By Raj Merchant ’11, News Editor

Ms. Tess James has joined NA as a maternity leave replacement for an NA legend, Doctor LaPadula. Ms. James is a published novelist who is joining us from the Wilson School, where she developed the English curriculum.  After a month at NA, Ms. James states that “the strength of my students writing amazes me, as does the welcoming spirit of the NA faculty and staff.  I’m happy to be part of this vortex of energy, ideas, and goodwill known as NA.” Ms. James will be teaching Creative Writing.

Ms. Meredith Railsback has most recently worked at a world-renowned boarding school, Hotchkiss. She has also earned her masters in education from Columbia University. While at Hotchkiss and Columbia University she worked with the Foundation for Urban Education. Ms. Railsback will be teaching American Literature and World Literature.

Ms. Elana Snow taught English at Chewonki’s Maine Coast Semester prior to earning her masters in education at Harvard University last year. Ms. Snow will be teaching English 7 and World Literature, also filling in for Dr. LaPadula.  She is already throwing herself into life at NA, co-chairing the Green committee with Mr. Huber.

Foreign Language

Ms. Katie Moore has most recently worked as a translator and English trainer at a language school and veterinary association in Paris, France. She is “proud” to say that she graduated from the same university as Ms. Obydol. Ms. Moore also taught for approximately two years in Germany. So far, she “loves the enthusiasm that NA students have for languages” and is “truly impressed with the IB program.” Ms. Moore is proud to teach at a school with “such an international, diverse population.”   Here at NA Ms. Moore will be teaching IB French Literature, French 3 Honors, French 2 Honors, and French A.

Ms. Romer joins us from the West Orange school system where she taught Spanish for several years.  She moved here from Argentina eleven years ago to provide a better life for her family.  Prior to teaching, Ms. Romer practiced medicine.  Ms. Romer will be teaching Spanish 3, Spanish 2, and Spanish A, but brings a fascinating life story and fresh global perspective to NA.

Ms. Saraceno has taught Spanish at the Bergen County Technical School system for two years. Ms. Saraceno will be teaching Advanced Spanish, Spanish 2, Spanish 2 Honors, and Spanish 1. Ms. Saraceno said she was so happy on her first day that all her students had actually completed the homework!  She loves her department and the warm welcome she has received at NA.

Humanities

Mr. Morelli joins NA from the Westwood High School right outside of Boston. Mr. Morelli did his undergraduate major in history at Boston College, and received his Masters in Education from Harvard University. Mr. Morelli is a NJ native, and he is excited about coming “back to Yankees Universe from Red Sox Nation.” So far he finds “…NA to be a very strong community and the students to be motivated and intellectually curious.” Mr. Morelli will be teaching Western Heritage and Ancient World.

Science

Mr. Kesler joins us from the Groton school were he coached a few sports while also teaching higher level physics courses. Previously, Mr. Kesler earned his Masters in Physics from Princeton University and taught at the Salisbury School. Mr. Kesler is looking forward to working with the NA Physics students. He is adjusting to the IB curriculum, and likes the sense of teamwork the IB promotes. Previously a boarding school teacher, Mr. Kesler is enjoying the new lifestyle that comes with teaching at a day school. He was also pleased to see that students actively seek to meet with teachers outside of the classroom.  Mr. Kesler will be teaching both Physics Honors and IB Physics.

Technology/Computer Science

Mr. Alford has taught Spanish in the NJ public school system and more recently worked as a software engineer in Business. He will also be the webmaster of the Newark Academy website. So far Mr. Alford is adjusting to NA’s environment quickly and he “counts himself quite lucky to have found NA.” He states that “The enthusiasm of NA strikes me”, and he appreciates “the level of student investment in the school, and the sense of ownership.” Mr. Alford will be teaching both Introduction to Computer Science and IB Computer Science which he “has wanted to teach at a high school level for a long time.”