Every teacher is genuinely expert.

Adam Sachs

English Language Arts (ELA) · Spanish · Cultural Anthropology

Adam holds a BA in Latin American Studies with a minor in World Literature from Whitman College, and is in the process of finishing up an MA in Spanish Translation from the University of Puerto Rico. Adam spent nearly 20 years in the food and beverage industry as a subject matter expert on wine and tea. This unique expertise gave him the opportunity to work informally as an educator, sharing his knowledge with customers and colleagues in an effort to help them better understand and appreciate the products they needed to sell. Adam has lived all over the U.S., and spent extended periods of time traveling in various parts of the world, but now calls Jersey City, New Jersey his home with his wife, son, and yellow labrador Nora. In his free time he enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, traveling, skiing, and going to live concerts.

Alexa Renzella

English Language Arts (ELA) · Math · History

Alexa is a seasoned primary and middle school educator who holds advanced degrees in education and pedagogy and a specialization in science teaching. Alexa has a strong interest in technology and often weaves its use into her work with students. Alexa earned her bachelor’s degree in early education from the University of Guelph, and a second bachelor’s in education from Queen’s University in Ontario. She eventually earned a master’s degree in education and teaching from Western University. Alexa has been a primary school teacher in the Peel District in Ontario since 2017, where she has been recognized for raising test scores, improving wellness, and increasing the use of technology in the classroom. Alexa serves as a mentor for new, junior teachers. Alexa’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. She coaches a number of sports teams, and also tutors and mentors students in academic camps and special education initiatives within the Peel School District.

Allan Cui

Chinese

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HORaDmfxyJLIyr6f6E7FheCPR__qbKd7Q3VkubM_VI0/edit#heading=h.7qw6axy2tar1

Alyson Solomon

Biology · AP Biology

Amy Bivin

English Language Arts (ELA) · Informatics · Latin American Studies

Amy has been teaching English, geography, science, technology and art in primary and middle schools around the world since 1991, including in Japan, Ecuador, and Italy, where she taught in a private international school for over a decade. Amy is a certified Microsoft Innovative Educator, trained in teaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and feels strongly about bringing the world into the classroom while taking her students around the globe. Much of Amy’s teaching career has been spent abroad, teaching in international schools. She began her career teaching in middle schools in Japan with the JET Programm, after completing a dual degree in French and English with certification in teaching English as a second language (TESL). After a stint teaching French and English in a private language institute in Ecuador, Amy moved to Italy, where she worked in international elementary schools and institutions of higher learning in Rome for over a decade. Amy has specialized training and expertise in climate education. She has been the Climate Action School Leader and Climate Action Project Ambassador for Italy since 2020. This work ties deeply to Amy’s focus on helping her students think of themselves as global citizens who are sensitive to world issues. Fostering intercultural relationships for global student exchange is fundamental to Amy’s practice as a teacher, which she implements with student-based activities and collaborative projects with students and schools around the world. Through this work, Amy tries to teach students to think for themselves and problem-solve so they can develop leadership skills and collaborate effectively in order to experience success in the classroom, and, importantly, in life. For the past six years Amy has also worked one-on-one with middle and high school students as a private language instructor and as a translator for an online European newspaper.

Andrés López Schrader

Math · Science · Spanish

Andrés is a versatile science, math, and languages teacher with a wide, international background who builds strong relationships with his students and ignited their curiosity. Andrés’ earned his bachelor’s degree in biology at New York University (NYU) in Abu Dhabi, where he focused on interactions between marine organisms that provide resilience to climate change, such as heat-resistant corals. While at NYU, Andrés’ studied at five different countries, including a semester in Paris to study French linguistics and sociology. During a gap year in college, he discovered a passion for access to education while developing an English immersion curriculum for a Peruvian startup. After graduating, Andrés received certification in secondary mathematics through the Louisiana State Department of Education. He also served as a Teach for America Corps member at a STEM charter school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Here, alongside his official role as a mathematics and science teacher, he inaugurated a coding on iPad club, started a middle school rock band, and collaborated with professors at Louisiana State University (LSU) to expose students to Science Research Mentorship. Andrés now works as a middle school Spanish and French teacher, helping advance intercultural exchange and place-based learning at the Browning School in New York City with a focus on boys’ education. In this role, he has led overnight trips to West Virginia and the Bahamas. Andrés is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, and proficient in Arabic and Hebrew. In his free time, you can find him playing rugby with a local rugby team wherever he is based, or learning new juggling and unicycling tricks. This summer, Andrés will be leading a high school language immersion trip to France. In the fall, Andrés will be attending NYU Steinhardt’s M.A. program in International Education with a focus on Study Abroad and Cross-Cultural Exchange.

Angela DeLegge

Marine Science

Angela is a certified veterinary technician and animal researcher with over 30 years of hands-on experience handling a wide range of animals, from lizards to elephants, tigers, horses, and raptors. Her extensive background includes significant contributions to animal research and zoology. Angela earned her BS in animal science and equine science from Dickinson State University, and subsequent certifications in animal behavior, small animal tech, and teaching from the Veterinary Technical Institute and Husson University. She began her career working in veterinary hospitals as a surgical and lab tech where she worked with a wide range of animals from dogs and cats to horses and elephants. She began teaching veterinary science about 10 years ago, and has taught in university programs in over half a dozen institutions. She currently teaches at St. Joseph’s University in Indiana, and has also taught at WestTech College in California. Angela is an experienced curriculum designer and charismatic teacher whose love of animals is infectious. She has taught her Vet Assistant course to over a hundred students, all of whom passed the certification exam.

Anne Rawley

English Language Arts (ELA) · Writing

Antoni Tang

Math

Antoni is an experienced and versatile educator with a career spanning over 16 years in international education. He has taught Mathematics in middle schools and high schools across the United States, France, and Italy, and has also taught English at universities in both France and Venezuela. His broad teaching background reflects not only his adaptability to diverse educational systems but also his passion for helping students succeed across cultural and linguistic contexts. Currently, Antoni serves as Head of Mathematics at the International School of Bergamo, where he leads the department with a focus on academic rigor, innovation, and student-centered learning. Throughout his career, Antoni has developed a reputation for making mathematics accessible, engaging, and relevant. His teaching approach emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world applications, ensuring that students not only understand mathematical concepts but also see their value beyond the classroom. In his leadership role, he supports colleagues in designing curricula that balance structure with creativity, fostering an environment where both students and teachers can thrive. His experience across multiple countries has given him a unique perspective on education, allowing him to integrate diverse methodologies and adapt to varied student needs. Antoni’s academic background reflects the same breadth and depth as his professional experience. He holds two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Business Marketing and another in African American & African Studies, as well as a Master of Science in Education. This interdisciplinary foundation has shaped his teaching philosophy, blending analytical precision with cultural awareness and pedagogical expertise. His academic journey has instilled in him a strong belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of connecting knowledge to lived experiences. Antoni’s dedication, international perspective, and academic expertise have made him a respected figure in the field of education. Whether teaching mathematics, guiding language learners, or leading a department, he consistently strives to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning in every student he works with.

Ashley Opalka

Literature · Creative Writing · Comprehension and Grammar

Ashley has over twenty years of experience in higher and secondary education as a teacher and an administrator. Her specialties include language arts, Latin, and Roman history and culture. She is also an experienced voice instructor. Ashley earned her B.A. from Bryn Mawr College and a masters degree in vocal performance from Temple University. She has taught in private schools in Philadelphia, including at The Philadelphia School (K–8) where she taught reading, writing, and literature, and Friends Select (K–12), where she taught Latin. In addition to her work as an educator, Ashley has been an editor and college counselor. She has experience guiding students through the high school and college admissions process. Ashley is an insightful, spirited educator who knows how to leverage the intellectual curiosity of her students and instill a love of learning.

Avery Scott

English Language Arts (ELA) · History · Social Studies

Avery Scott graduated summa cum laude from Boston University with a B.A. in English and a B.M. in Violin Performance. He received several awards, including the Robert E. Yellin Award, the English Departmental Award, and the Presser Scholar Award, and is a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda honor society. Since 2021, Avery has worked as a tutor in English and music. His students have achieved top scores on AP exams and the SAT, succeeded in recitals, and won orchestra auditions. He also helps with college application essays. Avery has worked with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) as a teacher, providing instruction and facilitating performances for students in grades one through ten. He has also taught various subjects in the homeschool community, including music history and American history. In addition to teaching, Avery has held leadership roles such as an editor at the Pierrot Chamber Music Festival and co-secretary at the Boston University Half Asian Peoples’ Association. His writing has been published in Writopia Lab and Birding magazine, and his interdisciplinary projects have been supported by the Fresh Squeezed Opera Company and the Boston University Office of the Provost.

Avgoustinos Tsaousis

Math · Physics

Avgoustinos is an innovative and energetic math and physics teacher who works with students across the secondary and university level range. He has hands-on experience as a lab scientist, which he brings to the classroom. He emphasizes skill development, inquiry, and confidence building over rote memorization and learning to the test. Avgoustinos earned his bachelors in physics at the University of Crete and his masters in the the foundations of physics at the University of Cyprus. For the last ten years he has taught science and math at a range of international private schools and universities across Europe, including the American International School of Cyprus, the University of Central Lancashire, and Alexander College. Avgoustinos has deep expertise in the Cambridge and IB curricula, and has served as an IB examiner in math and in physics. He has also served as an SAT proctor and the head of the math department at the American International School of Cyprus. Avgoustinos also has a lot of experience teaching one-to-one as a math and science tutor in a variety of contexts. The one-to-one format plays to his strengths as an educator who values building a strong rapport with his students based around a shared love of inquiry and investigation. Drawing on this, Avgoustinos has served as a science education coordinator for European museums including the Kition Planetarium and Observatory. Avgoustinos is currently earning his Ph.D. in science education at Frederick University.

Ben Knepler

Business · Startups

Bianca Mauro

French

Bianca Mauro has spent her career helping students find confidence and joy in learning French. With a strong foundation in both psychology and language education, Bianca has taught Core French to students in grades 4 through 8 across public schools in Ontario, including gifted and general-stream programs. She believes that language learning is most powerful when it’s grounded in real-world experience—and that every student, no matter their background or ability, deserves to feel seen, supported, and challenged. Bianca holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology and French from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Education from York University, where she focused on Junior-Intermediate education with French as a Second Language as her teachable subject. She has also completed Additional Qualification (AQ) coursework to earn her designation as a French Specialist. Since beginning her teaching career in 2020, Bianca has taught through some of the most challenging and transformative years in recent education history—including remote and hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. She adapted quickly, using technology to create engaging lessons that connected with students across a range of learning styles. Her experience spans the York Region and Toronto District School Boards, where she led Core French instruction, supported middle school transitions, and contributed to programs like MyBlueprint to help students chart their educational journeys. Bianca’s classroom is dynamic, warm, and rooted in the “approche actionnelle”—a task-based, immersive approach to language learning. She has developed creative, student-driven projects like French-language baking challenges, scavenger hunts, and a classroom podcast called “Podcast SVP.” She’s also been deeply involved in school communities as a coach and advisor for extracurriculars including student council, dance club, and cross country. At Cicero Learning, Bianca brings the same energy and empathy to her one-to-one teaching. Her goal is always to meet students where they are—then help them grow through authentic, playful, and rigorous engagement with language and culture. Whether she’s working with a worldschooling family or a gifted student looking for deeper challenge, Bianca is excited to make French come alive.

Breawna Power Eaton

Film · Writing · Screenwriting

Breawna holds advanced degrees in education and creative writing and has over 17 years teaching English, writing, and the humanities in a range of educational settings, from High Tech High, an innovative public high school in California, to semester-at-sea programs, to on the university level in East Asia. For Breawna teaching literacy skills is about empowering people of all ages to clearly communicate their ideas to a particular audience for a specific purpose. Whether teaching literature or writing, she aims for students to learn how to read like a writer, simultaneously deciphering what writers are saying (content) and what they are doing stylistically, rhetorically, and mechanically to ensure readers understand. Breawna helps students learn how writers strategically use diction and style to elicit their desired response and then incorporate these writing tools into their own unique writing approach. The ideal course, in her view, blends creative and academic writing, as both forms can be used to enhance each other. Breawna began teaching English as a high school teacher in 2004. Ever since, she has taught and created curriculum at traditional and project-based schools, both in-person and online. Living in and teaching English in Japan, both to classes and individual students of all ages, gave her first-hand experience in being a language-learner and a teacher to those admirably learning English as a second (or third or fourth) language. In addition to her work as a teacher Breawna has spent a number of years as a freelance journalist, writing personal essays, interviews, and features for a range of publications. Through this work she has come to the view that true writing begins in revision.

Brooke Gonzales

English Language Arts (ELA)

Cameron Schweitzer

History · U.S. History · AP US History

Dr. Cameron Schweitzer serves as the Director of Gateway Seminary’s San Francisco Bay Area Campus and an Associate Professor of Historical Theology. Cameron’s academic journey began at the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he originally intended to study philosophy and pursue a career in law. During that first year, however, he sensed a call to vocational Christian ministry and changed his academic plans. After that first year, he transferred to California Baptist University where he earned Bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and theology and graduated summa cum laude. He then began his Masters’ of Divinity Degree through the Orange County Campus of the then Golden Gate Baptist Seminary in 2013, finishing as a Gateway Seminary graduate in 2017 (the Seminary relocated and changed its name in 2016). He started his Ph.D. the same year in theological studies, completing his doctoral work in 2022. His dissertation focused on the biblical exegesis of the American pastor-theologian, Jonathan Edwards, titled “Towards a Clearer Understanding of Jonathan Edwards’s Biblical Typology: A Case Study in the ‘Blank Bible.’” Cameron has been employed at Gateway Seminary for over 10 years. He first began his service as an employee at Golden Gate Seminary in 2015, as the Seminary’s first Enrollment Specialist. He served in this role for four years before being promoted to the Director of Enrollment. Cameron then served in this subsequent role for four years before being promoted to his current faculty role in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he has been serving since March of 2023. In this role he wears many “hats”: academic administrator, professor, recruiter, advisor, fund-raiser, networker. He has taught courses in theology, history, and ethics. Cameron has also served as an Adjunct Professor in California Baptist University’s online Christian Studies program since 2022, where he teaches introductory courses in philosophy and Bible. Before his decade-long tenure with Gateway Seminary, Cameron also spent a year teaching high school students in Southern California and a semester teaching English as a second language at California State University in San Bernardino. Cameron’s academic interests include theology, history, philosophy, and ethics. His dissertation was published as an academic monograph through the Jonathan Edwards Society in 2025. He has published several articles and book reviews in the Puritan Reformed Journal, the Jonathan Edwards Studies Journal, the Studies in Puritanism and Piety Journal, the Calvin Theological Journal, Themelios, and Religions. He has also published several chapters in the second and third volumes of The Jonathan Edwards Miscellanies Companion. He is currently serving as a co-author and editor of three books under contract for publication in 2027.

Carlos Sunza

Spanish

Carlos Sunza is a Spanish educator and self-taught jazz and classical music composer from Mexico. For the past ten years, Carlos has taught Spanish to students online and in-person using different tools like music and video games. He is a dynamic teacher who builds strong rapport and adjusts his curriculum to meet the needs of his students. Coming from a missionary family, Carlos spent his childhood and part of his teen years moving frequently among various locations in Mexico, which allowed him to learn more in depth about the different cultures, peoples, and places of his home country. Carlos studies global studies, Spanish, and anthropology at Purdue University in Indiana, where he has lived for the last five years with his wife. Carlos enjoys hiking and camping, going for long walks, runs, and bicycle rides. In his leisure time he plays different musical instruments such as the drums, the upright bass, the cello, the piano, and the trombone. He also loves reading and some of his favorite authors are Mario Benedetti, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Juan Rulfo.

Caroline Yang

Math · Chemistry · Biology

Back in 2005, Caroline was a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill and like most seniors, was trying to figure out what to do after college. At the insistence of a friend, she attended a Teach For America presentation and was drawn in by its mission to provide an excellent and equitable education for all students no matter their background. So, Caroline applied for the program and got in. She now had a post-college plan and was on her way to becoming a teacher. Caroline began her career in the Los Angeles Unified School District, teaching middle school math and science to kids in East and Downtown LA. In the summer of 2009, Caroline moved to San Diego and taught high school math and science at High Tech High Chula Vista, a project-based charter school, for nine years until she chose to become a stay-at-home mom. Even though Caroline is no longer a classroom teacher, she still strives to help students be successful academically. Over the past five years, she has worked with high-need students in small group settings to provide them with strategies and intervention in order to combat learning loss. She also works with students one-on-one as a private science and math tutor. And every so often, Caroline still gets to flex her classroom teaching muscles when she volunteers to teach art in her children’s classrooms.

Catherine Vincent

English Language Arts (ELA) · ACT Prep · GCSE Prep

Catherine, a holistic educator from Toronto, is a seasoned teacher with over 20 years of experience across subjects, settings, and age groups. With a background in both STEM and the humanities, she has taught English, math, literacy, and executive functioning from kindergarten through college. She also teaches science, art, and drama, and has led creative programs such as talent shows, improv clubs, and student performances that celebrate voice and imagination. Catherine’s approach is holistic, student-centered, and rooted in the belief that learning flourishes through connection, curiosity, and care. She has worked in a wide range of environments—from large public schools to alternative private programs—and has a deep track record supporting students with multiple exceptionalities. Her special focus includes working with students with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and giftedness. As a Waldorf-trained math specialist, Catherine brings a unique perspective: students are seen as souls inhabiting bodies, and learning becomes a living, artistic, and developmental process. She is equally at home helping a student with significant learning gaps catch up to grade level, guiding advanced learners who want to move ahead, or facilitating non-traditional, student-led learning rooted in interests and curiosity. Alongside her academic teaching, Catherine is a 500-hour certified yoga, mindfulness, and meditation teacher, and an intuitive energy healer trained through two medical intuitive mentorships. She has integrated creative movement, drama, and improv into classrooms and therapeutic settings, and her wellness work has expanded into leading corporate wellness events, international retreats, and community programs. She has also served marginalized populations through outreach programs for racialized seniors, homeless women, and trans youth, bringing education and healing into spaces that need it most. She currently serves as a Senior Wellness Advisor for a startup building smart cities and opportunities for youth. Catherine holds a double major in Biology and English, with additional qualifications in Guidance, Special Education, and ESL. She studied expressive arts therapy at Lesley University, taking several courses before pausing for a leave of absence, and is currently pursuing somatic studies with Spiral Praxis, further blending education, creativity, and healing arts in her work. Currently slow-traveling through Southeast Asia—recently in Vietnam and soon Thailand—she continues to teach and learn across borders and cultures, honoring the wisdom that emerges from global exchange. Her vision as a holistic educator bridges intellect, creativity, body, and spirit—helping learners flourish in every dimension of their being. Whether exploring mathematics, discovering the healing power of movement, or finding their writer’s voice to express ideas about the complexities of an ever-changing society, Catherine guides students toward confidence, curiosity, and meaningful engagement with the world around them.

Cecilia Ulloa Rivadeneira

English Language Arts (ELA) · Math · Behavioral Economics

Cecilia Ulloa is an educator and researcher with over eight years of experience in higher education and academic consulting. She specializes in curriculum design, innovative teaching methodologies, and applied research in education. She earned her Master’s in Applied Economics from Universidad de los Andes (Colombia), a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Ecuador), and a Postgraduate Specialization in University Teaching from Universidad El Bosque (Colombia). Currently, she is completing a Master’s in Education at Universidad El Bosque. Cecilia’s teaching career started as a private tutor for a wide range of subjects. She has worked as a tutor in mathematics, statistics, economics, business management, and English as a Second Language for multiple organizations, preparing students for academic success in high school and university, as well as for exams such as the SAT. She has taught these subjects in both English and Spanish and has had students ranging from middle school to adult professionals. In 2020, she became an IB Diploma Programme school teacher for the subjects of Economics and Business Management. This also allowed her to support her students as a research tutor for the IB Extended Essay and as a CAS project teacher. She has also taught at Saint Leo University and Southern New Hampshire University, delivering courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, business economics, and applied economics at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Besides her work as a tutor, she currently works at an international online school as an Instructional Designer and Business Management Instructor designing and teaching IB DP courses in English and Spanish for junior and senior year students around the world. Beyond teaching, Cecilia has contributed to educational research and consulting projects. As a research assistant at Universidad El Bosque, she participated in projects on strengthening institutional capacities for science, technology, and innovation ecosystems. She has also collaborated with several organizations as an educational consultant for the development of business and economics programs. Even though Cecilia´s professional focus and passion is education, her professional experience in management and finance complements her career in academia. She has provided consulting services in operations and finance management to various organizations in South America, including volunteer consulting for non-profit initiatives. She also worked as a Finance Manager at Latin American Leadership Academy (LALA), an international non-profit, and co-founded Serendipity Colombia SAS, a retail business. These roles have allowed her to connect theory with practice and bring a real-world perspective into her teaching.

Chanel Williams

Philosophy · History · U.S. History

Chanel Williams is an experienced international educator with over 17 years in K–12 and adult education, specializing in gifted education, special education, and English language instruction. She currently works with Broward County Schools in Florida, supporting neurodivergent learners as well as high-achieving students, and is known for tailoring learning experiences to meet each student’s unique needs. Her approach blends rigorous academics with a focus on curiosity, confidence, and personal growth. Chanel holds a specialist degree in special education and a master’s in public administration, combining deep pedagogical expertise with a commitment to equity and inclusion. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom through her role as Southeast Regional Representative for the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), where she supports 33 chapters in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. Chanel’s career reflects a global perspective and a belief in education as a force for social change. Chanel has developed culturally responsive curriculum, designed interdisciplinary courses in psychology, U.S. history, and global leadership, and led professional development for educators on inclusive practices. She has also been actively involved in Model UN programming, refugee advocacy, and leadership training for young changemakers. Chanel’s professional work is informed by ongoing research, including self-study on Black educator professional learning communities and participation in international summits on forced migration. Whether teaching in traditional classrooms, online environments, or through project-based learning, she prioritizes helping students see themselves as capable, empowered learners who can navigate complex global issues. Chanel brings expertise, warmth, and adaptability to one-to-one teaching, creating courses that respond to each student’s passions, level, and goals. She sees each lesson as an opportunity to nurture critical thinking, cultural awareness, and the confidence to thrive—both in academics and beyond.

Christina Puza

Science · Biology · Engineering

Christina Puza has worn many hats in her career, including gymnastics coach, jet engine mechanic, and business executive before finding her true calling as a science, engineering, and business teacher for middle and high school students. She brings a fresh, real-world experience to her work with students. Christina began her career in the Marine Corps as a jet engine mechanic. She returned to school to earn a degree in business administration, and spent two decades working as a business consultant for aerospace and energy companies. She is a Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing specialist. In 2020 Christina went back to school to earn her master’s degree in secondary science education, combining her passion for engineering and STEM generally with her natural skills in people processes and learning. She currently teaches biology, ecology and STEM as well as business administration and finance. In recognition of her excellence in teaching, Christina was honored as the Tennessee High School Science Teacher of the Year in 2021. Outside of the classroom, Christina coaches the Girls’ Lacrosse team and sponsors a STEM club, further enriching the educational experience for her students beyond traditional academics.

Christy Ogilvie McCreary

English Language Arts (ELA) · Music · Executive Functioning

Christy is a multifaceted educator, coach, and mentor whose work with young people includes a strong background in executive function drawn from her years of work with busy business professionals. Christy earned her BA from Monmouth College in English, with a minor in music. She’s a firm believer in the Socratic method, small group discussions and the liberal arts. Several years ago, Christy returned to university to work on a MA in education, earning her secondary education certification in English. She is completing her Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) certification in Spring 2024. Christy has had a multifaceted career, which makes her an excellent learning coach for students whose paths may not be linear. She spent a large part of her early career as a singer, band leader, and recording artist while running her own voice teaching studio. It was during this time that she began teaching music and discovered that she had a gift for teaching young people. Working with teens and young adult singers, she honed her ability to meet students where they are, in the moment, with support and understanding. Rounding out the artistic and expressive parts of her CV, Christy has published one novel and is at work on the second. She found her following as a poet during the pandemic in 2020. Christy currently works as a business coach helping business professionals with nuanced language and personality understanding in order to build genuine connection in a world that can feel cold and impersonal. Drawing on her experience as a teacher led her to start working with students, specifically on executive function skills that they will need in order to succeed in this busy world. Christy is a joyful, fun, and focused learning coach who can assess the needs of a student and create a program for exactly them. Away from work, Christy is practicing yoga, gardening, or throwing parties so she can cook for her friends. A devoted Great Lakes lover, her second home is in Tuscany, Italy.

Claire Dosette

Vector Math · Science · Chemistry

Claire is a versatile & enthusiastic teacher of A-level Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as General Science to IGCSE level and Middle School STEM, with a 2:1 honours degree in Environmental Science. She has worked in both public and private schools in the UK and France. She currently has responsibility for the pastoral care and delivery of the PSGS programme for Upper Middle School students, and throughout her teaching career has worked as a tutor with students throughout secondary school. In her current school she has implemented and co-ordinated the whole school House system, and this has included planning and running House Days for the entire school community (ages 3 – 19 years old), in addition to the redesigning of the school’s International Week to make it more dynamic and to incorporate more of a House based and cohesive feel to the activities. Additionally, she has co-ordinated a Science club and whole school activities for National Science Week, designed and implemented new schemes of work for all key stages, worked with student teachers and new staff in a mentoring role. She has organized numerous trips to enhance academic learning and have organized, as well as supported, extra-curricular pastoral trips including those with overnight stays. Last year she designed and led a trip to the USA, and is in the process of organizing a multi-venue trip to Italy for this summer. She is also in the process of completing her training to become an accredited assessor for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. In addition to her teaching role, Claire has been an exam marker for AQA, an author for an online-textbook company, and privately tutored students in preparation for their GCSE’s.

Claire Nuchtern

Math

Claudia Andrade

Cody Miller

Humanities

Constanza Otero

Vector Math · Science · Math

From her early years chasing fireflies in her grandparent’s backyard, Constanza cultivated a passion for science that led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology and, eventually, a Ph.D. in biological chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). After years as a researcher, including work in Papua New Guinea, Constanza realized the urgency of addressing human impact on the planet and its repercussions on health, which led her to become a teacher. In 2016, Constanza transitioned to full-time teaching, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education from UBA in 2018 with a specialization in psychoanalysis and socio-educational practices in 2020. With her deep background in the hard sciences and her later training in psychology and social science, Constanza is able to teach biology, chemistry, psychology, and geography, incorporating active learning, inquiry-based strategies, and technology integration. Beyond her online lessons, Constanza challenges students in Buenos Aires to address complex issues at the intersection of Human and Environmental Health. She aspires to equip them to find solutions for local problems, contributing to food security, holistic health, deforestation relief, pollution reduction, and climate change mitigation, with the hope of bringing back fireflies to Buenos Aires province backyards.

Cory Plough

Latin American Studies · U.S. History · World History

With two decades in online education, Cory has had a unique and interesting education journey. He has been a school leader, teacher, coach, professional development coordinator and even worked in student and family support. His true passion lies with teaching students and connecting with them in personalized and engaging ways. Cory taught social studies and technology courses for the first online school in Nevada and then joined the first online school in the country to be an education leader. His experiences in non-traditional programs has allowed him to focus on supporting students and teachers with methods that bring out their best.

Dan Chase

Math

A fascination with math and science grabbed Dan early on in his life. Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina, he excelled in those school subjects. Then at age 16 he left home to attend the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, a public boarding school in Durham, NC, for high achieving students in the state. He went on to his undergraduate college years at UNC-Chapel Hill, then earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching at Western Carolina University. Dan’s twenty-plus years of teaching experience are marked by a variety of school settings. He has taught in a public middle school, a two-room schoolhouse, and two large independent college-prep high schools. Along the way he has served as a dorm parent for high school boarding students, assistant wrestling coach, and math department chair. In 2022 Dan stepped out of the traditional classroom and focused his energies on private educational services. He assists middle-school and high-school students with one-on-one tutoring. He specializes in preparing students for their ACT or SAT tests with unique strategies specific to those tests. Beyond the world of academics and mathematics, Dan dives into the outdoors. He spent many summers during college and afterwards working as a counselor, teacher, and climbing director at several nature camps around the United States. Currently in summertime Dan guides families on hands-on natural science hikes in the unique ecosystem of the southern Appalachian temperate rainforest. In his free time you can often find him foraging, fishing, hunting, and hiking in the vast game lands of the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests near his home. Whatever local food he scares up makes its way onto the dinner plates with his wife and two teenage daughters.

Delfin Meehan

Math

Delfin Meehan has been working as a tutor (heightened text, reading/writing/comprehension, and grade school math) for the past five years. She graduated in 2019 from Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts receiving her BFA in acting. After studying a year at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, she gained much insight on how to make heightened text more accessible for contemporary readers. Due to the deep focus on textual analysis and critical investigation of narratives in her conservatory training, Delfin adores being a facilitator for young talent and serving as an aid to help students find their confidence. Her hope is to spark and share the joy of reading, analyzing (numbers or text), and writing to all of her wonderful students.

Dinh Truong

English Language Arts (ELA) · Design · Graphic Design

Dinh is a trans Vietnamese-American artist, designer, and educator with a diverse background in game design, industrial design, and sculpture. Dinh earned their bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design with a concentration in language arts from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where they explored a broad range of creative disciplines, from woodworking and design ethics to interdisciplinary studies. During their undergraduate years, Dinh served as a producer for Brown/RISD Game Design, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to bring games to life. In this role, they honed their skills in the entire game design process, including concept development, art and sound direction, and coding. Dinh’s technical proficiency spans multiple areas of game creation. They have a particular passion for art concepting and animation, which they see as the spark that starts games, giving gameplay mechanics a lot of life. They are deeply inspired by pixel art, dungeon crawler roguelikes, Pokémon, and fan games, all of which have shaped their creative perspective and aesthetic sensibilities. Their ability to unite technical expertise with a love of storytelling and playful experimentation shapes their understanding of how to be an impactful educator. As a resident advisor at RISD, Dinh cultivated supportive learning environments for students of all levels, emphasizing collaboration, respect, and growth. Additionally, they worked as a critic at the Center of Arts and Language, providing constructive written and verbal feedback to their peers, further solidifying their ability to guide and mentor young creators. Dinh’s passion for teaching lies in fostering a new generation of designers who can think critically and creatively about their craft. By blending their knowledge of game design, industrial design and painting with a commitment to individuality and expression, Dinh equips their students with the tools to create playful, thoughtful, and deeply personal work.

Dora Nelson

Math · Biology

Dorian Palumbo

Art

Elizabeth Tylawsky

AP Latin · Latin · AP Latin

Emilie Dion Wolf

Biology · Marine Science · Ecology

Emilie is a lifelong learner, nature lover, and educator with over 15 years of experience teaching in formal and informal education settings. She believes in the importance of transmitting the love of learning, critical thinking, and developing genuine connections with our environment. Emilie understands that we all learn in slightly different ways and strive to incorporate as many different learning styles as possible into her curricula designs. Emilie has had the pleasure of working as a science educator and curriculum developer for two internationally recognized scientific institutions: the Montreal Botanical Gardens and the American Museum of Natural History. This experience allowed her to learn from experts in the field and to teach a wide range of learners and topics. She has also taught in a New York private school for the past 10 years, developing the curricula for grades 2,4,6,9, and a scientific research elective for juniors and seniors. Five years ago, she transitioned into the role of science department chair which gave her the opportunity to support her peers’ work with their curricula and to ensure the continuity of the program from k-12. More recently Emilie started teaching environmental science at NYU, which has been a wonderful learning experience to develop a curriculum for post-secondary education. In addition to biology and environmental science, Emilie has a lot of experience teaching marine science and doing research, including a stint at the Garry Marine Institute in Scotland studying grey seal behavior, and a semester studying tropical marine ecology in Barbados. Emilie is SCUBA certified and has completed reef surveys in Hawaii, the Galapagos, Barbados, and the Bahamas. Emilie has also written curriculum and taught marine science camps and after-school programs for the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Although the pandemic brought its fair share of challenges and hardships, it also gave Emilie the opportunity to experience online teaching. As with all teaching modalities, it is not suited for all students; however, it offers opportunities and flexibility that the regular class does not. Emilie has taught both synchronous and asynchronous courses in science. Emilie particularly appreciates the increased level of individual interaction and differentiation possible in a digital classroom.

Ethan Tannen

Math · AP Calculus AB · AP Calculus BC

Flax Glor

Film · Writing · Screenwriting

Flax Glor is a multi-talented filmmaker and screenwriter who has earned accolades for his short films and narrative music videos. Flax brings a wealth of professional experience to his teaching, and has taught students across a range of ages from middle school to adult learners. Flax holds a Master’s degree in screenwriting and creative writing and has worked as both a screenwriter and filmmaker. He is the author of “Filmmaking Simplified,” a book about filmmaking. He currently resides in Astoria, Oregon, where he works as a script analyst for a prominent Hollywood production company. Flax also teaches at a local community college and online for students all over the world. Flax’s work has been screened at such prestigious events as the Cannes Independent Festival and the Bay Area Short Film Festival. Flax has also gained recognition as a semifinalist at the Big Apple Film Festival Screenplay Competition and has been featured on The Red List through Coverfly.

Francis Highton

Veterinary Science · Geography · AP Human Geography

Francis Highton is a geographer and educator who brings both academic depth and real-world perspective to his teaching. He has taught geography across a range of school settings in the UK, working with students of varying ages and abilities, and is known for creating classrooms that are intellectually engaging, structured, and responsive to each student’s needs. Francis approaches teaching as a collaborative process, encouraging students to ask questions, think critically about the world around them, and connect what they learn to real places and lived experiences. His work is grounded in the belief that geography is not just about maps, but about understanding people, systems, and the forces shaping our world. Francis holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from Durham University, where he graduated in 2013. He continued his studies at Durham, earning a master’s degree in risk and security in collaboration with the international studies department. He later completed his postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) at the University of Reading, formally training as a classroom teacher. His academic work reflects a sustained interest in human geography and the intersection of place, culture, and global systems. His undergraduate dissertation explored the long-term impacts of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on the city, while his master’s research focused on the London 2012 Olympics, examining questions of security, surveillance, and the lasting effects of global events on urban environments. This foundation informs the way Francis teaches, often bringing in case studies and real-world examples that help students see the relevance of geography in everyday life. Before entering teaching, Francis pursued elite-level rowing, training with the goal of qualifying for the Olympic team. During this time, he also worked in leadership roles, including managing a cinema and later overseeing large-scale events for Moving Ahead. These experiences shaped his ability to lead, communicate clearly, and engage groups—skills that translate directly into his classroom practice. Since 2019, Francis has been teaching geography at Hampton School in London, where he has taught across multiple year groups and contributed to a vibrant academic community. In addition to his teaching, he is a Level 2 certified rowing coach, runs the geography club, helps organize the Geographical Association’s Worldwise Quiz, and has led student trips to Tenerife, Iceland, and Uganda. Across all of his work, Francis aims to make learning dynamic, relevant, and deeply connected to the wider world.

Gabriel Morais

Chemistry · Physics · Math

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ESvbxpn1myxodcrkJX6WaaakwZxEK2jNxecu7mLufj0/edit

Gay Collins

English Language Arts (ELA) · Playwriting · Philosophy

Gay is an inspiring English language arts teacher with deep experience in public schools and national board certification. She has taught many Cicero student who all love her personalized approach. Gay has taught public education for 26 years, starting with middle school language arts and then moving on to high school English, American literature, public speaking, studies in drama, and creative writing. She earned National Board Certification in 2003 and became a mentor teacher to new teachers joining the school system. This work led her to think more broadly about the education system, eventually leading to certificates in school administration and positive psychology. In the last few years Gay has become increasingly interested in student mental health, school culture, and teacher morale. She currently serves as a university supervisor within The University of Connecticut’s NEAG School of Education where she helps develop new teachers and speaks and writes publicly on topics related to teaching and learning during these times of change. Gay recently retired so that she could free herself to take on new directions while still remaining immersed in education. She has started working with students outside of the public system, which she feels has become over-burdensome and sluggish. She sees school innovation as happening in these new spheres, and she wants to be a part of that change. As a teacher emeritus Gay brings an unparalleled level of insight and compassion to her work. She is deeply invested in the challenge of reaching young hearts and minds; and she remains focused on the student/teacher relationship.

Genevieve Dierenga

Marine Science · Science · Environmental Science

Genevieve is a science educator with more than thirty years of experience teaching secondary students and over five years teaching at the college level. She has taught across public school districts, higher education, and online learning environments, supporting students from middle school through graduate study. Her background spans biology, environmental science, oceanography, chemistry, earth science, and physical science, and she is known for helping students build deep understanding while developing confidence as independent thinkers. At the heart of her work is a belief that science education should be rigorous, relevant, and empowering. Genevieve holds a Doctor of Education in teacher leadership from Walden University, where she completed a doctoral study examining the impact of a freshman house system on student credit accumulation. She also earned a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Nevada and a bachelor’s degree in natural science and mathematics with a concentration in biology from Dowling College. Her academic work reflects a strong commitment to research based instructional practices and thoughtful curriculum design. Throughout her career, Genevieve has taken on leadership roles that shape learning well beyond her own classroom. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has served as a science department leader, curriculum committee member, and district level assessment developer. She has designed and facilitated professional development for educators and mentored more than thirty practicum students and novice teachers through her work with new teacher programs at the site, regional, and individual levels. Her leadership has contributed to NGSS aligned curriculum development, pacing guides, and common assessments in biology, environmental science, and oceanography. In higher education, Genevieve served as an adjunct faculty member with Concordia University Online, where she taught graduate level courses including The Environment: Past and Present, Current Environmental Issues, The Nature of Science, and Curriculum and Assessment. In this role, she supported national and international students through scholarly discourse, APA instruction, and both synchronous and asynchronous learning. She is highly skilled in designing engaging online learning experiences and works fluently across platforms such as Blackboard, Canvas, ManageBac, and WebEx. Genevieve has also contributed to several grant funded research and curriculum initiatives, including a USDA-funded aquaponics and hydroponics study, sustainability education projects with the Desert Research Institute, and curriculum development for the NSF EPSCoR program. Her work has been recognized with honors such as Environmental Excellence Teacher of the Year. Outside the classroom, Genevieve’s service reflects her belief in education as a transformative force. She has volunteered as a tutor with the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, co-led a Girl Scouts troop for over a decade, and served as a judge for the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Whether working one on one with students or mentoring educators, she brings depth, care, and a steady commitment to meaningful learning.

Geneviv Magtoto

Biology · Chemistry

Geneviv is a versatile and dedicated teacher with extensive experience in a variety of educational settings. She holds a bachelor’s degree in medical technology and a master’s degree in education, along with a diploma in special education from the University of Baguio. Geneviv’s teaching expertise spans across different countries, including Singapore, Qatar, and Italy, where she has taught a wide range of subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics, catering to curricula like IB, AP, IGCSE, and O-Level. Genevev’s inclusive teaching style, coupled with her ability to address challenges related to independent learning, ensures that she nurtures the potential of each student, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Geoffrey Baines

Math · Economics · Business

Geoffrey brings a diverse teaching background to his role, with experience as a swimming instructor, financial compliance educator, and tutor. Geoffrey earned his BA in economics from McMaster University in Canada. He has spent much of his career in finance, working largely in the real estate industry. He holds several financial industry certifications from the Canadian Securities Institute. Additionally, Geoffrey is a licensed and active member of the Real Estate Council of Ontario, underscoring his deep involvement in finance and real estate. Geoffrey’s experience as an educator has been with middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults, both as a tutor in math and economics, and as a trainer in finance, financial tools, and asset management. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys a well-rounded array of activities, including traveling, hiking, tennis, basketball, reading, and listening to music.

George Hamilton

Social Studies · Political Science · Latin American Studies

Dr. George Hamilton is an experienced humanities teacher and scholar who has spent his career helping students make sense of the world through history, government, and literature. With experience teaching in both traditional and virtual classrooms, he brings a steady, thoughtful presence and a genuine love of learning to his work with students. George has taught a wide range of courses—including AP U.S. History, AP World History, AP Government, and AP Literature—and is known for creating environments where curiosity takes the lead and complex ideas feel approachable. His teaching blends academic rigor with a warm, grounded style that encourages students to connect what they’re studying to the larger world. Dr. Hamilton Holds a Bachelor’s and a Master of Liberal Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and a Doctorate from Universidad Azteca. His doctoral dissertation, The Development of Sandinista Thought in the 21st Century and Its Implications on Central American Stability, reflects his deep interest in the relationship between ideology, policy, and regional dynamics in Latin America. George’s teaching career has been shaped by a commitment to helping students understand not only historical events, but also the systems, ideas, and human stories behind them. He has taught Advanced Placement history and literature courses to students from a wide range of cultural and educational backgrounds, customizing each course to meet students where they are and building it outward from their interests and goals. His work also extends beyond the classroom. George has collaborated with non-governmental organizations such as Schools for Chiapas, pairing his academic expertise with on-the-ground efforts to support community education and development. These experiences continue to inform his teaching, especially his emphasis on global awareness, civic responsibility, and understanding the lived realities behind geopolitical narratives. At Cicero, George brings together his scholarly background and his gift for one-to-one learning. He builds courses that invite students to follow their questions, think critically about the world, and see themselves as participants in a much larger human story. His goal is simple and steady: to help each student grow into a more thoughtful, informed, and capable version of themselves—one meaningful conversation at a time.

Gillian Carroll

Physics

A certified chartered physicist, Gillian has taught physics for over three decades in UK schools and in the Cambridge curricula system. She has also developed a specialization in project-based learning and the Cambridge Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Gillian also teaches math and biology. Gillian studied physics at Edinburgh University, where she obtained her bachelors and thrived in the rigorous academic environment and rich cultural heritage available in Edinburgh. Drawn to hands-on, practical work Gillian began her career working on medical physics research at the premature baby unit at the local hospital. Gillian earned a master’s of science in photonic research from the University of Salford. Along the way she began tutoring fellow students and fell in love with teaching. To skill up as a teacher she enrolled in teacher training and earned her certificate in teaching math and physics. Gillian’s teaching experience has ranged across a variety of school types and student backgrounds, including teaching in both boys and girls private schools, working with Somali refugees, adult returners, and disaffected technical students as well as academic high-flyers. She has recently worked at a project-based, Cambridge curriculum independent school in Bucharest, Romania, where she currently lives. In addition to physics, math, and other STEM subjects, Gillian has also design curricula, tutored and taught across a wide range of social science subjects including history, Islam, and feminism.

Gongzi Chen

Chemistry · Statistics · Gender Studies

http://yes/

Hadley Westman

English Language Arts (ELA)

Hadley Westman has over a decade of teaching experience in middle and high school settings. With a B.A. in English from Swarthmore and an M.A. from Middlebury’s Bread Loaf School of English, Hadley is a highly qualified master teacher trained in textual analysis, creative writing, and literary theory. Beyond this, though, Hadley has the ability to make a text come alive for students using an inquiry-based method. The daughter of teachers, Hadley’s classes always feature a strong dialogic component and a focus on process-driven writing. Hadley has taught both middle and high school English classes in public and private school settings in the U.S. as well as abroad in Jordan. She has also served as an instructional leader and graduate school professor to support the development of other first- and second-year English teachers. At North Star Academy in Newark, NJ she was awarded the Frederick Douglass Teacher of the Year award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to her students. In addition to her traditional classroom experience, Hadley has several years experience teaching 1-on-1 as a part of Cicero Learning. Parents and students alike have remarked on Hadley’s ability to connect with students and create a vibrant, intellectually curious environment for exploration of the written word.

Hanan Hammoud

Math

Hanan Hammoud is a Lebanese-Italian educator with a deep passion for teaching mathematics and empowering students to reach their full potential. With 16 years of teaching experience, she has taught mathematics across various international schools, following different curricula such as IGCSE, AL, AS, AP, and has also prepared students for the math SAT. Currently, Hanan teaches MYP5, DP1, DP2, AA SL in the IB curriculum at H-Farm International School in Catron, Veneto, Italia. With a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a Master’s degree in education, Hanan is dedicated to continually enhancing her teaching skills. She has attended two IB workshops, CAT 1 and CAT 2, and holds the “Apple Teacher” certificate of recognition.

Hannah Miller

Writing

Hannah grew up as a worldschooler and started blogging about her experience as a world traveler and world learner at age 14. After years of writing about her own experiences, she has begun coaching and teaching other young people in order to help them achieve their dreams as creative storytellers and passionate changemakers. Hannah’s expertise lies in art, creative writing, and formal writing; and her students have published novels, created popular blogs, and penned successful college essays. Hannah also teaches blogging—setting up, coding, and running a successful blog—for teenagers.

Heather Dalton

Drama · Writing · English Language Arts (ELA)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14gB6ursRBX7pa7qCqDgrwf_SRoNdl48XHQDrb65HoWc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.50rrcsarei43

Jack DeLosh

Math · Economics · Precalculus

Jack DeLosh has spent more than a decade teaching mathematics in both classrooms and one-to-one settings, helping students move beyond performance toward genuine mathematical confidence. He has taught across the secondary years, from foundational high school courses through advanced calculus, and brings a rare combination of rigor, warmth, and adaptability to his work. At the center of Jack’s teaching is a belief that students learn mathematics best when they are active participants in the process—grappling with ideas, asking questions, and building understanding through discovery. His teaching is deeply personalized, grounded in high expectations, but always responsive to the student in front of him. Jack began his academic journey at Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, developing the analytical habits and systems thinking that continue to shape his approach to mathematics. He later pursued a master’s degree in education from the University of Denver, where he deepened his study of pedagogy and student-centered teaching. Jack’s classroom foundation was built at Green Mountain High School in Colorado, where he taught all levels of secondary mathematics. There he developed a reputation for making demanding material accessible without oversimplifying it, helping students engage deeply with concepts rather than relying on memorization or procedure alone. His work alongside innovative educator Kyle Kirby further shaped his commitment to “thinking classrooms,” where students take ownership of problem solving and learn to see themselves as mathematical thinkers. In one-to-one settings, Jack has worked extensively with students in advanced and high-stakes courses, particularly AP Calculus AB/BC and college calculus, as well as students preparing for the SAT and ACT. He has guided hundreds of students through pivotal academic transitions, whether supporting a struggling student to rebuild foundations or helping an advanced learner push toward mastery. His work is particularly well suited to motivated students seeking challenge, as well as those who need individualized pacing and conceptual rebuilding. What distinguishes Jack is his emphasis on mastery learning: he believes mathematical gaps are best addressed through patient, personalized exploration rather than rushing ahead. In Cicero’s one-to-one model, this translates naturally into courses that can be built around a student’s interests, pace, and ambitions—whether pursuing advanced coursework, project-based explorations in applied math, or simply learning to think more confidently and independently through mathematics.

James John Bryer

AP US History · Social Studies · Health

James holds a History MA from UCL (University College London), a Politics MA by Research from Swansea University and a Politics & International Relations BA completed at the University of Reading. James’ teaching journey began in Borneo, Malaysia, where he taught English for a kindergarten in a rural community in 2013. This experience ignited his passion for teaching, leading him to pursue a teaching career in China after gaining valuable experience in sales. His first teaching role in Nanjing, China in 2018 involved instructing English through an interactive, content-integrated curriculum, encompassing Drama, Music, Math, Science, and Geography subjects for young learners with limited English proficiency. James also has experience teaching AP U.S. History at a reputable bilingual high school in Jinan, China. Despite the course’s difficulty, he found joy in the depth of conversation and discussion it encouraged. Unfortunately, the pandemic’s impact in 2020 prevented James from returning to China, leading him to offer online AP History tutoring worldwide. During these times, he saw significant growth in his private tutoring and online teaching at accredited American high schools. He now excels as an AP U.S. History expert and teaches various social science and humanities subjects remotely.

James Weiner

Math · Social Studies · Engineering

James is a committed lifelong learner whose curiosity and passion for history, literature, and understanding how things work is infectious. James earned his bachelors in classics on an ROTC scholarship; and shortly after graduating joined the Air Force to serve in space command where he eventually became an instructor. While in the military James earned a masters degree in disaster management, which he occasionally brings into his classes through modelling and what-if scenarios. As an instructor in the Air Force James realized that his true passion is teaching. So, after leaving the military he earned a second masters degree in education and began teaching in high schools and community colleges in Colorado where he lives. James’ teaching experience has been quite varied, including in a rural school where students had to balance schoolwork with farm work and at a charter school north of Denver where a majority of the student body speak Spanish as a first language. Drawing on his diverse educational and occupational background in humanities and quantitative science, James has taught everything from history to the physical sciences, geography, civics, mathematics and english language arts to groups ranging from adult learners to grade schoolers. In his own words, “It is amazing how much an auditorium of fighter pilots can resemble a kindergarten class when needing to wrangle attention to a task.”

Jan Frazier

Latin · AP Latin

Jan is a seasoned Latin teacher with a rich, varied background and years of classroom and on-site (in Italy) experience. Jan has always had a passion for teaching and writing, which has shaped her lifelong career journey. After college, she embarked on her career as a daily newspaper reporter, later transitioning to the role of a newspaper editor. Subsequently, she ventured into writing legal analyses for an insurance company and crafting software manuals for a computer company. Ultimately, her path led her to the high school classroom, where she combined her love for teaching with her devotion to Latin, the language of learning. For over 15 years, Jan taught in the classroom, coached her Latin Honor Society leaders, led trips to Italy, mentored new Latin teachers, and planned state-wide Latin gatherings – all to encourage the love of Latin everywhere.

Jan Osborn

English Language Arts (ELA) · Creative Writing · Essay Writing

Dr. Jan Osborn has spent her career teaching across a range of disciplines, from middle school to the university level. Jan has a strong background in English language arts, writing, and political science; and has pioneered a multidisciplinary institute that bridges the humanities and social sciences. Most importantly, Jan is a passionate educator who build student-centered environments that inspire young learners and ignite their love of learning. An alumnus of the University of Michigan and the University of California, Riverside, Dr. Jan Osborn is an Emeritus English Professor at Chapman University where she taught composition, linguistics, and rhetoric and was a faculty member in the Smith Institute of Political Economy and Philosophy, collaborating with the director to develop the Humanomics program, intersecting literature with philosophy and economics. Prior to to Chapman, Jan taught English in secondary public schools in Los Angeles and Orange County, California; she also taught English at community colleges in Michigan and California, providing reading and writing opportunities for students from diverse socio-economic and ethnic communities. In addition to classroom practice, Jan has been an active community engagement leader and ambassador. As director of the Chapman University / Orange High School Literacies Partnership, which included the John Fowles Center’s Young Writers’ Workshop, she worked with local high school students to foster an authentic, sustained opportunity to develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. As co-director of the Orange County Literary Society Collaborative, Jan worked with community colleges in LA and OC to introduce their students to contemporary authors, developing literacies through engaged reading and writing. At the university, Jan was also co-director of Underground Panthers, a comprehensive program to serve formerly incarcerated juveniles who may not have envisioned themselves as college students. In Summer 2024, Jan served as the writing coordinator for a NSF grant, Pathways to STEM, where she worked with community college students learning to write policy briefs in environmental science. Jan continues to participate in the annual Humanomics Alumni Colloquium, a robust means of providing reading and discussion opportunities for students after graduation and in addition to the intellectual focus in their careers. Jan’s scholarship has focused on Humanomics, discourse analysis, multilingual literacies and rhetoric, and the intersections of visual and verbal rhetorical choices in graphic fiction and nonfiction and digital media. Her work with Aesthetic Education continues to inform her scholarship, including introducing sketchbook journaling as a literacy practice to students from fifth grade through the university. Jan’s book Community Colleges and First-Generation Students: Academic Discourse in the Writing Classroom was published in 2015. She has numerous publications in academic journals ranging from motherhood studies to language and literary analysis. In addition, she is a member of the Bennett Avenue Writers Group and publishes poetry in literary journals as part of her creative life.

Jason Bogart

English Language Arts (ELA)

Jason is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience in international schools around the world. He has taught English literature and epistemology in the both the British curriculum (IGCSE) and the international baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Originally from Canada, Jason earned double bachelor’s degrees in English literature and education from Saint Mary’s University and Acadia University. He then headed overseas to begin a career of teaching in international schools including the Lycee Francais in Hong Kong, Aqaba International School in Jordan, and the Yew Chung International School in Chonqing China. One of Jason’s specialties is the IB Theory of Knowledge curriculum, an innovative course in philosophy and epistemology that teaches students how to think critically about information, how we know something, and rhetoric. Jason also has deep experience teaching English literature, is a published poet, and teaches public speaking coach. Jason aims to deliver a challenging, creative, and positive student learning experience that focuses on comprehension, inquiry, dialogue, and appropriate academic risk-taking. Exceptional in preparing students for external examinations.

Jason Bush

Spanish · English Language Arts (ELA) · Social Studies

Jason Bush is an interdisciplinary humanities educator who brings a lifelong love of stories, language, and interpretation into every classroom conversation. With experience teaching at both the university and high school level, Jason has taught courses in theater history, multicultural theater, script analysis, Spanish language and culture, and English language arts. He is especially skilled at helping students make meaning from complex texts—whether they’re reading literature, analyzing culture, or building arguments through writing. Jason’s approach is highly dialogic and student-centered: he sees learning as an active investigation, shaped by curiosity, real-world questions, and the student’s evolving perspective. Jason began his graduate studies in theater at Ohio State University, where he taught university courses while pursuing research focused on global theater and performance. His scholarship led him to Latin America, where he developed a specialization in Peruvian and Latin American theater and performance. Through multiple research trips to Peru, including a full year living there, Jason became proficient in Spanish and gained firsthand experience learning within a different cultural context—an experience that continues to shape how he teaches language, literature, and global perspectives. After returning to Ohio to complete his dissertation work, Jason began teaching Spanish at the university level and quickly found a deep connection to language education. Drawing on communicative language teaching methods, he built engaging courses that helped students use Spanish as a living tool for connection and cultural exploration. Following a postdoctoral fellowship in performance studies at Stanford University, Jason transitioned into independent school education in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he continued teaching Spanish and expanded his work in curriculum development. Jason eventually became the Spanish specialist at Khan Lab School, where he designed a research-based language program from the ground up. Through professional development in content-based language instruction and multiliteracies teaching, he developed a project-based approach that placed cultural inquiry and meaningful text creation at the center of learning—an approach that led to unusually high student retention in language courses. In recent years, Jason has brought his expertise in project-based learning and textual interpretation into English language arts as well, teaching at Lydian Academy and School for Independent Learners. There, he helped shift ELA curriculum away from textbook-driven instruction toward inquiry-based study, where students explore cognitively engaging themes through fiction and nonfiction and respond by composing real-world, multimodal work that blends writing with design and technology skills. Jason continues to deepen his practice through advanced coursework toward a single subject credential in both English language arts and languages other than English, as well as a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. He has also completed extensive professional development through programs including the Stanford World Language Project, the Center for Advanced Research in Language Acquisition, Southern Oregon University’s Summer Language Institute, and California State University’s Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum.

Jean Ogilvie

Arithmetic · Spanish · Embroidery

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DcQmyDbBU-P6yr8jPs6KbFm-YcbcFanCT7o7fV0KybU/edit

Jeanine Slabbert

Health

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/158p6Vknk3rO2i077MgAXW3HPrpxTKKlC

Jemma Lewis

Ecology · Marine Science · Environmental Science

Jemma Lewis is an interdisciplinary science educator with experience teaching and mentoring students across a wide range of settings, from one-to-one homeschooling environments to international and experiential learning contexts. She has taught high school mathematics and sciences, with particular depth in biology, environmental science, and marine science, and is known for designing courses that are deeply personalized, inquiry-driven, and grounded in real-world experience. Jemma’s teaching philosophy centers on curiosity, autonomy, and helping students develop a meaningful relationship with what they are learning—especially when that learning connects them to the natural world. Jemma holds an undergraduate degree in marine biology and oceanography and a master’s degree in applied ocean science. Her graduate research examined the impact of human disturbance on shorebird behavior during the covid-19 lockdowns in South Africa, and her work has been published in Scientific Reports, part of the Nature portfolio. This research background informs her approach to teaching science as a living discipline—one shaped by observation, ethics, and careful thinking. Jemma’s teaching career began organically through the ocean, where she worked as a surfing instructor during school holidays while simultaneously tutoring high school students in mathematics, science, and piano. Following her undergraduate studies, Jemma spent two years living in the remote Mentawai Islands of Indonesia as a private homeschool teacher for a family with two teenage boys. In this role, she designed and taught a full academic program primarily aligned with the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum, covering subjects such as biology, physics, mathematics, English, and environmental sciences. Working one-to-one in an immersive setting sharpened her ability to adapt curriculum to student interests, learning styles, and long-term goals. Alongside her academic teaching, Jemma continues to work as a marine researcher and has managed surfing and ocean education programs at high-end resorts in the Maldives and Indonesia. Through this work, she introduces learners of all ages to the ocean as both a scientific system and a source of wonder. These experiences strongly shape her teaching at Cicero, where she integrates project-based learning, field-informed inquiry, and place-based exploration into every course she builds. Jemma brings to her students a rare combination of academic rigor, global experience, and genuine enthusiasm for learning. She is especially passionate about helping students see science not as a fixed body of knowledge, but as a tool for understanding—and caring for—the world they inhabit.

Jenny Bourassa

Biology

What drives and inspires Jenny Bourassa is a love of nature, the ocean, adventure, travel, equity, and education. Following her graduation from the University of Miami in Florida with a degree in marine biology and secondary education, she lived on Catalina Island, off the coast of Long Beach, California for 5 years and worked with students grades 4-12 in the outdoor marine science program CIMI (Catalina Island Marine Institute). At CIMI the students engage in hands-on marine science and ecology activities including snorkeling, kayaking, touch tanks, tidepooling, hiking, etc. She went on to become program director of CIMI at Cherry Cove. After her time at CIMI, Jenny moved into a formal classroom setting as a biology and chemistry teacher at High Tech High Chula Vista (HTHCV), located in South San Diego. HTHCV is a part of the High Tech High Schools which are innovative project-based learning charter schools based on design principles of equity, personalization, authentic work and collaborative design. At HTHCV, Jenny also served as a science instructional coach, guiding new and veteran teachers in project management and design, as well as helped to establish the 11th grade internship program. Currently, Jenny is currently working as curriculum designer and consultant. She has worked on projects designing open source curriculum for corporations as well as for families choosing to homeschool abroad. She has created a wide range of science courses for students grades 6-12 and has tailored these experiences to the students’ location, interests and passions. You will also find Jenny staying active in the community by volunteering at her sons’ elementary school, working with the school’s educational foundation, as well as with local activist and political organizations. She hopes to continue to work toward equity and meaningful societal change both with students and the community at large.

Joanna Shepley Clarke

Literature · English Language Arts (ELA) · British Literature

Joanna (Joe) is an experienced English language arts (ELA) teacher with a strong background in project based learning who has spent much of her career working overseas in a variety of international schools. She brings a wealth of knowledge with both IB and I/GCSE curricula, and hands-on experience working with neurodiverse students. Joanna was privately educated in England and studied for her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in English Literature and Language at Durham University. She gained a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Teaching) at Manchester University and later a Masters in Education from Manchester Metropolitan University. Her thesis focused on the reading habits of teenagers and how to encourage reluctant readers. Further qualifications Joanna has gained include the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders (NPQSL); here the research topic was secondary school curriculum design and how to create cross-curricular learning opportunities. Joanna’s secondary school (ages 11-18) English teaching career spans many years. She is a very experienced teacher with extensive subject knowledge and up-to-date experience in current pedagogical teaching & learning approaches. After completing her teacher training, she taught English in UK top tier private schools- selective and non-selective. Joanna also has 15 years’ international teaching experience in British curriculum schools including Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. She is currently teaching in Slovakia and will later this year be relocating to England. Her career also includes many years in leadership positions- as Head of English, Director of Studies and Deputy Head Academic. Her teaching experience includes preparing students for IBDP and A level English language and literature examinations and I/GCSEs. She has coached students through the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), CAS projects, IBDP Extended Essays and coursework assignments. She has been an A level examination marker and coursework assessor. Joanna has also coached students applying to Oxbridge and for UK 11+ examinations. Joanna is currently a PBL (Project Based Learning) lead and is skilled in designing cross-curricular schemes of work and inquiry-based projects that inspire and engage young people to connect their learning and explore areas of personal interest. For many years, Joanna has also very successfully tutored students 1-to-1; she is very experienced in tutoring on-line, supporting students to develop their English reading, writing and speaking/listening skills and in ensuring their success in external examinations. Joanna has excellent digital literacy skills and incorporates into lessons a range of platforms and technological approaches. She has a wide experience of working with young people with SEND (special educational needs) and is very skilled at tailoring lessons to fit individual needs, interests and learning styles. Feedback is always detailed and personalised with clear targets that ensure all students make excellent progress.

Johari Malik

Math · Arithmetic · Algebra 1

Johari Malik began her teaching career in 2010. She taught middle school math in Philadelphia for six years, earned her teaching certification at the University of Pennsylvania, and also served as a math specialist helping to guide fellow teachers to improve their mathematics instruction. In 2017, Johari earned her MA in education from Loyola Maryland and became an AMI trained Montessori teacher. She has taught in Montessori elementary and middle school classrooms. She is a founding co-designer, instructional coach, and teacher at Sojourner Truth Montessori, Washington, DC’s first Montessori adolescent program. In addition to teaching, Johari spends time collaborating with fellow educators and other stakeholders to conceptualize a more learner-centered education landscape. Revitalizing education with young people and their needs at the center is a personal and professional goal.

Julian Jamison

Economics · Behavioral Economics

Julie Elencweig

Math · Computer Science · Coding

Julie Elencweig is a seasoned educator who has spent more than a decade teaching mathematics and computer science in some of New York City’s most respected independent schools. Over the years, she has guided students through everything from Geometry and Algebra I & II to Precalculus, Calculus, and AP Computer Science. For the past four years, she has continued her work internationally at EMIS in Israel, an IB school, where she teaches both math and computer science. Julie approaches her work with clarity and purpose: she believes students learn best when they understand not just how to solve a problem, but why it works—and when they feel genuinely known by their teacher. Julie holds a strong academic foundation in mathematics and computer science, grounding her teaching in both theoretical understanding and real-world application. Her training allows her to move fluidly between abstract mathematical reasoning and practical computational thinking, helping students build skills that are rigorous, transferable, and deeply relevant. Throughout her career, Julie has taught a wide range of secondary math courses, including Algebra I & II, Geometry, Precalculus, and Calculus, as well as AP Computer Science. In both traditional and IB settings, she has supported students in developing the habits of mind that advanced math requires: logical reasoning, persistence, attention to detail, and intellectual courage. She is equally comfortable helping a student strengthen foundational skills as she is preparing them for high-level assessments and college-level coursework. At Cicero, Julie brings this breadth of experience into a fully customized, one-to-one environment. She designs each course around the individual student—their goals, their pace, and their interests—whether that means deepening conceptual understanding, preparing for an AP exam, or exploring computer science through hands-on projects. Julie takes learning seriously, but she is warm and approachable in her style. She knows there is a great deal at stake in a young person’s education, and she meets that responsibility with both expertise and care, helping students build not only strong academic skills, but lasting confidence.

Kelly Stinson

English Language Arts (ELA) · Math · Writing

Ken Doran

Algebra 2

Kerryn Black

Design · Yacht Design

Kerryn is an interior designer who has worked in a variety of environments, including designing high-end yachts and residences After earning her bachelors degree in interior design, Kerryn spent several years as a yacht designer, pushing herself to strengthen her skills as a designer. She later then moved to a company where she is doing high end residential design. The passion for interior design has always driven Kerryn to explore all the various aspects of the profession. At the yacht design company she was involved in hosting students from her university on their interior design tour of Cape Town. The hosting consisted of a boat yard tour and basic education of what the yacht design field involved. Through specializing in yacht design, Kerryn was then able to pass on her knowledge and train the many interns who were hosted, as well as the new employees that were hired. Interacting and sharing with others ignited her passion for teaching, and now she looks forward to continuing along this path of guidance.

Kevin S Fox

Geography · History · Social Studies

Kevin S. Fox is a cultural geographer and educator with over two decades of international teaching experience. He has taught AP Human Geography, IB Geography, AP Environmental Science, and other courses in schools across the United States, Austria, Switzerland, Tanzania, and Bolivia. His teaching emphasizes inquiry-driven learning, field-based education, and interdisciplinary curriculum design, all grounded in a commitment to nurturing global awareness and critical spatial thinking. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Connecticut and later completed a Master of Arts in geography at Ohio University. His academic background bridges the social sciences and the humanities, and his professional life reflects a strong dedication to connecting geographic literacy with real-world understanding through storytelling, fieldwork, and civic engagement. He is the founder and director of The Geographical Imaginations Expedition & Institute, a multimedia public geography initiative that explores how individuals and communities make sense of their worlds. Through its podcast and educational programming, the project invites diverse publics into conversations about place, identity, and imagination. Kevin has written, produced, and hosted over 60 episodes of the Geographical Imaginations radio series, each designed as an “expedition into the geographies of everything and nothing.” Beyond the classroom and studio, Kevin has worked in cartography, information design, and community development. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay, where he led sustainable beekeeping and rural entrepreneurship projects. He has also collaborated with organizations such as National Geographic—where he was a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow—and presented his work at conferences, museums, and cultural institutions in more than eight countries. Fluent in English and Spanish, Kevin brings a blend of cultural fluency, pedagogical creativity, and strategic vision to his roles in education and cultural leadership. His work continues to center on the transformative potential of geography to connect people, stories, and landscapes.

Konstantinos Lemonidis

Statistics · Calculus · AP Calculus AB

Kostas has 15 years of experience teaching mathematics on the high school and university level, with a specialized focus on pure mathematics, data science, machine learning, and linear algebra. He is certified IB and A level examiner. Kostas earned his bachelor’s degree in pure mathematics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and master’s degrees in education from University of Nicosia and in data science and machine learning from Hellenic Open University. He has spent much of his career teaching in IB and IGCSE international schools across Europe and Asia. Kostas is skilled at simplifying complex concepts and fostering a love for mathematics among his students. With his background in data science and machine learning, Kostas often embraces technology in his teaching, and has developed courses that explore vector mapping and other computational strategies utilizes in large language models and artificial intelligence. Kostas is an experienced IB examiner and As/A level examiner.

Krista Hunt

Gender Studies · Political Science · Women's History

Krista has been teaching gender studies courses at York University and the University of Toronto for the last two decades. Krista holds a Ph.d. in international relations and women and politics. She has received multiple awards for her teaching approach including the Certificate of Recognition for exemplary support of Student Accessibility Services (2021-22); the York University President’s University-Wide Teaching Award (2016), and the Award for Teaching Excellence (University of Toronto Student Union/APUS, 2008). Over the years, Krista has learned from her students that they want to be actively engaged in the learning process and they want to act on what they’ve learned. They want learning to apply to their lives – and their future. Through action and reflection, students who work with Krista ‘learn by doing’. Her goal as a teacher is to create active, engaged environments where students can apply what they’ve learned about themselves and the world. ‘Now that I know all this, where do I begin?’ becomes an ongoing process of action and reflection. Currently, she is working on a major teaching development grant for her experiential learning project: “Activating Education: Teaching Tools for Unlearning”. Through this project, Krista has developed experiential learning tools and curriculum focused on deepening students’ understanding of power, privilege and political change, as well as their agency in working towards social justice. Krista works with teens and young adults to hone their academic and life skills so they can meet the many challenges they are facing inside and outside of school. Krista’s goal is to teach learners how to think, rather than what to think, as well as how to become active and compassionate community members. What most excites her about learning is supporting students to ask the questions no one else is asking and to help them to find their own unique answers. As a life-long learner, Krista has been doing ‘me-search’ on her family and their relationship to colonialism in Canada. This started from a DNA test taken by a relative revealing that there was information that the family did not know about. From there, she began searching for the stories of her grandmothers and has traced her mother’s family back 12 generations. You can read some of these ‘herstories’ at medium.com/@kristahunt. When Krista isn’t teaching, she leads accessible chair yoga classes at local women’s shelters. Her favorite things include taking long walks with her partner Michael, paddle-boarding, doing yoga in the park, trying new vegan recipes, eating chocolate and playing with her dogs.

Kyle Kirby

Math · English Language Arts (ELA) · Vector Math

Kyle has over a decade of teaching experience in a variety of settings. He holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the High Tech High School Graduate School of Education. In 2007, Kyle was hired for the first time as a math and science teacher, and it was so clear to him that teaching was his calling that he never looked back. Since, he has taught at a private school for kids with learning differences, a public middle school, and a school for adjudicated youth where a district supervisor told him that he had never given a higher evaluation to another math teacher. In 2014, Kyle got a job at the world-famous High Tech High in southern San Diego, and his classroom changed forever. Through great coaching by his director and collaboration with the best math team ever, Kyle’s classroom became a place where students led every discussion, dove into complex mathematical ideas, built mathematical projects, and argued about geometry, trigonometry and calculus. They also walked into class with a smile every day. Kyle was nominated twice by his students to be their graduation speaker, lauded for teaching them financial savvy, and once broke up a fight by dancing and embarrassing himself so much that the students laughed and walked away. As part of his work at High Tech High Kyle became an instructional coach in the math department where he led a team of veteran teachers to visit the best math classrooms in the San Diego area and push their practice into techniques that got students to identify as mathematicians. Kyle has experience teaching students remotely in a one-on-one environment and building curricula to suit individual needs. In one case, Kyle works with an 8th grader who lives on a boat in Southeast Asia. Kyle collaborates with this student and his family to develop an education that fits their needs. Together, this 8th grader and Kyle study investigative 8th grade math and discuss classical mechanics every week. As part of a large and ongoing project, his student is photographing the ocean floor and creating a virtual reality game based on his photographs. He and Kyle dive into the math behind this process of creating 3D spaces from 2D pictures with the goal that when this amazing young man finally pitches his virtual reality game to venture capitalists, he can explain the math behind it. In this current role, the student’s Dad wrote, “Hi Kyle, just a quick note to say thank you and how much we are loving the work you and [our student] are doing! I wished I could have learned math this way and from you!” Getting kids to love math, get really good at math, and see it’s connection to the world is always Kyle’s goal.

Lance Billingsley

Math · Informatics · Vector Math

Lance is a passionate educator and outdoor enthusiast with a deep respect and admiration for the ocean. From his early days as an ocean lifeguard to his career path in education, he is a dedicated lifelong learner. After graduating and receiving his Masters Degree in Education from the University of California San Diego, Lance went on to teach in a variety of math and science K12 settings throughout San Diego. After fostering a wonderful community of student learners from a variety of STEM classroom settings, he took a leap and moved to Indonesia to work at the Eco Focused Green School, Bali. For several years he taught a variety of exciting courses from bamboo robotics, to permaculture all while using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to guide his instruction. Most recently Lance has returned to San Diego to help teach and mentor future educators while sharing his experiences and best practices from the field. He loves the opportunity to continue to connect with wonderful students through programs like Cicero and looks forward to meeting you!

Larry Kramer

English Language Arts (ELA) · Latin American Studies

With a BA in English and TEFL/TESOL certification, Larry has over twenty-five years experience teaching adolescents and adults in brick and mortar classrooms and online, and in both the corporate and civil service fields. Larry’s diverse subjects of instruction have included literature, academic and creative writing, reading, U.S. and world history, academic coaching, lesson planning, infant care, small animal husbandry, securities, and unclaimed property management. Despite this eclectic milieu, Larry has a deep love of the humanities, particularly literature and history; he’s especially fond of Gothic, 19th century and Edwardian authors, and the Roman/Byzantine, medieval and Enlightenment eras. Too, he appreciates sharing “hidden history”—strange and obscure but interesting information off the beaten path. Beyond his professional background, Larry has also homeschooled his two daughters for the past decade, and continues to individually tutor middle school students in English and history. Prior to settling in Lisbon, Portugal, Larry and his family spent six years traveling the world, and to date have visited 45 countries. A dedicated lifelong learner, he’s also not afraid to admit being a HUGE Star Trek, Star Wars and superhero geek. Larry’s friendly, casual and non-judgmental personality is perfect for those seeking a more attentive and personal approach for their learning experience.

Laura Kelley

Math · AP Calculus AB · AP Calculus BC

With over 13 years of classroom experience, Laura has taught a wide range of courses, including physics, AP physics 1, calculus, algebra, environmental science, AP Calculus AB, and robotics. In addition to her work at the high school level, she has also taught college-level physics at the community college level. Her instructional experience spans both urban and suburban settings, including Title I schools, where she has served students from a wide range of social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. She is very familiar with the structure of the AP Calculus AB and the AP Physics exams and how to teach exam strategies alongside the content. Laura earned her bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Colorado, followed by a post-baccalaureate teaching licensure program in secondary science and mathematics. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in environmental science and energy policy through Oregon State University, where she continues to deepen her expertise in the intersections of science, sustainability, and equity. Laura holds advanced training in English Language Learner (ELL) support and is well-versed in differentiating instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. She has also completed extensive professional development in project-based learning and engineering design-focused instruction, which she integrates into her science and math curriculum to increase student engagement and real-world application. In all of her roles, Laura has prioritized inclusive, inquiry-driven teaching that fosters critical thinking and scientific literacy. Her interdisciplinary background and dedication to student-centered learning have made her a valued educator and collaborator in both secondary and postsecondary settings.

Laura Strawser

Spanish

Lillian Rafson

Business

Lillian Rafson is an entrepreneur, business coach, and small business educator who has spent the better part of a decade building, scaling, and teaching others how to do the same. As the founder and CEO of Pack Up + Go — a surprise travel company she launched at 23 and grew to serve over 45,000 travelers across 300+ U.S. destinations — Lillian brings real-world business experience into every lesson. Her approach to teaching is grounded in the belief that entrepreneurship is best learned by doing, and that the path from idea to profitable business is one she can walk with her students step by step. Lillian earned her bachelor’s degree in consumer culture from New York University before building Pack Up + Go from the ground up as a bootstrapped company, without outside funding or a playbook to follow. That experience — navigating uncertainty, making resourceful decisions, learning what works and what doesn't — is central to what she teaches. The company has grown into a nationally recognized brand that partners with thousands of small and minority-owned businesses across the country, spreading the economic benefits of tourism while encouraging spontaneity and exploration among travelers. Her work has earned recognition from Ernst & Young, the Tory Burch Foundation, and Travel + Leisure, which named her an A-List travel planner. She has been honored as a member of Pittsburgh's 30 Under 30 and 40 Under 40 and recognized as a top woman in hospitality. Beyond Pack Up + Go, Lillian has helped hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs launch and grow small businesses through her course, Concept to Launch. The course guides students through the full arc of starting a business — from early ideation through to building something profitable and sustainable. It's a hands-on, practical approach that reflects Lillian's own journey and her conviction that entrepreneurship isn't reserved for people with MBAs or venture capital connections. At Cicero, Lillian teaches business, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to students who are curious about how businesses actually work — and perhaps ready to start something of their own.

Lisa Marie Mascera

History · Social Studies · U.S. History

Lisa is a historian and history teacher who teaches widely across the humanities and social sciences. She has taught U.S. history, AP Human Geography, AP Government, and AP World History Modern, bringing a love of learning and a wealth of knowledge to each classroom. She particularly loves teaching ancient history and is excited for when the College Board finally releases its much-planned AP World History Ancient curriculum. Lisa’s interest in history began at a young age when her grandfather gifted her a book on Egyptian mythology. This book sparked a lifelong fascination with mythology, classical civilizations, and history, ultimately leading her to pursue a career where she could share that passion with others. Her favorite historical period is the Greco-Roman era, which she particularly enjoys teaching due to its richness in culture, politics, and philosophy. Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in English from Caldwell University. She has taught middle school and high school students in both public and private school environments in New Jersey for the last six years. Lisa’s approach to teaching is rooted in the belief that education should be tailored to each student’s unique needs. She incorporates a variety of learning styles, from audio to visual, to ensure that her students engage deeply and effectively with the material. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive and responsive classroom environment reflects her commitment to helping every student find their own path to understanding history. Outside of her professional life, Lisa enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and exploring nature. She and her husband share their home with their beloved dog Rocky, and have recently welcomed a new baby into their lives. Looking ahead, Lisa is determined to find a balance between her family life and career. She hopes to show that it’s possible for women to pursue their professional goals while also embracing the responsibilities of motherhood, a cause she feels strongly about. Lisa’s journey reflects her dedication not only to her students but to her family and to her own continuous learning. Her students benefit from her nuanced view of history, her deep respect for different cultures, and her enthusiasm for exploring the middle ground between historical fact and perspective.

Lisa Perosi

English Language Arts (ELA) · Social Studies

Lisa is an accomplished educator and administrator whose career has spanned multiple continents and a wide range of academic environments. Her teaching journey began in Korea and Thailand, where she taught English and science while spearheading youth leadership and environmental programs. As the English Foreign Language department chair and mentor for an award-winning speech and debate team, Lisa’s commitment to student growth and excellence was evident from the start. After returning to the United States, she continued her passion for education by teaching math, science, English, and social studies in diverse settings, including charter schools and community colleges. Lisa’s dedication to fostering inclusive learning environments is complemented by her experience in curriculum development and student mentorship. Upon relocating to Austin, Texas, Lisa served as a teacher and department chair at a University, where she specialized in English Language Arts and Social Studies for grades 6 through 12.

Lorenzo Vantaggiato

Economics · Business · Philosophy

Lorenzo Vantaggiato has spent more than two decades teaching high school students and adults across economics, business management, philosophy, English, and the IB theory of knowledge. An IB graduate himself, Lorenzo brings a deep understanding of inquiry-based learning and student-centered pedagogy, with a teaching style that is intellectually rigorous, conversational, and genuinely engaging. He is known for making complex ideas accessible and meaningful, helping students connect abstract concepts to real-world contexts while building confidence and curiosity. At the heart of his work is a belief that learning should be challenging, joyful, and deeply personal. Lorenzo earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial and labour economics from Bocconi University and went on to complete a master’s degree in sustainable international development at Brandeis University. His academic background reflects a strong foundation in economic theory, global systems, and ethical reasoning, all of which inform his interdisciplinary teaching approach. Over the course of his career, Lorenzo has taught extensively within the IGCSE and IB frameworks. With more than 20 years of experience working with both teenagers and adult learners, he has developed a nuanced understanding of how students think, what motivates them, and how to meet them where they are. His classes emphasize inquiry, discussion, and critical thinking, inviting students to ask meaningful questions and develop their own perspectives rather than simply mastering content. Lorenzo’s teaching is enriched by his parallel career as a trained singer and actor. He regularly appears on television and continues to perform professionally, bringing a unique sense of presence, creativity, and storytelling into his work with students. This background allows him to infuse lessons with energy and clarity, helping students articulate ideas persuasively and engage confidently in dialogue and presentation. In one-to-one settings, Lorenzo thrives. He custom-builds each course around the student’s interests, academic goals, and learning style, whether preparing for IB assessments, strengthening conceptual foundations, or exploring big ideas across disciplines. He takes learning seriously while keeping it human, dynamic, and deeply engaging—an approach that resonates strongly with Cicero students and families seeking thoughtful, personalized education.

Lyndsie Atran

English Language Arts (ELA)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BlcT517NRUzMwrcFCIZbvcRtsNzpqqAEpavRm_Up3to/edit

Maeve Siu

Math · Calculus · Statistics

As an award-winning teacher, Maeve Siu has demonstrated her exceptional talents in making mathematics fun and relevant through the use of music, dance, and technology. Maeve’s innovative methods have earned her recognition and accolades for her outstanding contributions to education. Putting theory into practice, Maeve’s teaching approach goes beyond conventional methods, ensuring that her students not only grasp mathematical concepts but also develop a genuine passion for the subject. After 15 years in the classroom, mostly in the School District of Philadelphia, Maeve decided to spread math love to the world by making her original math songs and parodies available to the public. Links to her songs and videos can be found on her website mathlovesiu.com Maeve has her BA in Mathematics Summa Cum Laude from Bryn Mawr College ‘08 and her M.Ed. In Curriculum and Classroom Management from Gratz College ‘13. She is the recipient of the ETS Award for Excellence for having scored in the top 15% of all prior test takers as well as the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching for her work in Philadelphia’s public schools.

Mahesh Badgujar

Science · Physics · AP Physics C: Mechanics

Mahesh Badgujar is a thoughtful and seasoned educator with over eight years of experience teaching science and physics in international classrooms. He has taught across the IB and Cambridge systems, including MYP Science, IBDP Physics, IGCSE, and A Levels, and is especially skilled at helping middle and high school students move beyond memorization to truly understand how the world works. Mahesh believes that science is best learned through exploration, real-life application, and patient attention to how each student learns best. Mahesh holds a B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from COEP Technological University, one of Asia’s most respected engineering schools, and a B.Ed. from Pune University, where he graduated with distinction. This dual training in both technical and pedagogical disciplines is reflected in the clarity and structure of his teaching. Throughout his career, Mahesh has worked in IB World Schools and Cambridge programs, building a reputation for academic excellence and strong rapport with students. He has taught physics at the highest levels and has served as an international examiner for IBDP Physics HL, GCE A Level Physics, and CAIE A Level Physics—a rare distinction that speaks to his subject mastery and precision. He has also completed advanced IB training (Category 1, 2, and 3) and regularly contributes to the professional learning community as a workshop leader for SAIBSA and MISA. A significant chapter in Mahesh’s career was his work with students with learning differences and behavioral challenges at Victorious Kidss Educares, an IB school in Pune. There, he taught MYP Science and Design in one-on-one and small group settings, supported by the school’s special education team. This experience deepened his commitment to differentiated instruction and helped shape his inclusive and empathetic teaching style. Today, Mahesh works with students all over the world as an online tutor, from the UAE to Singapore to the U.S. His sessions are interactive and highly personalized, supported by professional-quality technology and tools like Pear Deck and Mural. Students consistently describe his lessons as clear, engaging, and even fun—proof that serious learning doesn’t have to feel heavy-handed.

Manoj Ambekar

Math · Algebra 1 · Algebra 2

Manoj Ambekar brings several decades of experience teaching and mentoring students in advanced mathematics in international schools. An experienced Cambridge (IGCSE, A Levels), and AP mathematics educator, he has spent the past eight years specializing in the IB program, teaching mathematics. Manoj combines deep content mastery with a steady, student-centered approach, helping students build genuine conceptual understanding while preparing thoughtfully for high-stakes assessments. For him, mathematics is not just about exam performance, but about learning to think clearly and rigorously. Manoj holds a B.Tech. in electronics and telecommunication engineering from the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP Technological University), one of Asia’s oldest and most respected engineering institutions. His engineering background informs his teaching in powerful ways, allowing him to connect abstract mathematical theory to real-world applications and systems. Over the course of his career, Manoj has served as an IB mathematics facilitator at D. Y. Patil International School in Pune and has worked with international institutions including Siena International School in Italy and International School of Dongguan in China. He is CAT 2 certified for IBDP AA HL and regularly participates in IB professional development workshops to remain aligned with evolving curriculum standards and best practices. Manoj also has deep experience teaching in the American AP curriculum, and has guided students to 5s in AP Statistics and AP Calculus AB and BC. In addition to his classroom teaching, Manoj serves as an Edexcel A Level mathematics examiner with Pearson Education and works internationally as an IB, A Level, and AP mathematics tutor and subject expert. He has supported students from the UK, USA, UAE, Singapore, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and beyond. This global experience has given him nuanced insight into IB and AP assessment structures, mark schemes, and the specific challenges students encounter in Papers 1 and 2, Internal Assessments, and AP exam preparation. Manoj mentors approximately 28–30 students annually in one-to-one settings, guiding many to top scores, including 7s in IB mathematics and strong AP results. He is particularly skilled at supporting students through the IA process with integrity—offering structured feedback while upholding academic honesty. Thoughtful, methodical, and deeply committed to his students’ growth, Manoj builds confidence through clarity, precision, and care.

Mar Ripoll Gonzalvo

Spanish

Mar is a language educator with a deep love for words, culture, and the ways language connects people. With years of experience teaching Spanish, Catalan, and English to learners of all ages and backgrounds, she approaches every class as a creative collaboration. Mar believes that language learning should feel alive—rooted in real communication, cultural exploration, and curiosity. Her classes are built around each student’s interests and goals, blending thoughtful structure with space for discovery. Mar earned her degree in Catalan Philology from the University of Barcelona, where she specialized in language and immersed herself in subjects such as semantics, applied linguistics, pragmatics, and syntax. She later completed a Master’s degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) from the International University of Valencia. This combination of rigorous linguistic training and pedagogical study has given her a rich foundation for designing personalized, high-impact learning experiences. Throughout her career, Mar has taught in both formal and informal learning settings, guiding students through everything from foundational grammar to advanced conversation and writing. She has developed and implemented customized curricula tailored to individual learning styles, often incorporating digital tools, interactive materials, and project-based work to make lessons engaging and relevant. Her goal is always to help students build confidence as communicators and see language as a bridge to understanding the world. Beyond the classroom, Mar’s commitment to education extends to her community. At Esplai Sant Isidor, a non-profit organization for children, she volunteered for three years creating educational programs and mentoring younger volunteers—a role that strengthened her leadership and collaborative skills. She has also supported international students learning Catalan, conducting linguistic data collection and contributing to academic writing projects. In addition to her educational work, Mar spent five years as an administrative assistant at a healthcare center, a role that honed her organization, precision, and sense of empathy—qualities that now inform her teaching. At Cicero Learning, Mar continues to evolve her practice, experimenting with new methods and technologies to make language learning both personal and dynamic. She invites her students not just to study language, but to live it—to use it as a tool for connection, cultural appreciation, and lifelong growth.

Marcello Bruni

History · Social Studies · Philosophy

Marcello Bruni is an international relations teacher whose dynamic career spans government, academia, and corporate leadership. Before entering education full-time, he led strategic communications for the U.S. Department of Defense and held senior roles at Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and China Poly Group. Across these roles, he managed high-level global projects, trained executives in Lean Six Sigma, and advised leaders in aerospace, defense, and logistics. Marcello earned his master’s degree in economics from the London School of Economics and began doctoral studies in international politics at the University of Bradford. He discovered a passion for teaching while lecturing at universities such as Roma Tre and Western Kentucky. As director of international programs at the Marymount Institute in Rome, he developed study abroad programs and led interdisciplinary seminars in political philosophy and economics. Marcello brings his global perspective into the high school classroom, where he teaches international relations and geopolitics through a project-based learning approach. His students explore real-world political issues with the depth and context of someone who has worked at the highest levels of policy and business. Fluent in multiple languages and trained in executive leadership, Marcello brings energy, depth, and a real-world lens to everything he teaches.

Marisa Plascencia-Contreras

Spanish

Marisol Franco

Literature

Mark Croxford

Environmental Science

Mark Russell

Latin

Mark is currently a Masters student in Classics at Villanova, on track to graduate in the spring of 2024. His love for languages, however, goes back more than 20 years, beginning with Spanish at an early age, Latin in 7th grade at Cathedral School in NYC in 2001, and Ancient Greek at Kent School in 2006. Mark continued taking Latin and Greek through college, along with 2 years of Russian, earning a BA in Communication Studies at the College of Wooster in 2012. Upon graduation, Mark turned his sights to a career in the hospitality industry, serving and bartending in high end restaurants in New York and Philadelphia, eventually landing a manager position in Chestnut Hill. During this time, he was able to engage in his dedication for service, honing his abilities in teaching, multi-tasking, and mentoring new employees. His lifelong passion for Classics, however, led him back to the classroom with the hopes of becoming a teacher of Latin and Greek. Luckily, Mark’s lifelong language abilities and training served him well: in 2020, he was accepted to a 2 year Post-Baccalaureate program at University of Pennsylvania, earning a 4.0 GPA, and gaining admittance to several Masters programs for Classics, including a full scholarship and stipend to Villanova University. As a graduate assistant at Villanova, Mark frequently steps in to support the Department head in teaching intermediate and upper level Latin for undergraduates. In addition, he provides tutoring free of charge for Villanova students in Greek and Latin, which has further enhanced his teaching and learning abilities.

Marlene Bodine-Landis

English Language Arts (ELA)

Matt Loughran

Coding · Computer Programming

I don't have experience/qualification teaching CS or AI. I teach Tech Ed (like a jr. engineering/design curriculum) at middle school. (Feb 2026)

Matt Westman

Arabic

Matthew Roach

Literature · U.S. History · World History

Matthew started his teaching career as a US history teacher at the Hotchkiss School, and has continued it as an English and history teacher and English department chair at Peddie School in Hightstown, NJ. At Peddie, Matthew has designed and taught dozens of courses to 10th-12th graders, including AP US history, AP English literature, and senior English. In 2014, Matthew was awarded the Dr. Wilbour Eddy Saunders Society Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching. Matthew attended the Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English in the summers from 2012-2016, and received his Masters Degree in English Literature. In the summers since, Matthew has engaged in remote teaching and tutoring work over the phone and on Zoom, most recently with a program called A+ Academy. In this program, Matthew created and taught multiple English courses to 8th and 9th grade students from the BASIS International School in Shenzhen, China, preparing them for American boarding schools and colleges.

Mehr Gunawardena

English Language Arts (ELA) · Gender Studies

Mehr is a published writer and journalist with a strong interest in fantasy and science fiction. She obtained her BA from Clark University with dual degrees in English and political science, where she developed a deep understanding of the power of language, the importance of self-expression, and the transformative role it plays in personal and communal growth. Even as Mehr pursued her higher education in the United States, her dedication to teaching remained unwavering. Alongside her academic pursuits, she actively engaged in teaching English to refugees at a Masjid in Worcester, MA, and served as a teaching support at an elementary school. Recognizing the significance of trauma support in educational environments, she also received training in this field, equipping her with the tools to provide emotional guidance and create a nurturing space for her students. Mehr has experience teaching the GCSE/IGCSE syllabus at an international school in Sri Lanka and currently holds a position as an ELA teacher at a private university. Additionally, she founded and serves as the faculty advisor for the university newspaper, providing a platform for students to explore their writing abilities and engage in critical thinking. Committed to nurturing creativity, Mehr conducts workshops and short programs tailored to students of all levels.

Merin Joy

Economics · Business · Geography

Merin has taught business, economics, and finance on both the high school and university level, and brings a strong international perspective to her work with students. She is an intellectually curious teacher who builds strong relationships with her students based around a love of inquiry. Originally from India, Merin earned her bachelors and MBA at Calcutta University (Naipunnya Institute of Management and Information Technology) where she won many awards for her research on the banking sector. After her studies she worked in banking for a number of years before switching to academia and taking a position as an assistant professor of business and economics at Calcutta University. Merin moved to the UAE a few years ago and began teaching the GCSE business and economics curriculum at St. Mary’s Catholic high school in Fujairah, where she works with 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students across all aspects of business and commerce, including business plan writing, finance and equities, accounting and management, and strategy and marketing. Merin is an incredibly versatile educator who can build a course to a student’s interests.

Michael Alex

Health · Social Studies · History

Michael has taught in public high schools in Toronto for the past 25 years, specializing in social science, history, law, civics, politics, and economics. He holds a Master’s degree in history and a specialist certification in teaching history. Michael is experienced in project-based learning, and emphasizes student choice, social justice, and democratically organized learning in his teaching. His work with young people is characterized by play, activity-based learning, and intelligently structured investigations which are challenging, developmentally appropriate and fun! Most of Michael’s teaching career has been spent in alternative schools. He worked for the better part of two decades in a Toronto alternative school program for traveling students: young people whose interests/training/performance in the arts (dance, modeling, acting, etc.) and athletics (of all sorts, at a competitive level) would take them away from school for short or extended periods of time. As such, he built programming focused on this sort of differently structured learning and community building and gained experienced working with distance education long before Zoom and online learning really took off. Michael’s current focus is in wellness learning, life skills development, and meta-learning: particularly learning about attention, self-care, using movement in learning and more. A key example of this work is a full-credit wellness course he created and delivered for seven years in Toronto public schools prior to the pandemic, and now delivers to Cicero students. The course uses yoga, meditation and mindfulness as jumping off points for self-study, kinaesthetic learning, ethics, understanding the “teenaged brain,” rehab/prehab-practices for learning and life, stress management, and practical skills for healthy habit formation and effective learning. Michael has more than 600 hours of yoga asana, mindfulness and meditation training, in addition to work in related movement and learning modalities. Outside of class, Michael is constantly learning. He is currently studying fermentation, survival skills, movement modalities (think handstands and parkour in the park), and dog training. As a lifelong learner who is always reading several books at a time, Michael brings this mindset into his teaching to create an inspiring, ever-curious and probing context for his students.

Michelle Cianfaglione

Architecture

Michelle is a registered architect in New York State and co-founder of EXD Architecture. EXD focuses on smart, integrated living systems that layer program with an emphasis on studying the 1:1 scale and ergonomics. Their ‘system for living’ as been published in the New York Times. Recently EXD Architecture was asked to lead a workshop with the AIA Center for Architecture in NYC to development the future of the outdoor dining program, post Covid, and will be building an outdoor restaurant shed with the city in 2023. Michelle has had her own practice and has worked for award-winning architects in Philadelphia and New York City doing high-end residential and commercial work as well as international design competitions. She has been a professor for more than a decade, teaching classes in architecture and interior design drawing, digital representation, architectural history, furniture design, and design studio at the New York Institute of Technology and other Universities in and around NYC. Michelle has received a MArch from PennDesign (University of Pennsylvania) and a BPS in Architecture from the B/a+p (University at Buffalo).

Mona Hasan

Math · AP Calculus AB · AP Calculus BC

With 20 years of teaching experience, Mona has spent 17 years in the American curriculum and the past 3 years teaching in an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, working with both the Middle Years Program (MYP) and the Diploma Program (DP). Mona is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning at the British University in Dubai, reflecting a strong commitment to continuous professional development. She holds a high diploma in teaching from Balamand University in Dubai and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from Mutah University in Jordan. These qualifications have provided a solid foundation in both educational theory and practical application. One of Mona’s proudest accomplishments is teaching AP Calculus, where in 2022, the class achieved an average score of 3.72, with 9 out of 24 students attaining a perfect score. Mona is passionate about creating a learning environment that encourages critical and creative thinking, linking lessons to real-world situations to inspire a lifelong love of learning in students.

Moustapha El Haj

Computer Science · Computer Programming

Moustapha El Haj is a computer science educator and technology professional whose work bridges software engineering, artificial intelligence, and global service. He has taught and mentored students across high school and university levels, both through formal tutoring platforms and one-to-one academic support. Alongside his teaching, he works in information technology with the United Nations and serves as a research assistant in artificial intelligence, bringing real-world relevance into every lesson. Moustapha earned his bachelor of science in computer science with honors from the Lebanese American University (LAU) in 2025. During his time at LAU, he distinguished himself not only academically but also through research, contributing to published work in computer science and political psychology. Professionally, Moustapha has worked in software development at Monty Mobile International, where he gained hands-on experience building and refining real-world systems. His work as a research assistant in artificial intelligence at LAU’s department of computer science and mathematics reflects a deep engagement with emerging technologies and analytical thinking. He is also a published author, a distinction that speaks to both his intellectual rigor and his ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity. Teaching has remained a constant thread throughout his career. As a computer science tutor with Ostaz, a leading tutoring platform in the MENA region, Moustapha worked one-to-one with students to strengthen their foundations in programming, algorithms, and computational thinking. He understands that mastery in computer science comes not from memorizing syntax, but from developing logical habits of mind — the ability to break down problems, test ideas, and iterate with confidence. An alumnus of the Microsoft Educator Academy, as well as the KLYES exchange program in the United States and the MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Program, Moustapha brings a global perspective to his work. He sees technology not just as a technical discipline, but as a tool for leadership, innovation, and meaningful impact — and he invites his students to see themselves that way, too. Moustapha approaches teaching as both rigorous and deeply personal: he believes students learn best when challenged thoughtfully, supported consistently, and invited to see how their work connects to the wider world.

Natalie Bennie

Debate · English Language Arts (ELA) · History

Natalie Bennie is an experienced speech and debate educator whose work spans classroom education, political campaign advising, and corporate communications. She works with students of all ages to hone their abilities to craft an argument, articulate their point of view, and debate effectively. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Natalie earned her BA from Samford University and her MA in communication from Wake Forest University, where she was named the Gordon A. Melson Outstanding Graduate Student in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in communication arts and sciences at Penn State University. A member of the US National Debate Team in 2015, Natalie represented the United States in the National Communication Association’s summer debate tour of Japan. In 2016, Natalie was named a Rhodes Scholarship Finalist and received a Fulbright grant to teach debate in Germany. With this background in international debate education, she was asked to serve as an educator for China’s inaugural National Speech and Debate Association summer institute in 2019. In addition to her academic career, Natalie runs a political consulting company based in Birmingham, Alabama. In that capacity, she advises political candidates in campaign strategy, debate, and public speaking.

Natasha Tereshchenko

French · Spanish · Geography

Natasha was raised as a third culture kid, living across many countries around the world. Originally from Russia, she grew up immersed in multiple languages and cultures, becoming fluent in English, French, and Spanish. Her international upbringing and diverse experiences inspired a deep passion for global education and cultural exchange. Before transitioning to teaching, Natasha worked for several years in international development, a career that further broadened her perspective. Teaching runs in her family, and this background, combined with her passion for nurturing young minds, led her to pursue a career in education. Natasha is a qualified secondary school teacher in the UK, specializing in French, Spanish, and Russian. She began her teaching career in the UK, where she taught Russian, and has since taught in international schools, including two years at an American international school in India. She also taught the British curriculum in Myanmar, though she had to leave recently due to the ongoing violence there. Natasha holds a master’s degree in anthropology, with her thesis focusing on media and visual representation of an indigenous Indian group—a subject that reflects her keen interest in cultures and global understanding.

Nwanacho Nwana

Math · Informatics · Geology

Nwanacho (Nacho for short) is a dynamic, young educator with experience in both the private sector and schools. He brings a unique, hands-on perspective to his work as a teacher, which helps him make novel connections between learning and the “real world.” Nwanacho earned his bachelors as a double major in quantitative analysis in business and political science from MIT. After graduation, Nwanacho worked for an analysis group for a year before starting an educational technology company focused on public speaking anxiety reduction. While serving as head of product for a startup, Nwanacho also gave virtual lectures on topics such as communication, design thinking, and collaboration. Nwanacho currently serves as a STEM teacher for the Sojourner Truth Public Charter Montessori School in Washington, DC. Nwanacho has written curricula for the precalculus, physics and AI courses that he currently teaches, but also has a strong interest in data, analysis, and entrepreneurship, as well as mindfulness, wellbeing, rhetoric and public speaking.

Patricia Sprenger

Health · Executive Functioning

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1L0WZ9HRv2oF4vDWcX0oqfbiSg-LIzXx9zr_HvYWzVqw/edit#heading=h.22oj9gmobr6f

Paul Teacher

Animation · AP Computer Science A

bio

Pedro Carta

Philosophy · Executive Functioning

Pedro Carta is an educator, researcher, and applied ethics specialist working across the humanities, media, and social services. He has taught and mentored students in academic, community-based, and one-to-one settings, bringing a thoughtful, dialogue-driven approach to learning that emphasizes curiosity, reflection, and real-world relevance. Pedro’s teaching centers on helping students explore big ideas—philosophical, ethical, and scientific—while developing the habits of mind needed to think independently and with confidence. Pedro is currently a Ph.D. candidate in philosophy, writing his dissertation on stoicism. His academic work bridges ancient metaphysical philosophy and contemporary cosmology, translating complex theoretical ideas into frameworks that feel accessible, meaningful, and grounded in lived experience. His background also includes advanced study in applied ethics and the science of consciousness. Much of Pedro’s professional work has been shaped by his experience supporting young people navigating challenging circumstances. For the past three years, he has served as a specialist at Good Shepherd Services in New York City, working with foster care youth transitioning to independent living. In this role, Pedro applies cognitive reframing techniques informed by Stoic philosophy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helping students build resilience, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. He is formally trained in therapeutic crisis intervention through Cornell University, and his teaching is deeply informed by a trauma-aware, relationship-centered lens. Pedro’s earlier teaching experience includes supervising after-school programs at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, where he supported elementary-aged students with academic work and skill-building, as well as working as a park interpreter specialist and nature guide. In these roles, he developed a talent for explaining complex biological, historical, and philosophical concepts through storytelling and inquiry, making learning both rigorous and engaging. Beyond education, Pedro brings a global and interdisciplinary perspective to his work. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and has worked as an associate producer and linguist for networks including A&E and the History Channel, specializing in investigative research and content synthesis. Across all of his work, Pedro’s goal is to ensure that philosophy is not treated as a purely historical subject, but as a practical set of intellectual and emotional tools—ones that help students connect deep thinking to their everyday lives and sense of purpose.

Peter Cohee

AP Latin · Latin

Peter Cohee is a seasoned classicist and educator with decades of experience teaching Latin, ancient Greek, and classical humanities. His academic background and professional journey reflect a deep commitment to both scholarship and student engagement, particularly in bringing ancient languages and cultures to life in the classroom and through one-on-one instruction. Peter holds a Ph.D. in classics from the University of Colorado Boulder, where his dissertation explored the bureaucratic structures of Roman public religion. He has taught at the college level, including at Ohio University, as well as in public and independent schools. He also served as program director of the classics department at Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in the United States. There, he led curriculum reforms, introduced national Latin exams, and established a student Classics club that became a consistent presence at state and national competitions. Peter’s academic achievements include a fellowship from the American Philological Association to work at the Thesaurus Linguae Latinae in Munich, where he contributed to the definitive lexicon of the Latin language. His scholarly publications address topics such as Roman sacrificial practices, priesthood terminology, and textual issues in authors like Livy and Gellius. Now retired from classroom teaching, Peter continues to teach Latin, ancient Greek, and classical humanities. He brings both rigor and enthusiasm to his sessions, helping students navigate ancient texts with confidence and curiosity. He gets rave reviews from Cicero students.

Raquel Mendez

Spanish

Raquel is a dedicated educator with a decade of experience who specializes in Spanish, math, and social science instruction for elementary students. As a native Spanish speaker, she brings authentic language expertise to her teaching, creating an engaging learning environment where students develop strong foundations in multiple subjects. Her approach emphasizes individualized attention and consistent progress monitoring to ensure each student receives the support needed to excel. Currently teaching 1st to 6th grade students at Las Americas, Raquel adapts her teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs across different developmental stages. Her clear communication skills enable effective collaboration with students, parents, and colleagues, ensuring educational goals are well understood and consistently met. Raquel is committed to creating a positive classroom atmosphere where learning becomes both meaningful and enjoyable. By incorporating real-world examples into her lessons, she helps students understand practical applications of their studies. Her teaching philosophy centers on fostering critical thinking skills and self-discipline, with the ultimate goal of inspiring a lifelong love of learning in her students.

Rashida Hassambay

Informatics · Math · English Language Arts (ELA)

Rashida is an experienced educator who has been teaching Science, Maths, and English to students of all levels since 2019. She is driven by a strong belief that holistic, purposeful education is key to addressing many of the world’s injustices. Currently pursuing a Master of Education in Australia, Rashida is committed to redefining education and leveraging her skills to foster meaningful global change. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from King’s College London, where her teaching journey began at the renowned Teddy Bear Hospital. There, she introduced preschoolers to gross anatomy through playful, hands-on sessions using ‘teddy bear cadavers.’ This formative experience sparked her passion for education and inspired her to explore innovative teaching methods. After graduating, Rashida joined the corporate sector in Sri Lanka, where she designed gamified online training programs to equip white-collar professionals with essential 21st-century life skills. Recognising the importance of nurturing these skills from an early age, she transitioned into the classroom—teaching in local Sri Lankan schools and working virtually with students in the UK. She blends academic instruction with life skills education across Science, Maths, and English curricula to empower her students beyond the textbook, and remains committed to doing so.

Ricardo Ramirez

Spanish

Ricardo Ramirez is a dedicated language teacher, specializing in Spanish education. With five years of experience in foreign language instruction, he has made a significant impact on his students’ learning journeys. Currently, Ricardo teaches advanced Spanish at a middle school in Texas. Ricardo earned his bachelor’s degree in Spanish and his master’s degree in education from Valparaiso Catholic University. Additionally, he is a certified Spanish teacher from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Ricardo strives to build strong connections with his students in order to foster a positive and engaging learning environment. Incorporating music and videos from popular and authentic sources such as Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Luis Fonsi, Netflix, YouTube, and TEDx, Ricardo ensures that his lessons are dynamic and culturally relevant. By integrating real-world content into his curriculum, he brings language learning to life and encourages student participation and enthusiasm. Ricardo is a strong advocate for the use of technology and media in foreign language teaching and learning. He believes that incorporating digital tools and multimedia resources enhances student engagement and facilitates language acquisition in meaningful ways. He utilizes a variety of versatile and interactive digital learning tools, including Kahoot, Quizlet, Gimkit, and others, to enhance vocabulary and grammar comprehension.

Rob Shepley

Computer Science · Computer Programming

Robert Shepley is a computer science educator with over a decade of classroom experience and 25 years in the computing industry behind him. He has taught in independent day and boarding schools, primarily in international settings, working with students from a wide range of cultural and academic backgrounds. Before retraining as a teacher in 2016, Robert built a substantial career in industry as an IT professional; and he brings that real-world perspective into every lesson. His approach is rigorous but human: students are challenged to think deeply, build resilience, and see how computer science connects to the world beyond the classroom. Immediately prior to entering education, Robert worked as a project manager with IBM, delivering complex IT projects for clients around the globe. That experience shaped him into a meticulous planner and calm problem-solver — qualities that translate directly into his teaching. He is able to demystify abstract concepts by grounding them in lived examples, whether discussing algorithms, data structures, or systems design. In schools, Robert has taught computer science to middle schoolers and high schoolers (year 7 to year 13 in the UK), including Cambridge IGCSE (7 years), Cambridge A-Level (3 years), and the IB program (5 years). He also taught mathematics using Edexcel iGCSE content. His students consistently achieve strong outcomes: across his career, an average of 94% of his iGCSE students have earned A*–C grades, and he has guided students on to study computer science at leading universities, including the University of Edinburgh. Robert is also committed to innovation. At Cambridge International School Bratislava, he developed a robotics and automated systems unit after securing investment in drones for a proof-of-concept project — a reflection of his belief that students learn best when theory meets hands-on exploration. Robert was awarded a distinction in his postgraduate certificate in education (international) from the University of Nottingham (UK). His academic training, combined with decades of professional experience, gives him both pedagogical depth and technical authority — a balance that students and families value. At heart, Robert cares about helping students see themselves as capable technologists and creative problem-solvers. In a one-to-one setting, he builds courses around each student’s goals, interests, and ambitions — ensuring that challenge is matched with steady support and genuine enthusiasm for the subject.

Rosalia Humphreys

Vector Math · Science · Linear Algebra

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vur21FcuwdVVasUN3RmNK6zreJbF4shZiS8w-ZTmrKo/edit?tab=t.0

Rosie May

Art History · AP Art History

Rosie May is a curator, art historian and educator with a diverse teaching background that spans from museums to the classroom. Rosie holds a Ph.D. in art history from Temple University with a specialization in Italian Renaissance and Baroque art and has over a decade teaching experience at the college level and in museum education departments, where she has been an integral part of shaping the minds of young learners. Her expertise in art history and museum studies has allowed her to teach a range of undergraduate and graduate courses, fostering a deeper appreciation for art among her students. Rosie has spent much of her professional career in the museum field, where she’s held positions at the Philbrook Museum of Art, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art where she is currently director of curatorial affairs. Rosie has made significant contributions as a museum educator and curator and has extensive experience with helping students understand art and its context. She hold a certificate in Visual Thinking Strategies, an advanced art appreciation pedagogy. Rosie has taught in museum education departments, community programs, teacher and school programs, and public programs. This diverse experience has given her a comprehensive understanding of the importance of making art accessible and enjoyable to diverse audiences.

Rudi Monson

Math · English Language Arts (ELA)

Rudi Monson is a mathematics educator with over twenty years of experience spanning both traditional classrooms and home-based learning environments. She spent the first decade of her career teaching middle school math in Chicago Public Schools, where she developed deep expertise in standards-based instruction and curriculum design. In the years since, she has continued her work as a homeschooling parent and educator, designing and facilitating rich, experiential learning for her own children and broader learning communities. This dual perspective, grounded in both formal schooling and personalized, home-based education, shapes Rudi’s thoughtful, flexible approach to one-to-one teaching. Rudi holds a national board certification in adolescent and young adolescent mathematics, a distinction earned by a small percentage of educators in the United States. She completed her undergraduate studies prior to entering the classroom and later pursued advanced certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, reflecting her commitment to both subject mastery and pedagogical excellence. During her decade in Chicago Public Schools, Rudi taught 7th and 8th grade math and quickly emerged as a leader within her school community. As lead math teacher, she collaborated with universities and cultural institutions across Chicago, bringing innovative practices back to her school. She designed and facilitated professional development workshops, led instructional coaching cycles, and mentored fellow teachers; work that deepened her expertise in curriculum design, assessment, and differentiated instruction. After stepping away from the classroom to raise her three children, Rudi’s work in education evolved in new and meaningful ways. She became deeply engaged in homeschooling, exploring a wide spectrum of approaches including worldschooling, gameschooling, and experiential education. She founded The Phoenix Collective, a learning cooperative in Kansas that brought together homeschooling and virtual schooling families for shared academic and social experiences. There, she designed programming that blended academic learning with community-building—organizing field studies, guest speakers, cultural events, and leadership opportunities for both students and parents. Rudi has also worked as an early childhood educator in a play- and arts-based kindergarten and served as teacher in residence at a historic one-room schoolhouse museum, where she developed interdisciplinary curriculum exploring the purpose and history of education. Today, she continues this work as a boatschooling educator, living and learning with her family along the Pacific coast of Mexico. Through this experience, she designs curriculum that is immersive, place-based, and globally oriented; helping students connect academic concepts to the world around them in meaningful and lasting ways.

Ruhaza Ahamed

Math · Art · Crafts

Ruhaza Ahamed’s training as a Montessori teacher shaped her approach to learning, in which she seeks to create a nurturing, supportive environment to allow for exploration and discovery. She has nearly ten years’ experience in classrooms, working primarily with primary and early middle-school students. Ruhaza began her career in an early-education Montessori preschool, working with toddlers and early primary students. After 2 years of enriching work at the preschool, Ruhaza transitioned to an international school in Sri Lanka, where she has continued to develop as an educator committed to her students. Ruhaza has deep experience with the British National Curriculum, and has worked with children spanning the ages of 5-10, guiding them through their formative years of learning and development. During her tenure as a class teacher, Ruhaza has taken on a multifaceted role, teaching such subjects as mathematics, English, art, and social/culture studies. Her diverse teaching repertoire enables her to engage students across the spectrum, fostering their intellectual curiosity and holistic growth. Currently, Ruhaza is employed as a class teacher for year four (grade 3), where she continues to inspire and educate young minds. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with her passion for teaching, has made her a valued member of the educational community, dedicated to shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.

Sara Green

English Language Arts (ELA)

Sara graduated with a bachelor of education degree in 2009 and gained a TEFL certification in 2011. Over the course of career, she has specialized as a reading and literacy teacher. Since 2017, Sara has served as a literacy lead teacher for a large public school system in the UK, providing support in phonics, spelling, reading comprehension, writing and grammar. Sara loves working with primary and middle school aged children (4-12) and helping them build confidence with patience and passion.

Seren Charrington Green

Food History

Seren Charrington-Hollins is a culinary historian with a specialization in British cuisine over the ages. She has authored several books, is a sought-after speaker and television personality, and has taught food history to students across the age range. Seren is the author of A Dark History of Tea, a socio-cultural exploration of this most British of drinks, and Revolting Recipes from History, which has been featured on multiple television shows and print articles. Seren also specializes in curating banquets and historical dinner parties for private clients and television. Seren has appeared on various television programs including BBC 4’s “Castle’s Under Siege,” BBC South’s “Ration Book Britain,” “Pubs that Built Britain” with The Hairy Bikers, BBC 2’s “Inside the Factory,” Channel 4’s “Food Unwrapped,” and more. Her latest book, “Revolting Recipes from History,” received acclaim and was even translated into Japanese. Seren’s work has been featured in esteemed publications such as The Guardian, The Times, Sunday Times, Daily Mail, and The Telegraph, further solidifying her status as a respected authority in the field of food history.

Shannon Farrugia

Math · Science · Executive Functioning

Shannon is an experienced educator with a deep passion for health, wellness, surfing, skateboarding and permaculture. Born and raised in the south east coastal city of Wollongong, Australia, Shannon has found profound inspiration from the ocean and the natural environment that he has been immersed in for most of his life—inspiration that he considers to be at the core of his personal and professional philosophies. Shannon holds a bachelor of education degress, specializing in personal development, health and physical education. However, in his sixteen years as a full-time teacher, his experience also includes middle school science and math, high school guidance counseling, and student wellness In 2017, Shannon was the recipient of a National Excellence in Teaching award in Australia for his work in building a living classroom; an outdoor education facility built on the principals of permaculture, with a focus on project-based learning in order to meet curriculum objectives via non-traditional means and providing more opportunities for differentiated learning strategies. This progressive approach led Shannon to being offered a position at the Green School in Bali, Indonesia in which he led and delivered health, wellbeing, outdoor education, sport and physical education programs. Outside of the classroom you will find Shannon spending time with his children, surfing, or learning new tricks on his skateboard.

Shuping Liang

Chinese · English as a Second Language (ESL) · Writing

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z28pXoiN5Kn54EPu3wS04SrClFlNsATkpHD6uJW95Hk/edit

Sofia Volpato

French · Italian

Sofia is a dedicated and accomplished educator with over 16 years of teaching experience in both public and private middle and high schools across Italy and France. Her career has been rooted in a deep passion for language education, with a specialization in teaching Italian and French to learners of all levels. Currently, she teaches in public high schools in Italy, where she continues to empower students through dynamic and engaging instruction in both languages. In addition to her extensive experience in secondary education, Sofia has also taught at the university level, where she has contributed to undergraduate and postgraduate programs in language and literature. Her university teaching has allowed her to explore more advanced topics in linguistics, cultural studies, and literary analysis, and has further deepened her understanding of how to support learners in academic and professional contexts. A key area of Sofia’s expertise lies in preparing students for the DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) examination. Over the years, she has successfully guided numerous students toward certification, thanks to her structured, student-focused approach and her comprehensive understanding of the exam’s expectations. Her lessons are known for blending rigor with encouragement, creating a supportive environment where students can thrive. Sofia’s academic background is distinguished by three Master of Arts degrees: one in Teaching Italian as an Additional Language, one in French and Comparative Literature, and one in Italian Literature. This multidisciplinary education has provided her with a rich foundation in language pedagogy and literary studies, enabling her to design curriculum and instruction that are both intellectually rigorous and culturally enriching. Beyond the classroom, Sofia has participated in a variety of educational initiatives and professional development programs focused on language acquisition, multilingual education, and intercultural communication. She actively engages in conferences and collaborative projects across Europe, reflecting her commitment to continuous growth and pedagogical excellence. Sofia’s combination of experience, advanced academic training, and genuine passion for teaching positions her as a respected figure in the field of language education. Whether in secondary schools or university lecture halls, her work consistently fosters linguistic confidence, cultural appreciation, and academic success among her students.

Sokratis Theodoridis

Math · AP Calculus AB · AP Calculus BC

With over a decade of teaching and tutoring mathematics, Sokratis is a gifted math teacher who focuses on conceptual understanding over rote memorization. He currently teaches at an international school in Italy where he specializes in IB MYP/DP programs. But, he also has experience with American curricula, including AP. Sokratis currently teaches math at an international school in Italy. He has previously taught at The International School of Europe and, briefly, at Dasman Bilingual School. These positions have exposed him to different educational environments and student demographics, enriching his teaching repertoire. In addition to his classroom experience, Sokratis has worked as a private tutor for many years and worked with students from primary school to university. His adeptness at establishing meaningful connections with students on an individual level coupled with his ability to provide targeted support in comprehending mathematical concepts is a cornerstone of his tutoring practice. Furthermore, his time as a course Instructor at the Public Institute of Vocational Training underscores his adaptability in tailoring his teaching methodologies to various instructional contexts. Sokratis’s multifaceted and well-rounded background enables him to effectively support a wide-range of students in their mathematical journey.

Souvik Nandy

Food History

Souvik Nandy is a co-founder of the Asian School of Tea, a tea education institution with branches in India, Thailand, and New Zealand that, among other things, trains tea sommeliers. Deeply knowledgeable about tea, Souvik also runs a tea trading company that develops blends and products for tea companies worldwide. Driven by a passion for tea culture, Souvik has established partnerships with small-scale tea farmers, offering them a platform to showcase their unique teas—an opportunity often hindered by financial constraints. This initiative not only uplifts farming communities but also introduces global audiences to lesser-known, high-quality teas. Through the Asian School of Tea, Souvik promotes sustainable tea tourism, encouraging travelers to experience the authenticity of tea regions while supporting ethical practices. The programs of the Asian School of Tea seamlessly combine tea education with a commitment to environmental conservation and cultural preservation. By connecting traditional tea artisans with modern enthusiasts, he ensures the institution remains a bridge between heritage and innovation. Souvik’s work continues to redefine the tea industry, fostering appreciation for tea as a medium of connection, culture, and sustainability. His leadership inspires tea lovers worldwide to explore the stories behind every cup.

Stephen Deguara

English Language Arts (ELA) · SAT Prep

Originally from Australia, Stephen earned his BA in English and Master’s degree in education from Western Sydney University. A diehard traveler and adventurer with excellent Spanish language skills he immediately hit the road, eventually landing in Bogota, Colombia where he teaches high school English at an American international school. Stephen believes that the most effective teaching is that tailored to the student, and that aims to connect the student with the material in the most effective way. This often leads Stephen toward a “tapestry of pedagogy” approach that believes project-based learning with other forms (kinetic, etc.). For example, when teaching Shakespeare Stephen usually employs the “Folger method,” which involves acting out the plays. Stephen is dedicated to mentoring students through centered learning, personal connections, structured academic tasks, and continuous feedback, recognizing these elements as essential for student growth and development. Stephen’s greatest source of pride lies in witnessing his students develop a genuine love and passion for English Language Arts, empowered with the ability to apply their critical thinking skills to the world around them.

Steven Gill

Debate · Social Studies · Sociology

Steven is an accomplished educator and sociologist, who has taught social science, psychology, and debate on both the middle and high school level. They have won numerous awards for their empathetic, engaging teaching style, and currently coach debate on the national level. Steven is particularly interested in social equity. Steven earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Minot State University in 2017, where they were honored as the Undergraduate Sociology Student of the Year. Their academic interests spanned history, economics, and political science, providing a well-rounded foundation for their future endeavors in education and research. Steven’s passion for teaching led them to further their education at Simpson College, where they earned a Master of Arts in Teaching in 2021. Their thesis focused on the critical examination of teacher preparation programs and their responsiveness to the needs of LGBTQ+ students, advocating for a more equitable school system. At Simpson College, Steven was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate Student, a testament to their dedication and scholarly excellence. In 2023, Steven completed their second Master’s in Education with a concentration in trauma and resilience from Spring Arbor University. Their “Kindness as a Classroom Management Tool” thesis underscored their commitment to fostering supportive and empathetic learning environments. Throughout their career, Steven has been actively involved in professional development, presenting at numerous conferences on topics ranging from human rights to the intersection of artificial intelligence and gender constructs. Steven currently teaches social studies in the Aurora Public School District in Colorado. Prior to this Steven served as a speech and debate teacher and coach at Kent Denver School, where they managed a successful debate team. Steven also has a lot of experience teaching online with students in remote locations and has built virtual curricula in sociology and psychology. In addition to their teaching roles, Steven has contributed novel research to academic literature, including work on the LGBTQ+ community in education. Their work reflects a deep commitment to advocacy and education reform, aiming to create inclusive and supportive educational environments for all students.

Svet Georgiev

Digital Art · Animation · Coding

Svet is a Bulgarian-based animator and game designer/developer who earned his undergraduate and master’s degree in advanced animation technology from Varna University. After a variety of life and job experiences that brought him from Ohio to Alaska and back to Bulgaria, Svet became an educator in the local school system in Bulgaria. Svet has deep experience helping kids understand technology and how to to become creators rather than mere consumers. His passion is 2D animation using Adobe software, and he runs in-depth courses that combine physics, engineering, design, and a bit of coding to help kids learn how to master the powerful tool of animation. His courses are super fun, too! Svet is also a C# and Unity game developer and can build personalized game design courses for students that encompass a wide range of disciplines, including storytelling, mechanics, level design, user experience, and more.

Tally Beck

Social Studies · Classics · English Language Arts (ELA)

Tally Beck is a highly versatile educator with a rich background in history, art history, foreign languages, and literature. Bringing over a decade of experience, Tally excels in teaching individual students and small online classes. His expertise shines particularly in courses like AP European History and AP English Literature, where his students consistently achieve outstanding scores of 4 or 5 on exams. Holding a summa cum laude degree in art history from New York University, Tally pursued graduate studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. His professional journey encompasses roles as a curator, gallery director, educator, and writer in Beijing. With his broad knowledge of the arts and humanities, Tally has also been able to incorporate other interests, such as mechanics and music history, into other curricula. He is dedicated to making education a personalized, transformative, and enjoyable experience, one that empowers students not only to excel academically but also discover the interconnectedness of knowledge and the rewards of curiosity. Tally’s teaching expertise extends to AP European History and AP English Literature offerings.

Tara Mehundrew

English Language Arts (ELA) · Social Studies · Science

Tasha Milkman

Math

Terri Richey

History · U.S. History · World History

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t_eUgzyFEzug3fMPoGU9FxytWj_qptSmJsqYbsIuNsM/edit

Test Teacher

Test Test

AP Statistics · AP Chemistry

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hx0LkLoUpwm3iDwxVtw6iKJ_oBMrEhS1zEAgGWwdrvc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.7rwgte2s1pll

Thasnim Hassen

English Language Arts (ELA)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qBVuIkOasc_GtHCW9H3kkPrYOTH640p8tbxEbUUlNos/edit

Tim Robertson

Engineering · Robotics · Coding

Tim was raised in Phoenix Arizona, graduated in 2006 from Cesar Chavez High School, and attended MIT for a degree in Mechanical Engineering Design. After MIT, Tim stayed in the Boston area. His previous experiences building, imagining, designing, and installing public artwork fit between stints at robotics companies, drone-startups, and college administration roles. Tim’s current goal is to find a career path that is academically and spiritually rewarding. Green energy, and carbon sequestration startups are of interest, and he hopes to work on his own company that empowers the ocean ecosystem to blunt the oncoming climate change.

Toni Tessier

English Language Arts (ELA) · Literature · Creative Writing

Toni has over twenty years of experience teaching high school English, reading, and college prep writing in a suburban Connecticut school. She earned her BA in English from Clark University, her MA in teaching from Sacred Heart, and did postgraduate work in specialized reading instruction at Central Connecticut State University. Toni has received numerous awards and honors in her teaching career including a Connecticut Excellence Award, an Amistad fellowship, and a Fund for Teachers grant. Toni has taught students from grade nine honors students to seniors who plan to go straight to work. Due to her role as a reading specialist she has been able to spend a great deal of time working one-on-one or in small groups to help learners develop reading and writing skills. Toni’s sweet spot is teaching thematically, a method where she surrounds an anchor text with articles, stories, poems, and other short works that share similar themes and can provide contrast or context. Thematic teaching allows students to experience different ways of treating a core concept or idea; and culminating assignments are designed to push them to explore comparisons and contrasts across several pieces of writing. Writing, including personal writing, literary analysis, argumentation, and research projects—including grammar and usage—are core to Toni’s approach and are usually integrated into her plans. Some of Toni’s favorite thematic units focus on coming of age, self-identity, justice, the American dream, dystopias, and friendship. Within these units, texts such as Of Mice and Men, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Great Gatsby, Macbeth, The Things They Carried, The Round House, and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings are perennial favorites.

Torsten Klaus

English Language Arts (ELA) · German · Film

Originally from Germany, Torsten is a versatile teacher with a rich background in journalism, filmmaking, philosophy, and history. Torsten earned his bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy before starting a career in journalism. After a successful stint as a journalist, Torsten relocated to the UK and retrained as a teacher. For the past two decades, he has been deeply involved in working with children across various alternative educational settings in the UK, Austria, Spain, Portugal, and the Middle East. Torsten is a devoted father to three worldschooling children, fostering a lifestyle of exploration and learning through travel. His dedication to slow travel allows him to immerse himself fully in diverse cultures, enriching his perspective as both a parent and an educator. Torsten’s interests extend beyond his professional pursuits. He is an accomplished author, chef, and enthusiast of slow cooking. His insatiable curiosity and adventurous spirit drive him to constantly push boundaries and step outside his comfort zone. He also has experience in film and teaches filmmaking.

Tyler Snelling

Debate

UmmeSalama Mustafa

Calligraphy

Umme is a graphic designer and calligrapher with an immense love for typography, people, and adventure. In Umme’s view, design is the product of creativity applied to a problem. Her goal with her student is to help them convey a message or a story through a very real, practical use of art. Umme trained as a a visual designer and calligrapher in Sri Lanka and spent over a decade working in advertising. She has a deep passion for calligraphy, and has trained as a calligraphy teacher. Through pop-up workshops, online classes, and private tutoring, she has taught hundreds of students, both junior and senior alike. Umme runs a hand-lettering and calligraphy community in Sri Lanka where she runs workshops and encourages the widespread adoption of modern calligraphy and hand-lettering in Sri Lanka.

Uriel Sade

Math · Geology · Engineering

Uriel first started teaching and tutoring math and science as an undergraduate student in Tel Aviv where he was studying for a degree in engineering, eventually taking a position at a private school for gifted children where he taught courses in engineering, science, and “experiential math,” using games. After graduation, Uriel worked for a large learning center in Israel, helping it to expand and open new locations. But, his true passion lay with teaching, not business expansion, and after a short while he was back in the classroom helping high school students to succeed in their final exams in math and physics. Uriel loves working with kids to develop innovative mental models around math and science. He’s published three books about teaching math using a virtual fantasy world that he’s built. Overall, Uriel has 13 years of experience teaching a wide range of students, from young primary age students to high schoolers preparing for college. His core area of interest is math and science, but he has a side passion in history and geography, and has experience teaching those as well.

Vincenzo Rosario La Franca Pitarresi

Chemistry

Vincenzo is a skilled chemistry teacher with a deep background in research, who has expertise in IB, DP, and MYP science curricula. He is an engaging thinker and educator who makes chemistry come alive for his students. Vincenzo holds a MA and a Ph.D. in chemistry from university of Valencia and he did post doctoral research associate in Nankai University in China where his research involved chemical fixation of carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals that have broad applications in both organic (e.g. cyclic carbonates) and pharmaceutical fields (e.g. carboxylic acids) and silicon chemistry (siloxanes synthesis). After his academic work, Vincenzo pivoted into teaching and currently heads the science department at an international school in Italy where he specializes in the IB, DP, and MYP chemistry curricula. Vincenzo has well-rounded skills in lesson planning, chemistry curriculum development and lab exercises. A favorite quotation of Vincenzo’s from Benjamin Franklin is: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Vincenzo strives to ensure that his students become active learners during his lessons, encourages them to recognize and state problems, ask questions about these problems in a manner that allows them to find answers, and to recognize that these answers are both the final product and the starting point for their future study.

Vyagale Maryland

Film · Writing · Screenwriting

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1loTn1vPCvHccO05rpJSraKuivA5REzlxinf5WAf-tcs/edit

Whitney Ryan

Math

Will Schutt

English Language Arts (ELA) · Writing · ACT Prep

Will has been teaching creative writing and ELA to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students since 2008. He has taught in American and international high schools and institutions of higher learning, including Gilman School, Goucher College, St. Stephen’s School in Rome, and the University of Maryland, College Park. In the summers he directs the Goucher College Young Writers’ Camp, a creative writing and college preparatory camp for high school students grades 9-12. For the past six years Will has also worked one-on-one with middle and high school students as a private writing tutor and executive function coach. He was trained in executive function pedagogical practices and visualization and verbalization reading strategies by Fran Bowman. Will is also an award-winning poet (Westerly, 2013) and translator from Italian, so that, whatever he happens to be teaching, he hopes to kindle in his students a love of language, an appreciation for writing as a process, and a curiosity about other cultures.

Zachary Roach

English Language Arts (ELA)

Zachary Roach grew up in a family of teachers. Not only his parents, but two of his three siblings are also teachers. One can imagine conversations at Roach dinners focused on the thorny issue of Hamlet’s thinking or Toni Morrison’s complex style. Zachary has five years of teaching experience in urban high school settings—three years in Brooklyn, NY and two years in Camden, NJ, where he has taught 9th and 10th grade English and creative writing. Zachary’s English courses focus on deepening students’ inquiry into rich texts through rigorous discourse and process-based writing. He teaches a wide range of fiction and nonfiction texts and tailors his courses to the interests of specific learners. He is particularly passionate about Shakespeare and American literature. Some of Zachary’s favorite authors are Jesmyn Ward, James Baldwin, David Foster Wallace, and Elizabeth Strout. Zachary has also served as an instructional leader for English, history, and mathematics at Camden Prep High School, where he developed newer teachers’ pedagogical skills and helped veteran teachers refine their practice. He is currently in a fellowship for the role of Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. Zachary holds a BA (honors) in English and American studies from Wesleyan University, along with a masters in teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education.