For the 2020-2021 school year, Fieldston has welcomed 14 new faculty members to the community, who have shared what brought them to Fieldston and what they hope to accomplish while here.
College counselor Natasha Go is excited to begin her work at Fieldston. Go was drawn to the ECFS community by “the community’s devotion to the ideals of fairness, equity, and inclusivity. I am inspired by how students are able to explore intersections of different topics and bring their multiplicity of identities into the classroom, and also by how faculty are so passionate about teaching and engaging with their subject matter.” Go says she will bring “guidance, patience, fierce trivia skills, and a whimsical wardrobe” to the Fieldston community.
Felicia Kazin-Penchina, a history teacher, loves the university-esque Fieldston campus. In order to develop relationships with her students, she has focused on maximizing opportunities for students to express themselves and diversifying the methods of doing so. “I don’t think I know Fieldston well enough to see where I fit in yet, but I’m excited to find out,” Kazin-Penchina wrote.
Matthew Fischer, a visual arts teacher, was inspired by Fieldston’s emphasis on imagination, play, and hands-on experiences, which are crucial to art education. He has been doing frequent check-ins and one and one meetings with his students to connect with them. He hopes to bring “new ways of thinking about art, context, and critical thinking” to the community.
Brenda Perry, another new visual arts teacher, was drawn to Fieldston’s progressive education. She said that Fieldston is different from other schools because “we empower students and faculty to let their voices be heard. I believe an educator does not just teach what they know but who they are. That is what I hope to bring [to] the Fieldston community– myself –with all my experiences, perspectives, knowledge, [and] ideas.”
Form III Dean, Stephanie Harris, was also attracted by Fieldston’s progressive education and emphasis on social justice. She has hosted virtual lunch gatherings and even one in-person social event to connect with her students. “I am most inspired by the breadth of History electives offered to students. I wish I had taken advantage of opportunities to learn more about history and cultures when I was in school, so I’m happy to see that ECFS students have a wide range of options,” Harris said. She hopes to bring empathy, dedication, and kindness to Fieldston.
Athletics coach Danielle Gabriel was placed at Fieldston Lower to complete an elementary teaching assignment after graduating from Manhattan College. Gabriel said, “I’m [going] to take into account that each student is going through their own story as well as their own way of coping and working through the educational and life changes that are currently being thrust upon them.” She believes that “students deserve a personalized experience and an opportunity to maximize their growth. The constant revision of our curriculum allows Fieldston to fully commit to that mission every day.” Gabriel hopes to share her knowledge and learn from others and is “excited to add to and grow within this cultivating community.”
With the school year underway and multiple new members to the Fieldston community, we look forward to getting to know and working with them in the months to come!
