At WES Since: 2023
Why did you choose to work at WES?
I love the kind and supportive learning community that WES provides, and I’m eager to grow and contribute within that community.
What is the best book you have ever read?
This may be cheating, but I have to go with a series rather than a single book. It’s called Malazan Book Of The Fallen and is written by Steven Erikson. I have been a lover of epic fantasy since my childhood, and Erikson uses the genre as a medium through which he makes a compelling case for compassion, empathy, and humility.
Bio:
I grew up in the D.C. area and graduated from St. Andrew’s Episcopal School as a member of the class of ‘08. I went on to Mount St. Mary’s University, where, fun fact, I was a four-year starting player for the school’s Division I soccer program. Upon graduating with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Legal Studies, my initial goal was to play soccer professionally. However, after experiencing some unfortunate injuries, I instead transitioned to coaching competitive school and club youth soccer teams. I knew from this experience that I loved working with young people. That passion led me to a D.C.-based national nonprofit dedicated to hands-on civic education, where I spent four years teaching middle and high school students from across the country about U.S. history, politics, and issue advocacy. In my free time, you can find me cheering on Manchester United, playing with dogs, working out at the gym, and hanging out with my friends and family.
At WES Since: 2022
Why did you choose to work at WES?
I love the warm and welcoming atmosphere that WES provides.
What is the best book you’ve ever read?
It is hard to pick just one, but I would have to say Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. I could not put this book down once I started. If you are looking for a good mystery book, I highly recommend it.
Bio:
I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin as a Rhetoric & Writing and Government double major with a minor in Philosophy of Law. I previously interned in the communications office at the Port of Corpus Christi and served as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing for Delta Xi Nu sorority. I am the oldest of five children and, in my free time, I enjoy watching horror/thriller movies, reading, and exploring new places.
At WES Since: 2011
What motivated you to become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I wanted to be surrounded by people eager to learn: to explore new ideas, to learn new skills, to ask questions, and to be surprised. Pairing this desire with teaching English, particularly to Middle School students, seemed perfect. In the process of offering students new texts to read and explore is exciting, as you search endlessly for the perfect way to engage them or the book that will finally grab them. As an obsessive reader, I know the joy of finding a book that speaks to you or helps you to discover something new. Being able to help students at an age when they are searching and exploring their identities to find books that resonate for them is priceless. Teaching writing has similar rewards, as you give them the opportunities and the tools to express their own thoughts. I have been allowed to read such personal, powerful work by people who have only lived twelve to fourteen years. I am so grateful. My goals as a teacher include always being open to new ideas, learning from the people that I teach, and pushing myself to explore new ways of engaging my students.
What excites you about teaching Middle School language arts?
Middle School students are struggling to form their identities amidst a complex, fast-moving world. Surrounding them with literature gives them the opportunity to listen to other voices confronting the same struggles within the safety of a well-crafted story. Giving students the tools for examining and questioning text allows them to expand their thinking and to make intelligent decisions. Teaching them how to write gives students the opportunity to develop and share their own voice. To be a part of this process is priceless.
How has teaching language arts changed with the advances in digital media and digital tools like Google Docs?
Has it really changed? Students still use language to express, to expand, to organize, to craft, and to share their ideas. Technology gives them new formats within which to do this. Perhaps, what has changed is access. Students have greater and speedier access to all manner of text. Likewise, students can share their own products with a far greater audience, giving them more expansive audiences. Finally, students have more options for exploring text and for crafting their own “writing.”
Bio:
I have been teaching Middle School English for over 20 years and still love it. When not reading, I love running, practicing yoga, caring for my plants, and spending time with my two children, both of whom are also educators.
Awards:
2019 Christine D. Sarbanes Teacher of the Year recipient from Maryland Humanities
At WES Since: 1993-2000; 2002- present
What is your philosophy on teaching?
One of the best parts of teaching PE and coaching is the opportunity to work with students on skills, strategies, and teamwork, and then these students have the opportunity to put what they have learned to the test in competition. Win or lose there is always something that can be learned from these opportunities.
If you could choose to meet any person, living or dead, who would it be?
Getting to choose any living person can be very circumstantial depending on what is happening in a person’s life. Right now I would choose my daughter, Emelia, who just went off to her freshman year of college! But I will stick with the spirit of the question and say Norwegian triathlete, Kristian Blummenfelt. He was the gold medalist in Triathlon in the 2020 (…2021) Tokyo Olympics. He was billed as a strong competitor but not favored to medal. He was close throughout the swim and bike, and during the run was thought to not be as strong as the other competitors and would probably fade. The way this athlete dug deep and left the favorites in his wake was as inspirational as it gets. While others faded in the heat, he only got stronger on his way to a gold medal. I would enjoy hearing his thoughts on his accomplishments and what he was thinking during the race, especially when he made his move. I’d also like to hear about what went into his training and any advice he would give to someone who is trying to achieve a personal goal.
Bio:
Born and raised on Long Island, NY (yes, Long Islanders live ON Long Island), I moved to the DMV after graduating from Lynchburg College. I now reside in Bethesda with my wife, Meredith, and two children, Emelia (WES ‘17) and William Jack. I’ve worked in education for 30 years with 25 of them spent at WES, where I am currently the athletics director, Middle School dean of students, and summer camp director. Athletics and fitness have always been a big part of my life and being able to work with students in this capacity has been a pure joy for me. In my free time, I enjoy running, biking, and traveling to new places. I have also been on a personal quest to find the best pizza in the area to rival that from NY. It’s a good thing I enjoy running because the quest continues.
At WES Since: 2008
What is your favorite thing about WES?
The community! My co-workers and the families are like my second family. Highlight: I love seeing how our students grow and mature into lovely young people from year to year.
Bio:
My name is Ana Karam, and I am the school receptionist. My husband, Philippe, and I have three children: Alessandra our eldest, and Michaela and Matthew, our twins (who attended WES from the 5th grade and graduated in 2012). Our family moved to the DC area from Canada in 2003.
At WES Since: 2021
Bio:
I am deeply passionate about student wellness and creating a comprehensive school counseling program that teaches children strategies and coping skills to grow into healthy, well-adjusted teenagers and adults. Most recently I was at the Maret School, where I was the lower and middle school counselor and wellness teacher for four years. Previously, I worked at the St. Peter School in DC and the San Diego Unified School District. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Iona College and a master’s degree in counseling from the University of San Diego.
