Max Bean, Math Support Specialist Mr. Bean grew up in New York City. After receiving his bachelors degree from Brown University, he taught mathematics and computers for two years, at Saint Ann's, a private school in Brooklyn Heights. He spent most of the past year traveling and studying Mandarin in mainland China. While living in Shanghai, he worked part-time, teaching English creative and expository writing to students from the Shanghai American School. Mr. Bean cannot wait to challenge DPCS scholars as they enjoy the wonders of math.
Olabisi Dele-Michael Day, 6th Grade Chair & Math Olabisi was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. She studied Biology and Africana Studies major at Binghamton University where she earned her BA, and she earned her Master's Degree in Sociomedical Sciences the following year. With her Master's Degree, she was able to perform public health research in the area of health disparities among African Americans and Latinos. She was able to see correlations between unequal access to health care and a lack of education among the groups. She then decided to pursue a career in teaching math in urban areas of New York City. She chose underserved areas of New York City because she believes that everyone deserves a proper education no matter where they come from economically. Her students began to appreciate math once they began to expand their minds. She continues to tutor students from disadvantaged backgrounds on a one on one basis to improve their academic quality of life.
Khushali Gala, 9th Grade Math Ms. Gala graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, with a degree in Applied Mathematics and Economics. After completing her undergraduate degree, she joined the ranks of Teach For America, teaching Algebra and Pre-Calculus in Chicago. While teaching in Chicago, she attended Dominican University and earned her Master degree in secondary teaching. She had the privilege to spend most of last year traveling and experiencing life all over the US and India. She is excited to be back in the classroom, teaching her favorite subject to the first group of DPCS 9th graders.
Margaret Marrer, 7th Grade Math Margaret Marrer is a graduate of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University where she studied International Political Economy and Russian. After college she decided to try her hand at teaching and began teaching in Washington Heights through the Teach For America program. She spent several years there teaching 7th grade math, and is excited to continue working with 7th grade scholars. She is thrilled to be joining the DREAM team to help even more students realize that solving a math equation may be the most fun you’ll have all day.
Max Milliken, 7th Grade Math Mr. Milliken is a proud graduate of Duke University and a big fan of Blue Devil basketball. He spent the last two years as a Teach for America Corps Member, teaching 6th grade math at the Metropolitan Learning Center in Hartford, CT. Before that, Mr. Milliken spent time working for his senator, Susan Collins, in Washington D.C. Mr. Milliken is extremely excited to join the DREAM team and prepare his students for success in college!Peter Kauffman, 6th Grade Math Mr. Kauffman graduated from the University of Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Public Policy; he is working towards his master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education at Pace University. Originally from Chicago, he worked at schools in Chicago’s Woodlawn community while also working as a financial consultant for an international consulting firm. He is very excited to be reprising his role as 6th grade math teacher at Democracy Prep this year.
Matthew Kelly, 8th Grade Math Matthew Kelly graduated from Bard College in 2008 with a degree in history. As an undergraduate, Matthew tutored at a medium security prison through the Bard College Prison Initiative. Last year, Matthew worked as a special education teacher in the Bronx. Matthew is a second year Teach for America corps member, and is excited to start the year with Democracy Prep.
Sean Reidy, 8th Grade Math Mr. Reidy is a native of St. Louis and a graduate of Loyola University in Chicago where he earned a degree in International Business and Economics. A natural athlete, Mr. Reidy excelled at volleyball and was a varsity letterman on the Loyola Volleyball team. Having felt a calling to serve others from an early age, Mr. Reidy has headed such events as hosting a school carnival to raise over $3000 for Hurricane Katrina victims. An avid traveler, Mr. Reidy spent the past year teaching English in Guangzhou, China. Known throughout America and the Far East for his penchant for bright colors, Mr. Reidy has a simple message for the scholars of the class of 2018: “Neon colors are where it's at and Live the Dream! Be on the lookout for my home boy, Nerd Dawg!”