List of 9 members.

• 

  Chai Koo 

  Grade 4 Teacher

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  Chai Koo

  Why did you choose JTD?

  I came from a public school, where I felt kind of stuck. I wanted to grow as an educator. I went to the SoCal Diversity Recruiting Fair, where I met Rose and Hayley. When I learned how much JTD focused on growth for teachers—that I could take classes and attend conferences and that the School would support me—I was in.

  What do you love about the School?

  I get emotional when I talk about JTD because I love the people so much. I’ve found friends I love here. The mentor program is fantastic, and the School does a good job of pairing people well. My mentor was a perfect person for me. It’s really the people. I love my people here.

  What would you like future colleagues to know about JTD?

  If you’ve never experienced co-teaching, the support system is there to make sure you are successful. Everyone, including your colleagues and supervisor, wants you to succeed. The School also provides so many opportunities for you to succeed as a community member and not just a co-teacher.

  Lightning Round

  Favorite JTD tradition: Candlelighting always makes me cry.

  Favorite spot on campus: The MAC rooftop. The view is fantastic! You can also spy on the kids when they’re at recess.

  Favorite 5C: Common Sense.

  Favorite perk: Lunch! How do you beat not having to worry about packing lunch? It’s the best perk. I’m so grateful for our lunch program.

  A colleague who inspires you: Carla Cretaro. She is my role model. The hunger that she has for learning and always wanting to be the best she can be is one of her best qualities.
• 

  Todd Perry 

  Physical Education Teacher & Athletic Director

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  Todd Perry

  Why did you choose JTD?

  I chose John Thomas Dye after teaching at other schools. Seeing the success JTD had in athletics really brought me closer to the school. The people I coached against, like Tim Page, Trisha Treadwell, and Vern Cote, I wanted to be part of something special like that. JTD has always been the school other schools wanted to be like, and I wanted to come to the school.

  What do you love about the School?

  Everything. I love the traditions. I love summertime up here. I love that this school puts out a great product. When sixth graders graduate, you are getting a well-rounded kid. I can speak personally because both my kids went here. The type of work ethic, student, and person they are is a direct reflection of this school. The school is an amazing place and there are so many amazing things going on here at all levels. I’m fiercely loyal to this school. I just love being here and love all the people I work with.

  What would you like future colleagues to know about JTD?

  I would say that this school is everything you want it to be. There’s no school that even rivals it. It’s a phenomenal place to be. It’s amazing because being a specialist, I get to see kids for all seven years. To see the growth from K to 6th grade is incredible. You get to see the kids in different lights. I get to see them in an athletic sense and an outdoor setting, and some kids shine there. To see these kids grow up and become incredible JTD citizens from six years to twelve years old, the journey is amazing. The end product is incredible.

  Lightning Round

  Favorite JTD tradition: Candlelighting.

  Favorite spot on campus: The flagpole because of the view. I’ll never forget when I was interviewing here — it had just rained and the city was so clear. It never gets old.

  Favorite 5C: Common Sense. It’s the first 5C because everything stems from Common Sense.

  Favorite perk: All the food! The lunch program, the food in the workroom — no one will ever go hungry at JTD!

  A colleague who inspires you: Trisha Treadwell. I have learned so much from her. She is so great with kids and parents.
• 

  Malvia Acosta-Rowe 

  Grades 5/6 Math Teacher

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  Malvia Acosta-Rowe

  Why did you choose JTD?

  As I was moving from NYC and looking for a home in LA, I was prioritizing finding a school home as well. Once I came on campus, I saw so much joy. I appreciate that the School prioritizes joy and still has rigorous academic standards. I could really see that JTD celebrates childhood.

  What do you love about the School?

  I love it because I know the School values us as professionals and trusts our contributions, whether it's curricular or how we support students. We have opportunities to curate our own adventure with professional development. I can tap into different PD avenues to determine what I need to help me grow as an educator.

  What would you like future colleagues to know about JTD?

  Being a teacher at JTD, you are not alone. You are supported by faculty members, you are seen and encouraged. There are so many collaborative opportunities because we are a co-teaching school. You've always got somebody.

  Lightning Round

  Favorite JTD tradition: Surprise Breakfast! There's so much joy on that day watching the kids decorate the cars. The students have so much pride when they hear their name being called as they go up for their JTD sweatshirts. There's a lot of excitement in the community. Students know that they belong at JTD. They see that yes, I'm going to graduate, but I can come back anytime. Once a Greyhound, always a Greyhound. There is just so much joy that day.

  Favorite spot on campus: MAC rooftop.

  Favorite 5C: Common Sense. We are trying to grow well-rounded human beings, and we focus on caring and consideration, but common sense is just as important. I was excited that that was on the list!

  Favorite perk: Lunch. Knowing that I don't have to think about securing lunch on my own is a huge help.

  A colleague who inspires you: Lindsay Parker. She is so positive and very warm.
• 

  Carla Cretaro 

  Lower School Head

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  Carla Cretaro

  Why did you choose JTD?

  I was looking to be part of a school community that sang the same song and in a place where I could make decisions that would directly support the school community. I was reading the job description and it was as if it had been written for me. Coming on campus affirmed it was the perfect mix of everything I had been hoping for.

  What do you love about the School?

  What I love the most is the warmth of the community. It comes from your colleagues, the kiddos, the families. It feels like we like each other and are in partnership. It doesn’t feel like work. It feels like you come and hang out with some very cool kids and some thoughtful, intentional adults.

  What would you like future colleagues to know about JTD?

  There is a misunderstanding that JTD is a buttoned-up, old-fashioned, super-conservative space. What I hope people know about JTD is that we are very thoughtful, intentional, reflective. It is much more progressive than you might think. We are attuned to what students need, and we make changes in a way that makes sense for the mission and vision of our program. I don’t think people realize how much we tweak things so that it works best for the kids. We have the right balance of honoring our traditions and what makes us the wonderful place that we are while looking ahead to how we can continue to be a pillar in our community.

  Lightning Round

  Favorite JTD tradition: Surprise Breakfast. The kids get so excited. It’s the one tradition everyone can look forward to. There is something about it that’s so celebratory. And Candlelighting is just beautiful. We have the privilege of looking at the children’s faces glowing.

  Favorite spot on campus: The round tables on the MAC rooftop. To look back toward the Hall and then turn and look forward at our city. Our campus is a secret, sequestered little spot. We have a cluster of kindness up on the hill.

  Favorite 5C: Consideration. It’s what we do well. We’re considerate about everything we do.

  Favorite perk: Free lunch. Never do I ever have to pack my lunch!

  A colleague who inspires you: Abraham Ramirez, Juan Torres, and Marco Talavera. They represent everything I appreciate about the school — the joy, the communication, the dedication, and the willingness to do whatever the school needs. They’re so responsive and so warm. I really admire the work that they do.
• 

  Sigita Newsom 

  Community Programs Manager

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  Sigita Newsom

  Why did you choose JTD?

  On my first day subbing in 3rd grade, a kid came up to me and shook my hand and said, "Welcome to JTD." It left a huge impression on me. The kids were so polite and so self-assured. It was such a cozy atmosphere, and I had such a warm, humble welcome. I really loved JTD's traditional values. I was offered jobs at multiple schools, but was really holding out on an offer from JTD. I was interviewed by Mr. Michaud, and I got hired that same day! I truly thought that I had won the lottery getting a job here.

  What do you love about the School?

  The main thing that I appreciate is that we focus on community. Any school can give you a good education, teach core values, provide friendships and connections, but our school really values the bond between faculty and staff and parents and kids. The way that JTD focuses on the 5C’s and character building makes me feel like we are providing "good human" outcomes to our kids. I also really like that the school is invested in me. I was able to grow in my leadership at this school and have felt very valued along the way.

  What would you like future colleagues to know about JTD?

  JTD might look like a very idyllic school with deeply rooted traditions and a "white picket fence," but we do a really good job of thoughtfully reviewing our practices and our traditions to make sure we are respectful of where we come from while also being mindful of where we're heading. We make changes in a very thoughtful way, while still staying true to ourselves.

  Lightning Round

  Favorite JTD tradition: Candlelighting.

  Favorite spot on campus: MAC garden rooftop.

  Favorite 5C: Common Sense.

  Favorite perk: Yearly budget for professional development.

  A colleague who inspires you: Rose Helm. Now that I am out of the classroom, I get to see all the behind-the-scenes work that staff members and administrators do. The fact that Ms. Helm balances every aspect of the school and still makes time to have lunch with our students is extremely admirable. I am inspired by her work every day.
• 

  Mary Martinez 

  Grade 1 Teacher

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  Mary Martinez

  Why did you choose JTD?

  I chose JTD because it was evident that it was a collaborative working environment. I saw what the first grade team does, and I just decided that I wanted to work with all of these amazing professionals who are really motivated to be here. Additionally, the leadership was what really sealed it for me. I knew that Carla was someone who I wanted to work for.

  What do you love about the School?

  I really love the community that the School has built. They place a very high importance not only on the students, but the families of those students. The strong community is evident through the programs, the emphasis on inclusivity, and in how everyone feels seen and heard.

  What would you like future colleagues to know about JTD?

  This is a really great place for individuals who are highly motivated and who are looking for a little bit of a challenge in the sense of rising to the occasion and bringing in new ideas and perspectives. JTD places a high importance on traditions, and yet still creates space for you to come in with a new idea. Everyone has a very high bar when it comes to excellence in the workplace, and it's very motivating to be surrounded by professionals who feel the same way as you.

  Lightning Round

  Favorite JTD tradition: The First Grade Feast. When kids are young, sometimes things are done for them. This is a tradition at JTD where it's very hands-on. The students are making their own food, bringing in the materials, and collaborating with each other, and it really just ties in that community piece. It gives students a sense of importance and a time to reflect on everything they are grateful for.

  Favorite spot on campus: My classroom! The room holds a great energy, and when the kids come in, it gives you this sense of continuing the magic that has been there every year before.

  Favorite 5C: Common Sense. When working with young kids, sometimes they are told just to do certain things, so this 5C enables them to use their critical thinking and independence to solve the problem on their own.

  Favorite perk: The After-School Enrichment Program. It gives you an opportunity to connect with kids who you might not get in your classroom that year.

  A colleague who inspires you: My co-teacher, Karli Rybak. Having another professional in the classroom, looking at the way she might tackle a situation, and even just seeing her in action teaching, allows us to learn from each other. I have learned a lot from her perspective.
• 

  Juan Torres 

  Facilities Technician

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  Juan Torres

  Why did you choose JTD?

  I chose JTD because of its positive reputation and strong values. It was a great opportunity for me to be part of the JTD community. I remember getting interviewed by Ray Michaud and greeted by Cheryl Alcaraz. I thought it was a beautiful place.

  What do you love about the School?

  I love how organized and welcoming JTD is. The staff is friendly and helpful. Leadership is approachable. Everybody is great here.

  What would you like future colleagues to know about JTD?

  I would like to tell my future colleagues that JTD is a supportive place where teamwork is very important. Communication is clear. Most importantly, it is a place where you feel valued.

  Lightning Round

  Favorite JTD tradition: Carols, because I love Christmas music.

  Favorite spot on campus: The roof of the MAC building, because it provides outdoor seating, a wonderful view, and a beautiful garden.

  Favorite 5C: Caring.

  Favorite perk: The lunch program. I do Fooda — you get to choose food from different restaurants.

  A colleague who inspires you: It’s hard to choose one colleague! I feel inspired and motivated by the dedication and professionalism of all my coworkers. I could start with Mr. Michaud. When I first started working here at 21, I told him I didn’t know much about maintenance. He said, “I like your attitude because you’re honest. I’ll make sure you get trained.” Instead of saying I had no experience, he opened the door for me and made me feel like I could do this.
• 

  Valerie Huntley 

  LS inSTED Teacher

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  Valerie Huntley

  Why did you choose JTD?

  I chose JTD because I just loved the feeling that I got when I walked onto campus. I’ve worked at a lot of schools, but this one just had a really positive, uplifting feeling and vibe. I thought it would be a fun place to be every day.

  What do you love about the School?

  I love the people here, and I love the positivity. Our families are so sweet and supportive. I really love how we celebrate childhood—the kids have so much fun, and we have fun with them. It’s a really nice place to be.

  What would you like future colleagues to know about JTD?

  I would want them to know that it’s a really positive place to work every day. Everyone seems really genuinely happy to be here. There are lots of high fives and hugs. From a teacher perspective, I really value the character education and our 5C’s. It’s really nice to have support from your colleagues and admin. Everyone is on the same page. It’s a really great place to work where you feel like you’re part of a big team.

  Lightning Round

  Favorite JTD tradition: The Holiday Cookie Exchange.

  Favorite spot on campus: I love the garden and view from the lunch tables.

  Favorite 5C: Common Sense.

  Favorite perk: The lunch program.

  A colleague who inspires you: Coach Bramson.
• 

  Coral Aijian 

  Kindergarten Teacher

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  Coral Aijian

  Why did you choose JTD?

  The initial thing that separated JTD from other schools that I was looking at was the Salutation of the Dawn and hearing about how the community came together at assembly every morning. That was something that was really unique to JTD and right away showed the value of community for this school. Also, traveling up to the campus and seeing the Pacific Ocean really sold me. When I came for my interview, the excitement of the teachers at JTD was something that made me want to be a part of that same excitement for the mission.

  What do you love about the School?

  Everything! The thing I love the most is the celebration of childhood. Even as someone who works at the School, you still get to be involved in that celebration. It's done not only in the day-to-day activities, but also in the greater community events. I love the involvement of the whole community, and that everything is child-focused, whether it's through the parents or the faculty and staff. Going back to the mission statement, I love that while we strive for academic greatness, focusing on social-emotional development is at the forefront of everything that we do.

  What would you like future colleagues to know about JTD?

  There are so many special traditions that make JTD unique and special, and there is also so much magic in the day-to-day life on campus. The more you put into the School, the more you get out of it and immerse yourself in the community. For example, I've stayed involved with families whose students have graduated. I just went to a former student's college graduation. It goes far beyond the classroom and a child's seven years here.

  Lightning Round

  Favorite JTD tradition: Canned Food Drive.

  Favorite spot on campus: John Dye Hall, because that is where the community gathers for the most special traditions. It's the heart of the School.

  Favorite 5C: Common Sense.

  Favorite perk: Co-teaching and the faculty/staff holiday gifting fund (also from the parent side).

  A colleague who inspires you: I'm inspired by so many people. I will say Sigita Newsom, because I've been able to watch her evolve into different positions at JTD and follow her passions.