Cluster

Science (1st to 3rd Grade)
Rebecca Kaizerman

Once an aspiring ethnographer, Rebecca studied Cultural Anthropology at Rutgers University (B.A.) and Cornell University (M.A.) before moving to China to do fieldwork in the late 1990s.  While there, she taught English part time to supplement her income, and unexpectedly found teaching far more interesting and rewarding than ethnographic research.  She then spent several years teaching English in China, to students of all ages and abilities, before returning to Rutgers to obtain an Ed.M. in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).  Prior to coming to TALES, Rebecca spent five years teaching Kindergarten and first grade ELL’s at P.S. 170 in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Language Through Movement
Brian Renta

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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, basketball, and soccer will continue to be implemented. In addition, units such as fitness, striking, and volleyball will be added.
 
Mr. Renta encourages parents to get regular physical activity along with their student and to continue an active and nutritious 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.