Our teachers are Franklin Academy’s greatest strength. The school seeks veteran educators and young professionals who share a passion for serving students who learn differently. We value creativity and collaboration, abundant energy and high professional standards, compassion and commitment, flexibility, initiative, and, of course, a great sense of humor!
Here is the line-up of new colleagues joining the Franklin family this year.
Jennifer Dziekan (FACTS Advisor) has a Master’s degree in Education from Fordham University and fifteen years experience as a high school guidance counselor, including more than five years as director of school counseling. The mother of two teenagers who will soon be off to college, Jennifer feels lucky and privileged to have discovered Franklin Academy just around the corner from her home in East Hampton, Connecticut. She is eager to meet our students.
Brianna Horgan (Team B Science Instructor) just graduated from Dickinson College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. A native of Pennsylvania, Brianna was drawn to the community-based foundation of Franklin Academy which makes our campus seem like home. As she looks to the future, she sees a Master’s degree in Education becoming an important personal goal.
Tristan Hussey (Team D Science Instructor) is a 2018 graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physics with a concentration in Nuclear Physics. While an advanced degree is in his future, he is excited to start his teaching career. When asked about his initial impressions of Franklin Academy, he said: “I have never before been in such a collaborative educational environment.”
Michael Oakes (Team D Humanities Instructor) is an experienced and certified public school teacher who is now making the switch to independent schools. His undergraduate degree from Suffolk University, where he graduated magna cum laude, focused on a major in European History and a minor in philosophy and religious studies. Michael also has a passion for economic theory.
Billy Petty (Team C Counselor) is a Franklin Academy graduate, class of 2010. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and he returned to Franklin Academy for two years as a teaching intern before pursuing his Master’s degree in School Counseling from Penn State. Working as a counselor at Franklin Academy is a dream come true for Billy.
Roberto Padua (Team C Science Instructor) earned both his Bachelors in Biology and Masters in Biomolecular Sciences from Central Connecticut State University. His seven years of professional experiences have been in a laboratory setting, but he has always wanted to be a teacher. It is a passion. Roberto is the father of three young daughters, and both he and his wife, Amanda, have enjoyed the warm Franklin welcome extended to their entire family.
John Schultz (Team D Residential Dean) comes to us with 36 years of experience as an educator with a Ed. D from Duquesne University. His impressive resume includes work as an academic dean, associate head, and superintendent of schools. Most recently, he served in head of school in Puerto Rico, and he has stories to share about Hurricane Maria. He is delighted to be at Franklin Academy, working once again with students.
Ally Szkoda (Team B Teaching Intern) has just graduated from Springfield College with a degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. She is happy that her practical experience will include work with Franklin Academy students who have so much potential. As a newcomer, Allie also appreciates the team approach to education, allowing her to draw on the collective wisdom and experience of her colleagues.
As you can see, our faculty class of 2018 is a nice mix of male and female, age and youth. I like their academic credentials, aspirations, and experiences. Most of all, I believe these new colleagues are Franklin Ready!