Master Teachers
Paria Akhavan
Master Teacher- Kindergarten
Paria began her teaching career in 1994, and is passionate about teaching, learning and opening doors to infinite possibilities for children. She prides herself on her ability to be a team player, a good listener and is always working towards consensus and community building both within the school and the neighborhood at large.
Paria has extensive experience working as a teacher, including three years in DC Public Schools, and is excited for her new role as a part of the Inspired Teaching community.
Education: Masters in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University; Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Toronto
Jamey Burho
Master Teacher- Third Grade
Jamey joined the DC Teaching Fellows in 2004, and for six years she taught general education, inclusion, and special education classes grades pre-K through 3 in traditional public and charter schools. In 2009 she participated in a Fulbright summer seminar for U.S. educators in India, and this following summer she will begin research toward her dissertation focusing on special education policy and learning disabilities. As an inspired teacher, Jamey hopes to infuse the third grade curriculum with her passion for international studies and the arts.
Education: Ph.D. in Special Education Policy from the University of Maryland (in progress); Masters in Teaching from Trinity University; Masters in Russian Area Studies from Georgetown University; Bachelor of Science in International Relations from Georgetown University
Ben Frazell
Master Teacher- Second Grade
Ben began his education career teaching adult basic literacy and GED preparation at Academy of Hope in Washington, DC.
Most recently, Ben took his passion for education into the DC Public Schools, where he taught third grade. A proud member of the 2010-2011 Inspired Teaching Institute, Ben is excited to be part of the Inspired Teaching School’s mission to make school a transformative place where children’s curiosity and creativity are valued and cultivated every day.
Education: Masters in Elementary Education from The George Washington University; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English from St. Olaf’s College
Jared Goede
Learning Support Teacher
Jared Goede is a vital member of the Learning Support Team at the Inspired Teaching School. He grew up in Sioux City, IA with his parents, Jim and Barb, and has two brothers, Nick and Aaron. Once graduating from high school Jared attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD where received his BA in 2008. In the summer of 2010 Jared was married to his best friend of many years Jessica. After a year living in Sioux Falls, SD, Jared and his wife moved to Baltimore, MD. When Jared is not at school he enjoys cooking and playing board games with Jessica, playing the drums, reading adventures series, and watching sports. Jared’s favorite teams to watch are the Boston Red Sox and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Some of his favorite books are Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Labyrinth, and Skippy Jon Jones.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Education from Augustana College.
Derrick Henderson
Master Teacher- Pre-School
As an early childhood teacher, Derrick has implemented strategies to increase student comprehension, such as discussions and hands on activities. The experience he has working with children, parents, staff, and the community in the DC area have given him the chance to develop invaluable skills needed to positively impact the lives of students.
Derrick is energetic and positive and can adapt quickly to challenges and changing environments. He is passionate about creating learning environments that meet and enhance the emotional, intellectual, social and creative needs of children.
Education: Masters in Teaching with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Howard University; Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Secondary Education from Howard
Maureen Ingram
Master Teacher- Pre-School
Maureen’s children attended cooperative preschools. She found the experience of being actively engaged in her children’s early childhood education so rewarding that Maureen switched careers and became a teacher. She has taught in cooperative preschools since September 2000, working with children ages 2-5 and mentoring adults – both parents and teachers – in their work with young children.
Maureen has worked with Center for Inspired Teaching as a mentor and course instructor, and is excited to continue this relationship.
Education: Masters in International Studies from University of South Carolina; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Russian from New Hampshire University
Athena Kopsidas
Master Teacher- First Grade
After 14 years of experience teaching primary grades in Title 1 schools, Athena has a deep appreciation for the creativity and imagination of young minds. She taught in Silver Spring, MD, in Montgomery County Public Schools, where a celebration of diversity and culture guided her approach and as strong emphasis on integrating the arts in all content areas motivated and inspired her students. Athena believes each child’s personal progress should be a guide to instruction and teaching the whole child means making the most of their entire support system: school, home, and community.
Education: Master of Arts in Teaching: Arts Integration and Urban Education through George Mason University; Bachelor of Science in Curriculum and Instruction: Early Childhood Education through University of Maryland
Tsitsi Sithole
Master Teacher- Pre-Kindergarten
Tsitsi has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for close to 10 years. She is mindful and respectful of the unique individuality of each child and family with whom she engages, and thus approaches every interaction with warmth and sensitivity.
Tsitsi has had extensive experience both as a teacher of young children in the DC area, and as an instructional coach in DCPS, Charter Schools, and Child Care Centers in the District. She feels privileged to be able to facilitate and share in the incredible learning experiences that children engage in on a daily basis, and is passionate about working with families and fellow educators in the Inspired Teaching Community, to ensure that this process develops to its fullest potential.
Education: Masters in Education with a Concentration in Risk and Prevention from the Harvard Graduate School of Education; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McGill University.
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