Specialty Teachers

Andrea Edery, Spanish Teacher

Ms. Andrea is an experienced educator and creative teacher. Andrea studied psychology and journalism at university in Argentina. In her 18 years in classrooms in Mexico, Spain and the US, she has engaged and motivated her students with her skills in storytelling and puppeteering. She is the author of Yosi Tiene Un Día Especial (= “Yosi Has A Special Day”). Working with a group of children in a series of workshops, they became her co-authors in this unique book project, a unique learning experience. Andrea has been with The New School for three years.
Favorite Montessori Quote

Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling you cherished them.
— Dr. Maria Montessori

Stacy Sailsbery, Sign Language Teacher

Ms. Stacy obtained a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Brigham Young University. She has five years of teaching experience. Stacy first came to The New School as a substitute teacher three years ago. She has since spent two years here as Sign Language Teacher.

Favorite Montessori Quote

The hands are the instrument of man’s intelligence.
— Dr. Maria Montessori

Lisa Sharp, Music Teacher

Ms. Lisa has a B.A. in Communications, with a minor in Music, and a M.Ed. in School Counseling from the University of Maryland. Lisa has five years teaching experience and six years experience in counseling. She sings, and plays the piano and autoharp. Besides her work at The New School, Lisa serves as private tutor, teaching children to chant in preparation for the Bar and Bat Mitzvah. She also performs at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and special events.

James Catton, Music Education Teacher

Honoured by the Royal College of Music in London, along with membership of ASCAP and PPL, James teaches all aspects of music making from the composing aspects right down to the technicalities of good sound recording. Using all instrumentations, singing songs in rhyme and rhythm often help students improve their Maths and English, particularly encouraging to those with language difficulties, often developing into an improved strength towards number sequencing and word power.

James has taught various different classes around the world following qualification as an elementary school teacher in Melbourne, Australia (2006). With the added experience of performance on cruise ships and concert halls around the world, following success in talent shows and the release of a CD in the UK, James brings much color and creativity to music theory classes and song writing sessions. His goal is to enable every student to be able to read music such they can interpret it well enough to explain to others or alternatively be able to play it just for the pleasure of themselves. His range covers many songs from the classics to boogie-woogie.

A piano teacher in his own right, James brings much enthusiasm to the subject of music and you can find out more about him at www.jamescatton.com. Married with two children, James only recently moved to Cary.

Hollie Vanderlei, Physical Education Teacher

Jonathan Schroer, Chess Instructor