Enseignants et Administration

Lucie was born in Argentreuil, France, and raised in Africa. She received a bachelor’s degree in law before she moved to New York in 2005. She worked with children from Nursery to 3rd Grade as an assistant in a bilingual international school in New York for 13 years before joining The École in September 2018 as a school life assistant. Lucie is very passionate about kids, and she loves to travel and discover other cultures. She likes listening to classical and gospel music, and she also enjoys quiet time.

Julien holds a bachelor’s degree in modern French literature and is a graduate of the Dante Agostini Drum School in Toulouse, France. He began his career as a French Ministry of Education-certified teacher in 2008, teaching for six years in a disadvantaged priority education zone (ZEP) in France. As a multi-instrumentalist, Julien emphasizes the use of music in his teaching and shares the view of Belgian writer Paul Carvel that “music deserves to be the mandatory second language of all schools in the world.” Julien gives private drum lessons and also leads professional development workshops on music education for French teachers in the AEFE network. At The École, Julien takes pride in ensuring his students’ success by making the most of his musical experience, his passion for digital tools, and his interest in innovative teaching methods. Julien is the drummer of the New York band, The Midnight Callers.

Originally from Toulouse, France, Manu holds a master’s in psychoanalysis and three bachelor’s degrees in psychology, Spanish, and education science. Certified as a teacher by the French Ministry of Education since 2001, she taught for several years in a mixed-grade classroom in a rural French commune, before opting for a New York adventure in 2010. She taught for four years at the International School of Brooklyn before joining The École in 2015. Manu’s teaching style draws on her first career as a theater teacher, as well as on an alternative pedagogical approach called “pédagogie institutionnelle” that incorporates social learning theory. Manu is also a Dharma teacher and certified meditation instructor in the Kwan Um School of Zen.

Originally from Connecticut, Andrea received her BA in sociology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and then earned her early Childhood teaching certification from Montclair State University. From 2007, Andrea served as headteacher at nursery and pre-k level for several private schools in New York City and New Jersey. She feels very fortunate to teach young children in their first years and to help them have a positive school experience. Andrea is also a certified kids yoga teacher and she likes to incorporate yoga, breathing, and mindfulness into her classes. Andrea started teaching at The École in the Fall of 2019, and she is delighted to be a part of the school as an English Nursery teacher.

Joanna was born and raised in Paris. She holds a bachelor’s degree in applied science and a master’s degree in education sciences. Certified by the French Ministry of Education in 2011, she taught petite section (nursery) for 8 years in Paris (14e). Passionate about her work, in 2015 she became a teacher trainer, helping the next generation of maternelle teachers. Her teaching focuses on personalized work intended for each student to grow at their own rhythm. She was delighted to join The École as a French Nursery teacher in 2019 and is looking forward to applying her experience in a bilingual environment. Joanna loves dancing and traveling to discover new cultures.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and special education from New York University and then a master’s degree in early childhood education from Hunter College, Yuna has dedicated her career to teaching all age groups in early childhood, more in-depth. After her last year at The Dalton School, she has decided to explore a bilingual institution where she can take the initiative of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), using her background as a bilingual. She strives to strengthen each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs effectively, collaborating with English language learners (ELLs) among diverse learners. She is committed to ensuring her students develop a strong self-identity and acquire the ability to be flexible thinkers and resilient community members. She very much looks forward to her journey at The École and to sharing her love and experience as an opera singer with the children.

Pierre holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and a first-degree teaching diploma. He started his career working in Events for the Tour de France. His early years of teaching were spent in a disadvantaged priority education zone (ZEP) in the Melun school district in France. After that, Pierre taught in Paris (16e) for five years as a master teacher, collaborating with a research lecturer from the Paris school district, to teach trainees who wanted to teach English and French in their Maternelle or Elementary classes. He joined The École in 2019 and is excited about teaching French and helping his students grow in a bilingual and multicultural environment. His passion for singing has led him to conduct school choirs, which he will also be doing for Pre-K classes at The École.

Originally from the south of France and passionate about English from a young age, Virginie holds a teaching certificate of Professeur des Écoles from the French Ministry of Education, as well as a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. Virginie has been teaching in New York in the French-American system since 2002 and she has been at The École since its opening in 2009.

Passionate about bilingualism, Virginie loves teaching in a classroom where the teachers speak different languages but work in close collaboration. Her studies in France and the US and her professional experience with American colleagues have enabled her to greatly diversify her teaching methods throughout the years. Although she speaks only in French in the classroom, she uses strategies borrowed from both systems and specifically tailored to The École’s bilingual structure. Outside of school, Virginie loves spending time in nature, with a soft spot for uncrowded beaches, and can often be found taking (too many) nature photos.

Aileen is originally from Dallas, Texas. In 2012, she graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in mass communications. Since 2014, she worked for the Dallas Independent School District, with students ranging from nursery to 5th grade. Aileen moved to New York City in 2022 and in September, joined The École as a School Life Assistant. She is very passionate about working with children and looks forward to creating a strong bond with the children of the Maternelle. In her spare time, Aileen loves to explore the city with her husband and their beloved dog, Buki.

Dawn brings over 14 years of experience in public, charter, and independent schools in California, New Jersey, Georgia, and New York City, most recently at Park Children’s Day School. She holds a Master’s of Arts in Education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction from San Diego State University. Prior to joining The École in 2021, Dawn taught in various grade levels from Pre-Nursery to 4th Grade. She is passionate about creating a virtuous community of lifelong learners who think independently and who are prepared for a demographically diverse society. Born and raised in California, Dawn is a world traveler and an accomplished athlete who recently ran a 100-mile ultramarathon and has trekked to Everest Base Camp.

Rebecca has worked at The École since 2022. She is from Eastern Long Island where she completed her studies in Business Administration. Rebecca has worked in several daycares, schools, and after-school programs. Through her various opportunities, she gained both knowledge and experience in her childcare career. The most exciting part Rebecca enjoys about her job is seeing the students grow and develop into their unique and individual personalities.

Enid was born and raised in New York City. She holds a BA in Sociology/Early Childhood Education from Lehman College and a Master of Science in Literacy from City College. She holds a New York State Professional Certificate in Early Childhood Education B-2. In 2010, Enid worked as a Universal Pre-K teacher in a preschool in Flushing, New York where the majority of the students only spoke Mandarin. In 2011, Enid worked with two, three and four years old at a bilingual French Montessori and Bank Street preschool on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Enid has been working at The École since 2018, and she enjoys being a part of another bilingual school environment. Enid’s teaching experiences have helped her grow as an educator as she understands the importance of quality bilingual education in the early years of a child. Enid has a dog named Willie Wonka.

Originally from the South of France, Christelle holds a master’s degree in international business. After having worked for a corporate training firm in France and living in Dubai, she decided in 2015  to make a career change and become a teacher.

Passionate about Montessori and Reggio approaches, Christelle fosters hands-on activities, autonomy, and respect for each child’s pace.

A Great traveler and art lover (Christelle took some classes at the école du Louvres) she finds inspiration from traveling, cultural differences, and art to enhance her curriculum.

Before joining the  École in 2022, Christelle taught for 4 years as a nursery teacher at a French school  FFLO in Brooklyn. She is thrilled to join The École’s bilingual community and help her students reveal their talents.

Born in New York City, Alisha holds a BA in Psychology and Childhood Education. Currently, she is working toward her Dual MS in Early Childhood and Special Education at Hunter College. Prior to joining the École in September 2018, Alisha excelled in multiple teaching environments earning recognition from the Principal Leadership Facilitator in her former district. Her experience includes a gifted and talented public school, private Reggio and Montessori schools, as well as an at-risk public school, all of which has helped her become a seasoned educator. Over the 9 years of her career, Alisha has never felt more aligned with a school’s philosophy like that of The École’s, which is providing learning opportunities that engage, challenge, inspire and illuminate. The warm, nurturing, and rigorous learning environment she is able to provide her students brings her the most pride. Second to her career is her love of fiber art; during her free time, Alisha enjoys creating inventory for her small online shop of hand-made items for children.