By Danny Cohen ’15, Staff Writer

Not only are over one hundred new students walking the halls this fall, but there are seven new teachers who have joined the NA faculty. Some are starting out there careers, while others come to the Academy with distinguished backgrounds. Their knowledge and experience will undoubtedly add to the community in innumerable ways.

Mr. Robert Rezvani, a middle school mathematics teacher, has teaching experience in Japan. Prior to moving back to the United States, Mr. Rezvani worked as an English teacher in Western Japan. After concluding his tenure in Japan, he came to NA to coach the swim team. While coaching at NA, he met “so many fascinating students and teachers” that he decided to accept a teaching position.

Mr. Andy Ryan, has joined the Science Department to teach Chemistry. In the afternoons, he takes to the field as the Boy’s JV Soccer coach. Influencing Mr. Ryan’s decision to teach at Newark Academy, was his positive impression of the dynamic student body and its the strong sense of family.

Ms. Rachel Reeves, another science teacher, teaches seventh and eighth grades. Her passions include coaching Middle School Field Hockey, teaching Geology, and learning overall. Although Ms. Reeves enjoyed instructing ninth grade earth science as a student teacher in Virginia, she could not turn down the “promising opportunity” that Newark Academy offered.

Ms. Candice Powell taught at the Mary McDowell Friends School in Brooklyn for Special Needs students. There, she taught English and U.S. History before teaching eighth and tenth grade English at NA. Initially, Ms. Powell was interested in teaching at a private Preparatory School and decided that NA was the perfect place for her. She enjoys teaching students to be critical writers and thinkers, and finds literature to be a great way to teach these skills. Ms. Powell, is also an ardent runner, and lends her experience to NA’s strong Cross Country program as an Assistant Coach.

Ms. Sarah Fischer, an Ancient World and Theory of Knowledge 2 teacher, values learning from her students. Before working for the AmeriCorps program for a few years, she taught history and dance at various schools, most notably, the Harvey School in New York. At Newark Academy, Ms. Fischer coaches Middle School girls’ soccer. She looks forward to discussing deposed French King Louis XIV, a topic she is passionate about.

Mr. Lewis Potters teaches both Film and Video for grades ten through twelve. This course is the first of its kind at NA. Never before have arts classes explored the possibilities of motion pictures. Previously, he was a faculty member at Morris Knolls High School.

Ms. Megan Lopretto is thrilled that she has begun her teaching career at such a prestigious school. In addition to teaching Health, Ms. Lopretto coaches both Middle School Tennis and Swimming. One of her former college professors recommended Newark Academy to Ms. Lopretto. One of her main educational goals is to encourage students to develop and maintain self-esteem. As such, Ms. Lopretto serves as an ally for students.

The Newark Academy community is delighted to welcome all newcomers. We particularly feel privileged to have such an impressive array of new faculty members. We hope they felt warmy received by their students and colleagues. Have a great year!