We are fully committed to our mission to educate for life so that our students have the educational foundation for college and beyond.
This year, NDA has appointed Teacher Leaders for Humanities and STEAM in Grades 5-12.
In their new roles, Elizabeth O’Connell ‘85, P ’18 and Nicole McKnelly P ’25 will provide guidance and direction including:
- Mentoring new teachers.
- Identifying and assessing curriculum.
- Monitoring grade level assignments, tests and rigor.
- Facilitating student placements for the upcoming year course selection.
This new structure will also ensure continuity of learning and preparedness from grade to grade, especially for important transition years, 5th to 6th and 8th to 9th.
Faculty feedback has been very positive as teachers across three divisions, Lower, Middle and Upper Schools, are provided core subject common planning time, the opportunity to resource share, discuss best practices, and classroom opportunities and challenges with their peers.
Elizabeth O’Connell and Nicole McKnelly are highly qualified for their new roles and together bring over 60 years of educational experience and expertise!
Elizabeth received her Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction and Administration from Boston College and her Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education from St. Bonaventure University. During her 30 year career at NDA, she has taken on increasing responsibilities including serving as principal to the Lower School and chairing as part of the Academy’s NEASC accreditation process. She also taught Middle School Honors English. Elizabeth currently teaches Honors Literature to grades 9-12 including AP Literature and Composition.
Prior to joining NDA in 2016, Nicole taught AP and Advanced Mathematics in Huntsville, Alabama for 10 years. She has also served as a Math Adjunct Professor, Cecil College in Maryland. Nicole received her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Science in Information Sciences from Pennsylvania State University. Nicole currently teaches Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra II and AP Calculus for the Upper School.
Elizabeth O'Cnnell '85, P '18 Nicole McKnelly P'25