Shyam

Deb

Monique

Cynthia

Katelyn

This princess of heart loves connecting with the rest of the world–sometimes by gummy ship, sometimes through Spanish, and always by making technology more accessible to students!

Tom J

Mark

Teacher, Husband, Father of Two, Tech Geek, Dog Lover, Star Wars Fanatic, Game Player

Patty

I love to work with kids and technology. Every learning opportunity is a enjoyable and educational for those involved.

Terrance

Carmin

Rodney

I came here to make kids’ dreams come true and eat White Castle. And I’m fresh out of White Castle.

Joe

Gary

Faster than a speeding Zombie, More powerful than a Loco Creeper, Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound (in creative mode), Look, up in the sky; it’s a cave bat, it’s an ender dragon, no, it’s Minecraft Gary.  Yes, Minecraft Gary, strange visitor from another realm, who came to earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal crafters.  Minecraft Gary; who can change the course of mighty rivers, Break obsidian with his bare hands, and who, disguised as Instructor Gary, a mild-mannered teacher for a great PGC School System, fights a never-ending battle for technology, education and the Minecraft way.

Stefani

I’m an Art Teacher at an Elementary School. I love teaching and I love food. Give me fresh minds and pizza and I’m very happy.