The genesis of “Beyond Empire” comes from a personal place. As a first-generation American of Trinidadian immigrants, who came to the US amidst Trinidad’s independence from the UK, Stephen Bailey finds that it is imperative to trace these stories. The central questions of the course ask, “What is it to move beyond empire? How do people understand themselves in a new context? How do you reacquire or reinvent yourself?” What underlies the curriculum is the belief that through investing in the literary worlds of other cultures, students can be world scholars and compassionate readers.
Stephen emphasizes reading a breadth of literary styles like poetry, fiction, non-fiction, etc. to think critically about how language is used. With challenging material from authors and playwrights like Tayeb Salih and Lynn Nottage, Stephen asks for courage from both his students and himself; the courage to ask hard questions and to listen to different voices and opinions. “That is where true inquiry begins!”
Meghna Mathur – Kindergarten Co-Teacher
Meghna Mathur is a Kindergarten Co-Teacher with a decade of experience in early childhood education. She holds a degree in Child Psychology from Southern Methodist University. Meghna's professional journey includes teaching at Stevens Cooperative School in Hoboken,...
Scott Murphy – Middle/Upper School Science Teacher
Scott Murphy will teach Physics and AP Physics at D-E. He previously taught Physics and Math in China, New York City, and Philadelphia. Scott will also be an Assistant Coach for the Varsity Girls Volleyball team. Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics and his...
Joshua Paik – HVAC Technician
Joshua Paik joins the Maintenance staff as an HVAC Technician. Josh says he's looking forward to meeting his new colleagues on campus and assisting the D-E community in any way he can.
Amanda Carstens-Potts – Office Assistant/Upper School Attendance
Amanda Carstens-Potts is the new Upper School Attendance Officer and a D-E parent ('37). She has more than 19 years' experience in Administration and Management, during which she was tasked with inspiring, motivating, and training highly successful teams of employees....
Lambratu “Bree” Rahaman – Lower School Teaching Assistant
Lambratu "Bree" Rahaman is a new Lower School Teaching Assistant. Bree says she enjoys being a lifelong learner and is pursuing her Master's degree in Education at Saint Peter's University. She was previously a Substitute Teacher in D-E's Lower School before working...
Kat Sanford – Middle/Upper School Librarian
Kat Sanford is the Middle/Upper School Librarian. She spent nearly a decade in education and says she enjoys not only answering questions, but also providing students with the tools they need to find the answers. Kat has a degree in English from Massachusetts College...
Dena Silver – Middle/Upper School Mathematics
Dena Silver joins as a Part-Time Math Specialist for grades 6-10. She graduated from William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ, with a dual Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education. She also holds a Master of Education in Reading and Mathematics. Dena says...
Kimberly Situ – Preschool 4 Teacher
Kimberly Situ is a Preschool 4 Teacher in the Lower School. She has more than 10 years' experience working with young people in various settings, including schools, youth programs, and community initiatives. Seven of those years have been focused on early childhood...
Adam Slee – Dean of Performing Arts
Adam Slee is the Dean of Performing Arts. He holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Theatre Pedagogy from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and a Bachelor's degree in Theatrical Arts for Stage and Screen from Utah Valley...
Justin Weiner – Upper School History Teacher
Justin Weiner joins as a History Teacher in the Upper School. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History from Ithaca College and a Master of Arts in Social Studies Education from Manhattanville University. Justin says he is focused on fostering the skills that his...
