TA Welcomes New Faculty!
August 25, 2023
Congratulations and welcome to our fantastic cohort of teachers joining the TA team. The group includes five classroom teachers in the science, English, math, and world languages departments, along with three new special educators, with a balance of early career, mid career, and veteran educators.
Tiffany Badams is joining the special education department. She is a veteran teacher with a background in both business education and special education. Tiffany moved to the Upper Valley in 2017 from western Pennsylvania, and has taught locally in the White River Valley Supervisory Union and at Sharon Academy. She has a masters degree in education and completed her undergraduate studies at Kent State University. Tiffany resides in Strafford, VT and is the mom of four adult children.
Rachael Brown is joining the science department as the new chemistry and physics teacher. She previously taught at Woodsville High School from 2015-2023 and at Hanover High School. She is also a former captain in the Army Reserves. Rachael studied science as an undergraduate at University of New Hampshire and earned a masters in teaching from Plymouth State. Rachael is a lifelong resident of Piermont, is married to a TA alum, and is the mom of two teenagers and two preschoolers.
Elizabeth Dowe is the newest member of the world languages department and will be teaching Spanish and French. She brings decades of teaching experience across multiple subject areas (Spanish, social studies, and sheltered English) and grade levels, and most recently taught 5th grade at the Marion Cross School in Norwich. Elizabeth earned her bachelors’ degree from Cal State University-San Marcos. She is a recent transplant from California, a native Spanish speaker, an enthusiastic new Vermonter, and the mom of three daughters.
Amanda Gray is joining the special education department. During her 15-year career, Amanda has taught in Randolph, Thetford (TES), and Chelsea. She has a deep background in elementary education and is looking forward to expanding her experience to the secondary level. Amanda studied at Skidmore College as an undergraduate and earned her masters in education from Lesley University. Amanda is a TA alum, class of 2004. She and her family live in Barre, VT, where her husband serves as a firefighter.
Patrick Greene is joining the special education department. He is coming to us from BFA-Fairfax, where he has worked since 2019. Patrick is a second career teacher, following a long stint as a data specialist at Brown University. He studied at Johnson and Wales University for his undergraduate degree. Patrick and his family recently relocated to Norwich to be closer to family. Patrick is the dad of three boys.
Sarah Hancock is the newest member of the English department. She will be taking on the 7th grade English classes as well as teaching some high school courses. Sarah most recently worked at The Well School, a small preK-8 school in southern NH, and before that was a teaching intern in the Boston area. Sarah was born and raised in Maine. She is a graduate of Colby College and received her masters in education from Boston University. Sarah moved to the Upper Valley this summer and resides in Orford, NH.
Morgan LaPointe joins the science department as the new 7th and 9th grade teacher. She is coming to TA from People’s Academy Middle School in Lamoille, VT, and recently relocated to Norwich, VT. Morgan is active in outdoor education and recreation, with prior work experience at a ski academy, sailing center, and the Appalachian Mountain Club. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Montana in biology and wilderness studies, and her masters in teaching from the University of Vermont.
Jen Pratt is joining the math department this year as Dawn Deibler takes a leave of absence. Jen will teach middle school and high school math and brings over 20 years of teaching experience in the Upper Valley to her role. She taught at The Lyme School from 2014-2023, and previously taught in Hanover, Thetford, and Exeter. Jen studied at the University of Nebraska at the undergraduate level and earned a masters in education at Plymouth State University. Jen is a TA alum, class of 1990. She resides in Strafford, VT in a new home she helped to design.