CLASS Academy

	Teresa L. Cantlon, M. Ed. Founder of CLASS Academy Teresa Cantlon's life-long passion and commitment to children has led her to develop a program which reaches all types of children's emotional, social and educational needs. Her extensive and diverse education and experience prompted her philosophy of beginning with children at a young age, ages 2 1/2 - 3 years. Her background includes degrees and experience in elementary and physical education and special education with reading endorsement. Her teaching experience ranges from reading specialist and classroom teacher in elementary through high school. She has been an elementary principal and a national trainer and consultant in effective teaching strategies with cooperative learning for teachers K-12. She is the author of two education books of Effective Teaching Strategies with Cooperative Learning which have been sold internationally. As a national consultant she was hired by a church in Brooklyn, New York to open a school of excellence for their African-American congregation. The school began with three year olds and proceeded up in the grades. After one and a half years all the children in the first and second grades qualified for gifted programs proving two philosophies of Ms. Cantlon: First, all children given equal opportunities at a very young age can rise to a high level emotionally, socially and academically. Her second proven philosophy is that teachers do not have to be certified to become excellent teachers. Teresa, a staff development consultant, trains her teachers who have college degrees but not necessarily in education. Therefore, the entire school is coming from the same direction on discipline, academic goals and procedures.
	Heidi Dodge, M. Ed. Principal / Executive Director Faculty since June 2006 Mrs. Dodge joined CLASS Academy in the summer of 2006 and has taught the Bears, Kangaroos, Eagles, Thunderbirds, and served as the Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator. She embraces teaching as an opportunity to inspire and empower. As an educator it is her goal to give children the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in school and in life. To her, education should be student-centered to meet the needs of each learner. Watching children make discoveries while exploring the world is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. Allowing frequent feedback to set learning goals is a skill she hopes to pass on to each student. She looks for opportunities to connect what students learn in class to their own lives. Being active in the local community as respectful and caring people are skills she helps students develop. Prior to joining the CLASS Academy family, she taught and lived in South Korea for two years, both at a private school in Daejon and a public school in Yongin. Mrs. Dodge is an Oregon native and graduate of Portland State University. She earned a B.S. in Sociology, an M.A. in Education: Teacher Leadership, and completed the Initial Administrators License Program. When she is not at CLASS Academy she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her husband Greg, son Everett, and two Yorkies. mrsdodge@classacademy.com
	Amy Fairchild Director of Human Resources Faculty since October 2004 Born and raised in the Portland area, Mrs. Amy Fairchild (formerly Ms. Hintz) feels so privileged to be a part of the CLASS Academy "family". Mrs. Fairchild has been the Office Assistant, Office Manager and is now the Director of Human Resources. In her spare time, Amy loves hiking, beach combing, reading, writing music & spending time with friends, family, her husband Ned and their Weimaraner, Theo. The best thing about CLASS Academy, in Mrs. Fairchild's opinion, is the way the students and staff always keep each other happy, upbeat and treat each other with love and respect. admin@classacademy.com
	Ashley Hill Office Assistant Faculty since July 2010 A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Ms. Hill graduated from Wilmette University with a degree in Cultural Anthropology. A recent Portland resident, she enjoys yoga, exploring, biking, hiking, swimming, reading, painting, and sewing. Ms. Hill's passion for working with children is sparked by their positive energy and continuous ability to make her laugh. She aims to both inspire and be inspired by children. Ms. Hill hopes to become an early childhood teacher in the future. mshill@classacademy.com
	Ashley Armbruster Blue Puffin Teacher Faculty since April 2010 A recent member of the CLASS Academy teaching team, Ms. Armbruster moved to Portland over two years ago after completing her BFA in Illustration. Before joining CLASS, Ms. Armbruster taught art to kindergarten through 5th graders. When she's not teaching the Bears she can be found antique shopping or painting for future gallery shows. She also loves making clothing, collecting vintage toys, and going on adventures. Her favorite part of teaching is inspiring children to use their imagination to learn. msarmbruster@classacademy.com
	Cortney Benvenuto Viking Teacher Faculty since April 2007 A graduate of Oregon State University, Ms. Benvenuto has lived in Oregon her entire life. Teaching at CLASS Academy since 2007, Ms. Benvenuto loves working with children and watching them grow and evolve academically, emotionally, and socially. Her days are filled with laughter, excitement, and fun. To her, teaching children is the most inspiring and rewarding job. Her hobbies include spending time outside, going on walks, reading, art, and shopping. msbenvenuto@classacademy.com
	Ben Butler Roadrunner Teacher Faculty since April 2007 Mr. Butler moved to Portland in November of 2006 and believes that CLASS Academy and the City of Portland fit his personality perfectly. Mr. Butler grew up in California and attended Point Loma Nazarene University. He loves working with children and couldn't imagine doing anything else. mrbutler@classacademy.com
	Lamont Dabbs Art Teacher Faculty since July 2003 A native of Hawaii, Mr. Dabbs has been the art teacher since 2003. He is a graduate of Gonzaga University. Mr. Dabbs, is not only a great artist, he loves to cook, play basketball, and spend time with his lovely wife and son. Lamont's favorite aspect of teaching is "seeing students do something you taught them on their own, when they're not in class". He enjoys working at CLASS because "kids are great! They're always upbeat and can always make you laugh." mrdabbs@classacademy.com
	Matt Dougherty Shark Teacher Faculty since August 2005 Mr. Dougherty enjoys working with children and feeling like he’s making a difference in their lives. Mr. Dougherty was born and raised in Alaska and went to college in Idaho. In his free time, he likes to read, run, play with his dog, and watch movies (he’s a big Monty Python fan). mrdougherty@classacademy.com
	Heather Kinlin, M. Ed. Chinook Teacher Faculty since December 2005 A native of New Jersey, Ms. Kinlin recently graduated with an M.S. Education from Portland State University. She taught the Thunderbirds from 2005-2008 and returned in 2010 to teacher the Dragons. This year she will be Chinooks teacher! mskinlin@classacademy.com
	Colette Loehr Polar Bear Teacher Faculty since February 2010 Ms. Loehr is a Massachusetts native. While living there she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Communication Studies. Ms. Loehr moved to the west coast during the summer of 2009 to experience all that Oregon has to offer. When she’s not teaching, Ms. Loehr enjoys running and snowboarding. Ms. Loehr truly enjoys teaching and having the opportunity to watch children excel. The best part about teaching at CLASS Academy is that she is able to watch her students find the joy in learning! msloehr@classacademy.com
	Ryan Loehr Panda Bear Teacher Faculty since October 2008 Mr. Loehr moved to Portland in April 2007 from Massachusetts where he was born and raised. Mr. Loehr absolutely loves working with children and is very excited to have the opportunity to learn about all of the different classes at CLASS Academy. When Mr. Loehr is not at school his hobbies include skiing, running, and hiking. mrloehr@classacademy.com
	Joshua Lucas Viking Teacher Faculty since September 2000 After 11 years at CLASS Academy, Mr. Joshua Lucas' favorite part of CLASS Academy is still the wonderful students and their great imaginations. He has taught the Balloons, Bears, Stars, Dragonflies and Sharks classes during his time here. While not teaching, Mr. Lucas loves to fly fish, camp, watch movies and he is a die-hard Denver Broncos fan. mrlucas@classacademy.com
	Allison Lybarger Eagle Teacher Faculty since April 2012 Bio coming soon... mrslybarger@classacademy.com
	Heather Marr, M. Ed. Eagle & Liberty Teacher Faculty since September 2011 Excited to be joining the Class Academy community, Heather is the new Liberty teacher. A native of Eugene, Oregon (Go Ducks!), she went to Portland State University for her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and has been traveling the world ever since. From 2006-2008, she and her husband spent two years teaching in Madagascar with the Peace Corps. They had an amazing experience learning the local language, working in village schools, and learning about the unique ecological diversity on that special island. It was truly a life-changing experience. Following the Peace Corps, they moved to New York City where she got accepted into a fellowship at Teachers College, Columbia University. She earned her Master's degree in Teaching of English, while teaching full-time in a middle school in Harlem. Now, five years later, she is extremely happy to be back where she considers home. Ms. Marr is a huge Timbers fan, loves going to the beach, and is looking forward to rock climbing at Smith Rock! She is getting to know the incredible students at Class Academy. "They are warm, generous, and brilliant! I am so happy to become part of their future success and look forward to meeting all the families of these wonderful scholars. mrsmarr@classacademy.com
	Nick McLean Eagle & Liberty Teacher Faculty since January 2011 A native of Carmel, IN, Mr. McLean graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA with a B.M. in Electronic Production and design. His experience includes teaching music for nine years and working with children with special needs. Mr. McLean loves working with children to see their potential at all times. He enjoys being able to work with different levels and age groups of children. Mr. McLean loves to travel, learn new instruments, and has a puppy named Zooey. mrmclean@classacademy.com
	Nakkia Robinson Kangaroo & Wallaby Teacher Faculty since May 2003 A veteran CLASS Academy teacher, Ms. Robinson has taught the Bear Cubs, Toucans, Rockets, Kangaroos, and Wallabies. Some of Ms. Robinsons' many interests include yoga, movies, learning how to knit, writing, and spending time with her two daughters. She enjoys "the community and family feeling" that our school provides. Ms. Robinson loves hearing her students' thoughts about the world around them and feels she is constantly learning from her students. msrobinson@classacademy.com
	Whitney Schouten, M. Ed. Yellow Puffin Teacher Faculty since April 2011 A native Oregonain, Ms. Schouten graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.A. in Educational Studies and M. Ed. in Teaching and Learning. Ms. Schouten feels so fortunate to be working at CLASS Academy and loves coming to work each day. The curiosity and enthusiasm that her students have inspires her. "There's never a dull moment." In her free time, Ms. Schouten enjoys to read, be out in the sunshine, crochet, do puzzles, and play board games. msschouten@classacademy.com
	Ashley Scuderi Wallaby & Kangaroo Teacher Faculty since July 2006 A native of Arizona, Ms. Scuderi graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in Elementary Education. She has been loving the NW since her move here in 2006. She knew from a young age she wanted to be a teacher. " I love the perspective kids have. It's refreshing to have conversations with students and hear their take on life. They amaze me on a daily basis, and my day is never short of laughter and hugs!" When Ashley is outside of the classroom, she enjoys exploring the NW, working on her house, and is never short being entertained by her three dogs, Lysol, Darla, and Tucker. msscuderi@classacademy.com
	Julian Tangeman Eagle & Liberty Teacher Faculty since September 2009 A recent graduate of Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Tangeman recently moved to Portland from Altoona, PA, where he was born and raised. He has a B.S. of Science in Education with a focus in Elementary Education. In the fall of 2009, he had the opportunity to travel abroad and student teach in Granada, Spain, where he taught 5th grade. The part of teaching that Mr. Tangeman enjoys most is seeing the excitement on children's faces when they succeed. He is most looking forward to learning from everyone at CLASS Academy and growing as a teacher. In his spare time, Julian enjoys traveling, playing golf, watching hockey, playing his guitar, going to concerts, and reading. mrtangeman@classacademy.com
	Maggie Wolverton Red Puffin Teacher Faculty since July 2010 A native of Lake Forest, IL, Ms. Wolverton graduated from Alverno College with a B.S. in Elementary/Early Childhood Education with minors in Music and English/Language Art. Her experience includes working for the Wisconsin Early Autism Project doing ABA therapy and as a substitute teacher in the Beaverton School District. Ms. Wolverton has lived in Oregon since 2008 and enjoys spinning yarn, crocheting, riding bicycles, smelling flowers, and playing with her new puppy, Lunchbox. mswolverton@classacademy.com

Current Job Openings : None at this time

CLASS Academy asks for a 3-5 year commitment from all of our employees. You also need to have (or quickly be able to obtain) the following certifications: Food Handlers, CPR/First Aid, Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect and be enrolled in the Oregon Criminal Registry.

If this sounds like you, please email your cover letter, resume and at least three references. Please, no phone calls. Visit our website for more information about CLASS Academy at www.classacademy.com PRIOR to applying.

Benefits for full-time staff:

*Medical

*Dental

*Retirement Pan (with matching funds)

*Paid Vacations (during school breaks)

*Competative wages

*Annual bonuses from CAPA

Applying for a Job:

CLASS Academy teachers and staff form a supportive community of professionals dedicated to lifelong learning. To apply for open positions, please email your resume (including at least three references) and cover letter to employment@classacademy.com.