 |
Princeton Charter School Faculty and Staff 2003-2004
Head Teacher
- Charles (Chuck) Marsee
-
Mr. Marsee is the Head of School and teaches science courses at
Princeton Charter School.
He is an educator with over 30 years of experience in public and private schools as a teacher and as an administrator. Mr. Marsee has taught chemistry, biology, and physics;
he has also been a science department chair. Before coming to Princeton
Charter School as the founding Head of School, he spent
sixteen years as the Headmaster of The Andrews School, a 7-12 girls'
day/boarding school in Willoughby, Ohio. He revitalized the program
at that school, converting it from a vocational school to a college
preparatory school with a 100% college acceptance rate.
A native of Tennessee, Mr. Marsee earned his B.S. in Science
Education at the University of Tennessee/Knoxville and his M.S. in
Educational Administration at Florida State University.
- Margo Asay
-
Margo Asay teaches second grade at Princeton Charter School.
With her famous smile, she encourages students to work hard and
to get as much fun out of learning as she gets out of teaching.
Prior to joining the faculty at the school, she taught science to
sixth-grade students at Peter Mushal Elementary School in Bordentown,
and was a fourth-grade teacher at Grant Elementary School in Trenton, New Jersey.
Ms. Asay earned her B.A. in psychology from Rutgers University in
new Jersey, and her M.A. in teaching from The College of New Jersey in
Ewing.
- Gabriele Biancasino
-
Gabriele Biancasino teaches mathematics and history at Princeton Charter School.
A Princeton native, she attended the public schools, and now enjoys teaching at
Princeton newest public school,
Students particularly enjoy when she lets them teach for a few minutes while she
joins the class as a student.
Ms. Biancasino earned her B.A. in sociology at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts, and is working on a masters degree at Rider University
in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
- Norma Jean Byers
-
Norma Jean Byers teaches mathematics to grades six through eight at
Princeton Charter School, and works on
instructional administration as Assistant to the Head of School.
She is a mathematics teacher who loves to challenge and motivate
her students with "problems of the day."
She believes in building a strong foundation in mathematics
on which further learning may depend.
A middle school mathematics and science teacher at
Stuart Country Day School from 1979-1997, Ms. Byers was head of the
mathematics department there from 1982-1997. She also taught the fifth and
sixth grades at a public elementary school in Madison, Wisconsin from 1969 to
1978. Ms. Byers completed a Master's degree in Educational
Leadership at The College of New Jersey, and holds a Bachelor of Science in
Education with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh.
Besides numerous
special project assignments at Stuart over the years, Ms. Byers has also
recently taught math and science to inner city students and undertook the
tutoring of a homebound Princeton student.
- Linda Caprariello
-
Linda Caprariello is the Kindergarten teacher at Princeton Charter School,
where she uses her personal warmth, maturity, and creativity to
enliven her kindergartner's classroom experience. She believes strongly
in teaching the values of character education that are so important to
the emotional growth of young children.
Mrs. Caprariello's experience in music and drama enhances her stellar
academic program. Prior to joining the Princeton Charter School faculty,
Mrs. Caparariello was a Music Together teacher at the Center for Music and
Young Children in Princeton, and a preschool music teacher at the
Trenton Community School of Music in Trenton. She also has many years of
experience as a first- and second-grade teacher, and as a music and drama
instructor for children of all ages.
Mrs. Caprariello earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Primary Education
with a minor in Music from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, in
Whitewater, Wisconsin.
- Mary Alice Carlson
-
Mary Alice Carlson teaches mathematics and computer science at
Princeton Charter School. A dedicated teacher, Ms. Carlson always
finds the extra time to help students completely understand their
mathematics.
He comes to Princeton from Spokane, Washington where she taught
grade two at Pasadena Park Elementary, and grade four at Seth Woodward Elementary.
Ms. Carlson earned her B.A. degree with majors in education and mathematics
and a minor in German from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington.
- Kathy Chrzan
-
Kathy Chrzan is the reading teacher for Kindergarten through grade 2
at Princeton Charter School.
Previously, as the school's first teacher for grade one,
she helped to develop a classroom program that promotes successful
academic achievement for all students. Ms. Chrzan believes that her
years of experience as a teacher at Princeton Montessori School gave
her an exceptional understanding of children and the many ways to help
them grow as individuals. She encourages independence, concentration,
self-control, and self-motivation, as well as academics. In addition
to her experience teaching children at Princeton Montessori School,
she taught adults at the Princeton Center for Teacher Education.
Ms. Chrzan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education at the University
of Scranton, and her Montessori Teaching Certification at the Center
for Montessori Teacher Education in Scarsdale, New York.
- Brian Ciufreda
-
Brian Ciuffreda teaches science to students in grades six and seven at
Princeton Charter School.
He comes to PCS with a varied background of teaching and business experience,
including teaching music at McCorristin Catholic High School and St. Anthony's
Elementary School, both in Hamilton, New Jersey.
His business experience includes working for Caliper Human Strategies,
Prudential Individual Financial Services, and CitiStreet.
Mr. Ciuffreda earned his B.A. degree in biology and music from Lafayette
College in Easton, Pennsylvania.
- Andrew Coakley
-
Andrew Coakley teaches mathematics and history at Princeton Charter School.
Mr. Coakley also worked for Union Industrial Home For Children as a community
coordinator for an after school program targeting adolescent male teenagers
Prior to joining Princeton Charter School, Mr. Coakley taught for two years
at Trenton Community Charter School, where he was a computer and technology
teacher, and an accelerated learning coordinator.
Mr. Coakley earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Villanova University.
- Diana Strenger El-Sherif
-
Diana Strenger El-Sherif teaches first grade at Princeton Charter School.
Last year she was the school's supplementary teacher for grades kindergarten
through four. She has experience teaching in elementary schools in Cambridge, Massachusetts and New York City, New York.
Ms. el-Sherif earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences
from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and her Master of
Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Sherman English
-
Sherman English is an experienced administrator and English teacher.
When he is not busy teaching students to enliven their writing with
judicious use of vocabulary, he loves to travel and think up puns.
According to Mr. English, "I have traveled all over the world, but you
have to go to Italy to roam."
Before coming to Princeton Charter School, he taught English at
The Pingry School in Martinsville, NJ. From 1995 to 2001 he also
served as the Director of Admission and Financial Aid at The Pingry School.
He has taught English at the Saddle River Day School in Saddle River, NJ,
and at the Harbor Day School in Corona del Mar, CA.
Mr. English earned a Bachelor of Arts in English at the University
of Wisconsin-Madison,
a Master of Letters at Drew University, a Master of Divinity at Union
Theological Seminary, and an Executive Doctorate in Educational Administration
at Seton Hall University,
In addition to teaching English to the upper grades, he will be an
instructional administrator as an Assistant to the Head of School.
- Sova Fisher
-
Sova Fisher teaches French language and literature courses to grades
six through eight at Princeton Charter School.
She has taught all levels of French from preschool through
college levels. She believes that language instruction should be an
integral part of elementary education, and has studied a variety of
pedagogical methods from which she has derived her own style of
teaching. Ms. Fisher started teaching French while still an
undergraduate at Dartmouth College. She has taught courses in French
literature and French language at Princeton University, and taught
French at Allentown High School. Before returning to
teaching in 1986, she worked as a reporter and publicist in New York
City. Ms. Fisher earned her Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth
College where she majored in French literature. She received a
Master of Arts in French literature from Princeton University.
- William Forbes
-
William Forbes teaches mathematics, science, and technology at Princeton
Charter School. In his classes he strives to teach students to be
responsible and self-reliant, abilities they will be able to use for the
rest of their lives.
In addition to science teaching, Mr. Forbes has experience as a UNIX systems
administrator, and as a trainer for computer systems administrators.
Mr. Forbes earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lafayette College
in Easton, Pennsylvania, and his Master of Science in Teaching from the
State University of New York at Potsdam, New York.
- Robin Friedman
-
Robin Friedman teaches French to share her love and enthusiasm for the
French language and culture with students. Through her teaching she inspires
students to learn a second language as a practical means of communicating
with and understanding the people of other countries.
Ms. Friedman has experience teaching French to students in grades K-7,
and developed curricula for after-school French programs in Berkeley Heights,
New Jersey, Middleton, Wisconsin, and Montgomery Township, New Jersey.
She became a teacher after a ten-year career as a financial officer in
New York City and Chicago.
Ms. Friedman earned her Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College in
Middlebury, Vermont, where she majored in French with concentration
in French Civilization, Literature, and Translation, and minored in
Psychology/Sociology.
- Shawn Henry
-
Shawn Henry is an experienced teacher of English language and literature
and of social studies. She teaches students to use their new
vocabulary words in everyday conversation.
Mrs. Henry taught English at Charlotte Country Day School in Charlotte,
North Carolina, and at Berwick Academy in South Berwick, Maine.
While teaching, she coached a variety of sports including cross-country
running, basketball, and lacrosse. She also organized outing clubs.
In addition to her experience teaching children, Mrs. Henry taught courses in
women's studies, English, and American studies at the University of Wyoming.
Mrs. Henry earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Bucknell
University, a Masters in Education from Harvard University, and a Masters
in American Studies from the University of Wyoming.
- Colin Hogan
-
Colin Hogan teaches history and geography at Princeton Charter School.
Most recently, he taught sixth-grade social studies and language arts and
literature at the Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day Schoo in Chicago.
Mr. Hogan earned his B.A. in history from Indiana University, and
his M.S. Ed. degree in early adoloscent teaching from Bank Street College
of Education in New York.
- Michelle Jacob
-
Michelle Jacob teaches mathematics and science to the third and fourth grades
at Princeton Charter School.
She is an enthusiastic teacher who
plans lessons that involve discovery and experimentation to illuminate
the basic ideas of science and mathematics.
From 1994 to 1998, Ms. Jacob taught earth, life, and physical science
courses and courses in language arts and literature at St. Paul's School
in Princeton. Prior to that she spent a year as a language arts and geography
teacher at Monroe Pinckney Middle School in Swansea, South Carolina. She has
also directed school plays, advised a student newspaper staff, and presented
Family Science courses. Ms. Jacob graduated from Elizabethtown College in
Elizabethtown PA with a degree in Elementary Education. While
working toward her degree she directed a summer day camp in Connecticut.
- Daniel Johnsen
-
Daniel Johnsen teaches fith and sixth grade mathematics and physical education,
and tutors in the after-school program.
He loves working with children, helping them grow, and watching them change.
Last year he was a tutor at PCS after two years as an intern with the
Princeton Evangelical
Fellowship, teaching, advising, and organizing events for Princeton
University students.
Mr. Johnsen has experience as a youth-group advisor for grades 6-8, a
Sunday-school teacher for grades 1-8, and as a peer leader for high-school freshmen.
He is interested cross-cultural experiences; he spent six years of his life
in West Africa, one year in Quebec, Canada, where he attended an all-French
school, and one month each in Sevilla Spain, and Haiti.
Mr. Johnsen earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Molecular Biology at Princeton University.
- Lisbeth Ashman-Kelley
-
Lisbeth Ashman-Kelley teaches English language and literature
to grades three through five at Princeton Charter School.
She is an English teacher who insists students
analyze what they have written and work to improve and to polish their
prose. Her students learn to recognize that a paragraph should be an
organized, focused sequence of sentences, meant to interest and inform
the reader. Ms. Kelley has taught all ages and subjects in her ten
years of teaching. Before joining the faculty at Princeton Charter
School, she taught business English at The Cittone Institute in
Princeton. Previously she taught in both public and private
schools. While she was studying for her college degree, Ms. Kelley
worked in the business sector where she developed a wide variety of
computer and business skills. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in
English from Glassboro State College.
- Sabina Khachatryan
-
Sabina Khachatryan teaches mathematics to upper-school students at
Princeton Charter School.
She applies her deep mathematical knowledge to help students develop
a clear understanding of algebraic and geometric concepts.
Her students love the quiet smile that rewards them for their hard work.
Before joining the PCS staff, she taught mathematics at
The Doris Eaton School in Walnut Creek, California, and at
St. Thomas the Apostle Scholl in Chicago, Illinois.
She also taught mathematics and computer science in Yerevan, Armenia
for nine years.
Ms. Khachatryan earned her M.S. and undergraduate degree at
Polytechnic University in Yerevan, Armenia.
- Sergey Kudrin
-
Sergey Kudrin is the chessmaster at PCS, teaching chess to all grades, and
coaching chess teams.
Mr. Kudrin is a chess grandmaster, and has played in chess tournaments
all over the world, including the World Championship in 1999.
For the past five years he has taught chess in the Boston area;
three of his students made it to the top 10 lists in the USA.
Mr. Kudrin also has experience in finance, and worked with the Russian
government establishing modern capital markets.
Mr. Kudrin earned his B.A. in computer science with a minor in statistics
at Columbia College in New York City, and his M.B.A. in finance at the
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
- David Myers
-
David Myers brings extensive experience teaching English to Princeton
Charter School. He was an Instructor of English Literature and of
Composition for Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. He worked for
the Institute for Central American Studies and the International Language
Institute in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Mr. Myers earned his Bachelor of Arts from Drew University in Madison,
New Jersey, and his Master of Arts in English from Rutgers University in
New Brunswick, New Jersey. He is working on a doctorate from Rutgers
University.
- Jeanne Nahan
-
Jeanne Nahan teaches music to all students twice a week and directs
concerts and other performances at the school.
She brings music to life through her teaching, her piano playing,
and her soprano singing. She has taught music and piano classes, directed
choral programs, and instructed students at her private studio. Currently,
she sings with Voices Chorale of Pennington and accompany and performs
locally. From 1994-1996 , Ms. Nahan was the vocal director at the Mercer
County Performing Arts High School. From 1987-1993 that she taught private
piano lessons during the after-school program at Princeton Montessori School.
Before moving to Princeton, Ms. Nahan was a choral director and general music
teacher in public schools in Florida. She enjoyed directing "The Fantasticks,"
"Hello Dolly," and "The Shrew." Ms. Nahan earned her Bachelor of
Music/Applied Piano from the Boston Conservatory of Music, and her
Teaching Certificate while attending Boston University.
- Mark Papp
-
Mark Papp teaches physical and health education to all grade levels
at Princeton Charter School.
He feels his job,working with students in class and on athletic teams,
is the most exciting job he could ever have desired.
He is known for his `shimmy shakes' and `high fives.'
Previously he taught at Trenton Community Charter School, where he developed
the curriculum for students in Kindergarten through grade six,
and at Abrams Hebrew Academy in Yardley, Pennsylvania,
where he expanded the number of interscholastic athletic teams from three
to eight, and coached basketball, soccer, cross-country, and tennis.
Mr. Papp earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Health Education
from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his
Master's degree in Educational Administration from Gwynedd-Mercy College in
Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania.
- Kamesh Sankaran
-
Kamesh Sankaran is an after-school tutor at Princeton Charter School.
He is a doctoral candidate in mechanical and aerospace engineering at
Princeton University.
He earned his M.S in mechanical and aerospace engineering at
Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey,
where he is currently a doctoral candidate in mechanical and aerospace engineering
- Mark Schlawin
-
Mark Schlawin puts his ability to hold an audience to work as a mathematics
and science teacher at Princeton Charter School.
He brings mathematical and scientific experience to the classroom
to provide an exciting learning experience to students of all mathematical
abilities. A former Wall Street quantitative analyst, he is returning to
teaching to put his analytical, creative, and communications skills to use
in the classroom. Mr. Schlawin is a story teller and a member of the Garden
State Story League. Prior to his years as an algorithm developer and
financial analyst , he taught mathematics to students from
fifth grade through high school at St. Ann's School in Brooklyn, New York.
He initiated courses in probability and computer programming and developed
a course entitled "Constructive Skepticism." Mr. Schlawin received a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from Oberlin College, and a Master of
Science in Operations Research from Union College.
- Carter Serxner
-
Carter Serxner teaches history and geography courses at Princeton
Charter School. She is a versatile teacher with experience teaching history,
mathematics, and physical education. She is also an Outdoor Education
instructor and an athlete who runs marathons. From 1996 to 1998 she taught
mathematics and history at the Sewickley Academy in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.
Prior to that she taught at the Foote School in New Haven, Connecticut.
She has also coached soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, softball, and basketball.
Ms.Serxner received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Connecticut College
in New London, Connecticut and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with
a concentration in History from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut.
- Jennifer Spoelker
-
Jennifer Spoelker teaches Spanish to grades five through eight at
Princeton Charter School.
She taught Spanish in Mundelein, Illlinois, and has taught English as a
second language in Princeton.
Ms. Spoelker earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education from
Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and her English as a Second
Language Endorsement from National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois.
- Laura Tangmen
-
Laura Tangmen will run the Princeton Charter School after-school
program, assist teachers, and tutor individual students.
Thanks to hier dedication, daily homework for grades 5-7 is provided on the
school's web site.
She is spending the year at the school as a Princeton Project 55
Fellow from Princeton University, in Princeton, New Jersey,
where she earned her M.S. in molecular biology.
- Martha Toma
-
Martha Toma's French language and literature classes immerse students in
the French language and culture. She encourages students to increase and
to practice their vocabulary daily. Her student's work on French grammar
strengthens their English grammar skills. Ms. Toma has taught French
language and literature to children of all ages.
She has researched foreign language capabilities
in children and has been teaching a course in French language and culture
designed for children from ages four to twelve.
Ms. Toma holds an M.A. in French Language and Literature from the
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, a Bachelor of Arts in French
Language and Literature from New York University,
and a General Studies Diploma from the University of Paris - Sorbonne.
- Lisa Winter
-
Lisa Winter is an artist and teacher with a strong background in studio and
computer art.
Her favorite media is watercolor painting, and she hopes to someday
illustrate a children's book.
Last year Ms. Winter taught art to students in Kindergarten through grade
two in four public elementary schools in Hillsborough, New Jersey.
She has taught art courses and workshops to children from kindergarten
through high school at the Arts Council of Princeton, The Princeton YMCA,
the RISD Museum of Art, and the Providence Children's Museum, both in
Providence, Rhode Island.
She worked as an intern with a Disney computer illustrator for a year.
She also interned at galleries and museums including, Smith Museum in
Northampton, Massachusetts, Sotheby's, and Hirschl & Adler Gallery,
both in New York City.
Ms. Winter earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art at Smith College
in Northampton, Massachusetts, and her Master of Arts in Teaching at the
Rhode Island School of Design, in Providence, Rhode Island.
- Shawna Valentine
-
Shawna Valentine is a tutor at Princeton Charter School.
As a Princeton native, she knows exactly how to urge students to
achieve their best, academically and in sports.
Prior to joining the staff, Ms. Valentine worked for the Summer Institute
for the Gifted in Parsippany, New Jersey as a teaching assistant.
She also enjoys coaching cheerleaders for Princeton Youth Football.
She earned her B.A. degree in secondary education from
American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts.
- Linda Gleason
-
Linda Baran Gleason is the Business Manager at Princeton Charter School.
She manages all financial transactions, provides technical assistance for
budgets, oversees all purchases and contracts, and generally provides for the
efficient and effective operation of the non-academic aspects of the school.
Ms. Gleason's prior experience includes a year as the Business Manager at
The Lewis Clinic and School, and fifteen years of experience in accounts,
purchasing, and personnel in a division of Ferguson Enterprises in Lakewood, NJ.
Ms. Gleason earned her A.S. degree in Human Services at Ocean County College, and has taken courses at Northeastern University.
- Krista Hector
-
Krista Hector is the Administrative Assistant to the Head of School.
She brings order and sense to the sometimes hectic office of the school.
- Marybeth Roach
-
Marybeth Roach is the Administrative Assistant to the facilities manager
and acts as the school's registrar.
Previously she was the Administrative Assistant to the Head of School,
managing the school office and overseeing all aspects of admissions.
From 1993 to 1999, she worked at Stuart Country Day School as an
administrative assistant and coordinator of middle-school activities.
Prior to that she worked in research and marketing in New York City.
Ms. Roach earned her Bachelor of Science in marketing from St. John's
University.
|
|
| |
