Cluster

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Esther Eng-Tsang

Ms. Esther is one of the founding teachers of TALES. She has taught kindergarten, second grade and third grade at TALES! Born and raised in Flushing, NY, she received her undergraduate degree in English at Barnard College, Columbia University and her master's degree in Special Education at Queens College. She grew up one block away from TALES and attended kindergarten around the corner at Jack and Jill! 

Ms. Esther loves running, biking, coding and spending time with her husband and baby G. She also enjoys fungi, tools, animals, plants and PUN-ny jokes! She dreams of one day traveling to space. 

Language Through Movement
Brian Renta

Mr. Renta was born and raised on Long Island but currently lives in Astoria. He went to SUNY Cortland to get his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Adapted Physical Education. He then continued at SUNY Cortland to get his master’s degree in Health Education. In Mr. Renta’s free time, he enjoys watching and playing sports, going on hikes, and playing with his dog Mason.

This year at The Active Learning Elementary School, Mr. Renta will be working towards providing a comprehensive physical education curriculum that utilizes language development strategies. Units such as teamwork, track and field, throwing and catching, striking, basketball, soccer, and volleyball will be covered.

Mr. Renta encourages parents to get regular physical activity along with their student in order to foster an active and healthy lifestyle.

Language Through Music
Kim Ilardi

Kim graduated from Muhlenberg College in 2001 with a BA in Music and French and holds an MA in French Studies from Middlebury College (2002) and an MS in Teaching TESOL from Fordham University (2011).  Prior to joining the NYC Teaching Fellows program, Kim lived in France teaching English to elementary students in Paris.  In New York, she has worked in arts management, administration and arts education at the Metropolitan Opera Guild.  Passionate about languages and the arts (especially music) she is committed to bringing her previous experience and expertise to her work with the students and families at TALES.  On weekends, Kim can be found teaching family music classes as a registered Music Together teacher.  She is thrilled to be teaching Music Together Preschool at TALES this year and is looking forward to making music with all of the students and families in our school community.

Play and Inquiry
​Karen Hu