Actively fostering a culture of learning is what makes a great school. Preparing students with strong mathematical reasoning skills, a sound conceptual grasp of science, tools for written and oral expression, the ability to understand and interact with a diverse world and instilling them with a thirst for knowledge and joy in learning are important goals. Safe and functional buildings suited to the educational mission of the school are also vital. Still, the primary determinants of success for students are the expectations and the quality of teachers.
Many teachers in K-12 educational institutions are outstanding. Yet, to create ideal conditions for students, University School deliberately seeks the best teachers. This entails hiring teachers who would succeed in many fields because of their drive, insight, curiosity, and ability. They enjoy learning and seek knowledge and understanding of many disciplines, and they are able to make connections among seemingly disparate topics because of this approach to engaging the world. These “Renaissance Scholars” are passionate about many interests, and this enthusiasm spills over into all disciplines that they teach, lending each lesson to interdisciplinary analysis and linkages to a diverse array of topics. Furthermore, University School teachers are committed to demonstrating and maintaining a healthy and ethical environment. Our faculty have the highest expectations for each other and for each student in all areas of their development: intellectually, physically, emotionally, ethically, and socially. It is in this type of atmosphere that our students can begin to grow and to develop their own interests while feeling supported by the school (family) community.
A great deal is expected of a University School faculty member. In order to retain teachers of this caliber and secure additional quality teachers, University School compensates its faculty at levels comparable to or better than other public and private schools. We also devote considerable resources to the ongoing professional and personal development of our teachers. USL teachers are certified in American Red Cross CPR/AED and have completed Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children sexual abuse prevention program. University School is also one of Darkness to Light’s pioneer organizations in its Partner in Prevention program.
Faculty Listing
B.S. |
Nicole BrockmanBorn and raised in Indiana, Nicole graduated with a BS degree in Biology. Later in life, she followed her heart and went back to school to become a mathematics teacher. She graduated with honors from NC State with a BS in Mathematics and Education. Nicole taught for several years in middle school mathematics in North Carolina and South Carolina then decided to stay home while her children were young. For the last 8 years, she privately tutored children from elementary level to college leveled mathematics in the evenings. Last year, she had the opportunity to work with USL students part time. Nicole is very excited to be joining such an amazing staff and this wonderful community that is USL. She resides in Mt. Pleasant with her husband Roger, nine year old son Dylan, and five year old daughter Riley. In her spare time she enjoys playing with her children, knitting, golfing, and reading. |
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Heather ConnellyHeather moved to the Charleston area to attend the College of Charleston where she graduated from the Honors program with a B.S. in Biology and earned her Secondary Education certification. While there she worked in the Math lab and as a Supplemental Instruction leader for introductory Biology classes during which time she realized that she loved helping others learn and decided that she wanted to teach. As part of her program, she completed independent study and a bachelor’s essay about problem-based learning and realized the educational value of students learning about real-life issues related to a subject and developing solutions to problems. After graduating, Heather accepted a science teaching position at R.B. Stall High school instructing students in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science, and Marine Science. Teaching a variety of courses during her 6 years at the school helped Heather research real-life relationships within many disciplines to engage her students. During this time, she also volunteered at the SC Aquarium and returned to C of C to earn her Masters degree in math and science education — both of which helped her expand her knowledge of various scientific disciplines. Heather enjoys helping students use scientific methods to solve problems and relate what they are learning in class to their lives. Heather currently resides in Mount Pleasant with her husband, Drew and their daughter, Ava. |
B.S. M.ED|
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Beth DonoghueBeth is the Intermediate School Science teacher and serves as a facilitator of the Extended Day Program. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of South Carolina, majoring in Marine Science, and is currently pursuing her Masters of Environmental Studies at the College of Charleston, focusing on environmental education in 3rd-8th grade students. As a resident of Charleston, Beth has been involved in work with local youth as an employee of the South Carolina Aquarium and an Intern at Lowcountry Earth Force. As the Earth Force Beyond the Classroom Intern in 2008-2009, Beth implemented Lowcountry Earth Force’s 16 week community action and problem solving curriculum in after school programs for 3rd-5th graders in Charleston County Elementary Schools. Beth enjoys guiding students through hands on experiences and projects encouraging long term improvements and sustainable practices in their communities. Beth currently resides on the Charleston Peninsula and likes volunteering as a Park Steward at Hampton Park. |
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Chelisa Elmore-WilliamsA recent arrival to the Charleston area, Chelisa was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but spent many years in Virginia. She attended Virginia Tech where she earned a B.A. in classical studies and a B.A. in Spanish. Currently, she is working towards obtaining a M.A. from the University of Florida. She has experience teaching Latin to both middle and high school students and enjoys working with the students at University School. Chelisa currently lives in West Ashley. When she isn’t studying or at USL, she can normally be found among the shelves of the bookstore, at the beach with a newfound book, or playing at the dog park with her puppy. |
B.S. M.S. |
Judy HubbardJudy is thrilled to be on staff and surrounded by students at USL. She brings with her many skills and experiences as an educator and administrative assistant. Judy was born and raised in Florida where she graduated from University of Florida with a BA in Secondary English Education. She then moved to SC and received her Elementary Education certification from College of Charleston. She taught kindergarten and 6th/7th grade English Language Arts over a 17 year career span. Prior to teaching, Judy worked as an Adminstrative Assistant to the VP of Sales at a local medical supply company. She and her husband Mark live in Wando, SC where they enjoy boating, gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. They have 2 children Justin and Cary. To keep active, Judy loves to run/walk on the beach and Ravenel Bridge, ride bikes, and practice yoga. |
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B.A. National Board Certified |
Paige KochesPaige Koches was born in raised in East Hampton, New York. Her curiosity and love for learning new things make her a very passionate teacher. She has a wide variety of teaching experiences and training. Paige attended Brevard College for two years and graduated from Clemson University in 1996 with a BA in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching elementary grades for 13 years, including Kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. This included over seven years as an upper-elementary lead teacher in Dorchester District Two schools. In 2002 she earned the advanced teaching credential of National Board Certification for Professional Teaching as a Middle Childhood Generalist, and renewed her certification in 2011. She is certified to evaluate and mentor all teachers pre K-12th grade in SC and has collaborated with teachers and school district personnel to develop inquiry-based math and science curriculum and lessons for grades K-12. After taking some time off to raise her family, she went back to work as the director of her children’s preschool. While there she administered the daily operation of the school, started a website, and created a preschool curriculum based on NAEYC guidelines. In 2008, she re-started a half-day kindergarten at St. Andrew’s Day School in the Old Village. From 2008 to 2012 she has taught half-day Kindergarten and created several enrichment programs including Science, Fitness, and Young Authors. In 2011 she began working as a social artist at Fear No Easel in Mt Pleasant where she also co-created and instructed the children’s spring and summer camps. She is coordinator and coach for the USTA U10 Junior Team Tennis program in Mt Pleasant. Paige is married to Jim Koches. They have two children (Jamie and Kenzie), two big dogs, and a crazy cat. |
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Jason KreutnerJason Kreutner, raised in Mount Pleasant and a current resident, is founder and Head of University School of the Lowcountry. He has extensive experience as an educator and leader in independent schools and is a recipient of a National Association of Independent Schools NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads — (2006-2007 cohort). Prior to establishing USL, he was Dean of Students and then Director of Studies at Charleston Collegiate School, served as Upper School Dean and History Department Chair at Porter-Gaud School, and was Dean of Students and Humanities Instructor at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, SC. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the South Carolina Honors College (Baccalaureus Artium et Scientiae) and received his master’s degree from Emory University in History. Kreutner was recognized by the South Carolina Independent School Association as the Headmaster “Rookie of the Year” for the 2007-2008 school year. In 2013, he received SCISA’s Dr. Charles S. Aimar Educational Leadership Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding leader among the association’s 100+ schools. He consults and has provided guidance to several existing and new independent and public schools. Mr. Kreutner is married to Ashleigh (Tasha) Eady, a member of the corporate management team for Gilligan’s restaurants. They have one daughter, Kessler, and a son, John Ross. In addition to his work in education, he is Head Coach ofSnee Farm Swim Team. In 2008, Mount Pleasant Mayor Harry Hallman awarded him the key to the city for his work with Snee Farm Swim Team since 1990. |
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B.A. |
Wei MaWei Ma was born and raised in China where she received her B.A. in Education. She immigrated to the United States in 1997 and received an A.S. from Santa Barbara City College (CA) in Office Management. Wei Ma has been teaching Mandarin Chinese to children in Charleston for several years. She is passionate about her teaching and believes learning the Chinese language and culture will give students more opportunity in the future. Wei Ma is also the director of Charleston Chinese Language Center which offers one-on-one and small group lessons. She likes to do Chinese calligraphy and Chinese folk dance in her spare time. She lives in West Ashley with her husband, Elijah Siegler, and two children, Lucy and Henry. |
B.A. |
Angeles MackenzieAngeles was born in Punta del Este, Uruguay but lived and did most of her schooling in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She graduated from high school as “bachiller nacional.” She earned her degree in Social Communication in 1987: she had always wanted to be a journalist. Her career in Education was launched when she enrolled in 1985 in an Argentine government program to learn to teach illiterates how to write and read. Angeles was trained by the “Ministerio de Educacion” and taught for 4 years until she moved to the U.S in May of 1989. She started teaching at the College of Charleston in 1990 as a Spanish adjunct professor: she taught there part time until she became a full time instructor in 1992. She was part of the Hispanic Studies Department until the Fall of 2005. In October 2005, Angeles created Spanish Your Way. She tailors and customizes Spanish courses to the needs her students. Most of them need to speak Spanish at work, at home, at school, or for traveling. It has been such a rewarding experience for her. Angeles moved to Charleston from Buenos Aires in 1989, and she and her family live on James Island. |
B.A. M.A. |
Sara PeckThough born in Charleston, Sara was raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She returned to the Lowcountry to receive her BA in English and Creative Writing from the College of Charleston. After graduating, she spent two months studying and writing in Prague. Upon returning, she worked at Blue Bicycle Books as well as for Write of Summer, a summer creative writing camp for kids ranging from third to twelfth grade. In 2010, Sara relocated to Chicago to complete a Master’s of Fine Arts in Poetry from Columbia College Chicago. While in Chicago, Sara tutored undergraduate students in writing as well as conducted tutor training. She has been back in Charleston for a year, managing Blue Bicycle Books, providing private writing tutoring for middle grade students, teaching poetry workshops at Haut Gap Middle School through LILA’s Poets in Schools Program, and co-teaching Write of Summer. Her poetry can be found in various literary journals and she has a chapbook forthcoming in September. She has worked with several USL students over the last year, and is so excited to work with even more this upcoming year. |
B.A. M.A.T |
Ann Glenn RowlandAnn has lived in the Charleston area most of her life and is a veteran teacher who has taught all levels of Spanish in the Lowcountry. She received her B.A. from Winthrop University and her M.A.T. from the Citadel and has been trained to teach Spanish in the International Baccalaureate program. Ann started out her career at North Charleston High School and, after her first son was born seven years later, she transferred to Summerville Intermediate High School to be closer to her residence. While at Summerville, Ann became the chairperson of the Foreign Language Department, a position she maintained as she helped launch Fort Dorchester High in 1992. As a FDHS Patriot, Ann organized the Spanish Club and the SADD club – Students Against Destructive Decisions – and was an active member of local, state and national foreign language organizations. She also organized 14 trips for her students to Europe and Mexico and developed a homestay program for Lowcountry students in Mexico. Although Ann retired from FDHS in 2004, she is thrilled to be a part of USL and hopes her new students will experience the same enthusiasm and love for speaking Spanish as she has. Ann lives with her husband, Chris, in their log home in Ravenel, and they are very active in the shag community in the Lowcountry. They enjoy their country home, 3 grandchildren, cat, and Australian Shepherd. |
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Roger SmithRoger Smith is an attorney and educational consultant who recently retired after twenty-five years working in and for independent schools across the country as teacher, coach, college counselor, department head, academic adviser, and search consultant. Among the schools where Roger worked are Hill School (PA), Choate Rosemary Hall (CT), Webb School of California, Menlo School (CA), The Ross School (NY), and Savannah Country Day School. A native Charlestonian who spent his teenage years in Mount Pleasant, Roger graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, Harvard University (BA), Middlebury College (MA), and the University of Texas (JD). Roger divides his time between Sullivan’s Island and Flat Rock, NC. When not at USL, Roger enjoys reading, hiking, bicycling, sailing, tennis, and traveling on land or sea. |
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Jaime ZollarsJaime is a freelance illustrator, educator, and entrepreneur. Jaime grew up in both Southern California and suburban Maryland, eventually earning a BA in photography from the University of Maryland Baltimore in 1999, and a BFA in Illustration with Distinction from the Art Center College of Design in 2003. She taught for 6 years at the prestigious Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) at the graduate and undergraduate levels. She has illustrated children’s books, magazines, newspapers, and ad campaigns. Her clients include United Airlines, Random House, The American Red Cross, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, Clarion Books, Quarry Books and the L.A. Weekly. Jaime’s art has been recognized by many esteemed publications and societies, including Taschen’s Illustration Now, American Illustration, Communication Arts, The Society of Illustrators, 3×3, Spectrum, Curvy Australia, Design Taxi, XFuns Taipei, DPI Taiwan, BBC’s Culture Shock, Small Magazine, Creative Quarterly, the SI-LA, and the SCBWI. She has also served on several boards, including the Los Angeles SCBWI, the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, and The Illustration Conference (ICON). Jaime now happily lives and works in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina with her husband, son, and daughter. |
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Frank WilliamsFrank grew up in Northern Virginia and attended the Westminster School, an independent coeducational day school with emphasis in the Classics. He continued his study of the Classics and Latin throughout high school and holds a B.A. degree in Classics and a Minor in Art History from Wake Forest University. At Wake Forest he also studied overseas at Casa Artom in Venice, Italy. Upon graduation he attended Florida State University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Classical Archaeology and his teaching certification. At FSU Frank was a graduate assistant for four summers at the excavations at Gaiole in Chianti, Italy, located between Florence and Siena. He has been teaching at the high school level, university level or online for over 20 years. He currently is an Instructor and Department Chair for the North Carolina Virtual Public School. Frank has been living in Charleston for almost 5 years after relocating from Raleigh, North Carolina. He enjoys his family, traveling, and the water. |
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Don BurkardRecently retired from a 30-year career at the College of Charleston where he was Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admissions, Don Burkard is a member of the college counseling team at University School. His inside higher education insight along with his skills as a counselor combine to make him an invaluable aid for our students. Don especially enjoys focusing on the juniors and seniors and their journey to college and beyond. He resides in Mt. Pleasant with his wife Mary, and he enjoys traveling to explore and to see his three children and his grandchildren. “I consider it a privilege to volunteer as an Upper School College Adviser at University School. It provides me with an opportunity to utilize my 43-year career in College Admissions and Enrollment Management in assisting wonderful USL students (and parents) to successfully navigate the college selection process which can, oftentimes, be confusing and stressful. In my time at University School, I have discovered the overall culture of USL to be unique in that throughout my career I have rarely encountered a school environment based on so much mutual respect, high level of engagement among students and faculty, and a dedicated commitment for advancing the teaching-learning process. I feel fortunate to have been asked to serve at this great School, and I look forward to continue to do my part in advancing USL’ s mission and vision.” |
B.A. M.A|
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Craig CampbellCraig Campbell was born and raised in Kentucky where he earned his bachelor’s degree at Eastern Kentucky University and also was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the US Army. Craig first came to the Charleston area in 1992 after leaving active duty at Ft Bragg, NC. His daughter Stephanie was raised here in Mt. Pleasant and attended Whitesides Elementary. Craig’s military duties have taken him around the US and to the Middle East. After a stint of teaching ROTC at his Alma Mater, he was requested to transfer to The Citadel as a military science instructor for the Army Department in 2009 and returned to Charleston for the second time. Craig earned his MA in history while teaching for the Citadel. He has taught courses in American History, World Civilization, and Western Civilization. He continues to teach History at Trident Community College and lectures on leadership at The Citadel. He is also a Level II qualified academic tutor and assists cadets with academic writing and history subject matter. Craig is a retired Major and spent 23 years in the Field Artillery. He completed his Master’s thesis in France in 2013. He has authored three books and volunteers part time for the US Parks Service at Ft. Moultrie. He is a soccer referee and officiates local matches from high school varsity all the way to U10s. His only daughter is married and teaches middle school social studies in Fayetteville, NC. He takes care of two Belgian shepherd dogs that are high maintenance. |
M.A.|
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Sonia GoldbergI was born and raised in Toledo, Spain. I have lived in the Lowcountry for over 15 years with my husband and two wonderful boys. I enjoy spending time on the water, boating, fishing, crabbing, cooking, being a soccer mom, and traveling in USA and overseas, especially my home country of Spain. I love to bring my kids and immerse them in my native language and culture. I had my own event-planning business for 5 years until I found the love of my life and moved to the States in 2000. I am a native Spanish speaker who enjoys sharing my culture and language with children. I think exposing a child to a different culture and language is a true gift: it will widen their horizons and sensitivity toward other cultures and people. Studies show that children who are exposed to different languages and cultures other than their own have a greater sense of the global community and will be more tolerant of different peoples and cultures. My goal is to plant the seeds in the early ages so they will know that speaking a foreign language is as easy as playing at the park. Spaniards are very happy people and friendly and always find a good reason to celebrate! |
B.A. B.F.A|
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Alauria CorbinAlauria was born and raised in western Georgia and made her way to the Lowcountry about ten years ago. Alauria comes to us with twenty years of teaching experience ranging from inner city Atlanta, working as a Director for Sylvan Learning, teaching at Hammond School in Columbia, and most recently spending nine years as a second and third grade teacher at Porter-Gaud. She graduated with honors from Kennesaw State University, earning her B.S. in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing her Masters in Educational Leadership at The Citadel. Alauria resides in West Ashley with her husband, Mickey who recently retired from twenty years in the Air Force and now works as a handyman. They both enjoy the time they get to spend with Mickey’s son, Dylan. She enjoys cooking plant-based meals for her family, friends, and neighbors and learning about the impact food has on our health and longevity. When she isn’t cooking or reading, she can be found spending time working in the yard, kayaking, hiking, or being amused by her wacky dogs. She is looking forward to getting to know all of the families that call USL home. |
B.S.|
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Mandy NorrisBorn and raised in the upstate of South Carolina, Mandy graduated with a B.A. and M.Ed. degree in Secondary Education and English from Clemson University. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescence ELA. Upon graduating from Clemson, Mandy moved to Charleston to begin her teaching career. She has taught middle and high school English for many years in both private and public schools around the Lowcountry. Her most recent job was as a full release mentor for Charleston County School District. In this role, she coached and mentored 4K to 12th grade teachers throughout the district in an effort to support their teaching practice and professional growth. Mandy is very excited to be back in the classroom and part of an amazing staff and community that is University School of the Lowcountry. She resides in Mt. Pleasant with her husband Patrick, son Charles Patrick, and daughters Kendall Gail and Ann Carlyle. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. |
B.A. ME.d|
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Tiffany ThompsonTiffany Thompson grew up in Mount Pleasant and is very excited to be returning back home after a few years away in Waynesville, NC. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Pure Mathematics at Erskine College. Tiffany realized that she loved to teach and decided to pursue education right away. She spent one year substitute teaching, as she was transitioning into married life in NC, then she taught seventh grade math for two years in Canton, NC. Tiffany is married to her husband, Kirby Thompson, who is also a Charleston native. In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys playing piano, swimming, playing with her two cats, and playing trivia. She is very excited to work with students at USL and is excited to call Charleston home again! |
B.A. B.F.A|
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Sarah VegaA native of the Lowcountry, Sarah graduated from Winthrop University with a B.S. in Integrated Marketing Communication. She has worked for a variety of non-profit organizations and worn many hats in those roles: social media manager to event organizer; media relations coordinator to strategic planner; marketing content writer to fundraising campaign guru. Sarah is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Andrew. In her most recent professional role, Sarah worked for East Cooper Meals on Wheels for 3 years before taking time off to be a full-time mom to Christian and Emilie. Sarah enjoys running, reading, traveling, and a good cup of coffee. |
BSEmployment & Volunteer Opportunities
University School is a vibrant and growing learning community. We continually seek to build our contacts with those interested in teaching and/or volunteering at USL. Prospective faculty members and volunteers who support the mission of our school, enjoy teaching curious, thoughtful and high-achieving students, and are looking for collaborative, creative and intellectual colleagues with whom to work are invited to apply. If interested in faculty employment, please send a letter of interest, resume, and completed application form (available below) to the Head of School. If interested in volunteering, please just complete and send in the application form.
Faculty & Volunteer Application
For 2017-2018, because we are growing, we are always eager to hear from highly-qualified candidates available for part-time positions. This includes all disciplines and grades (3-12).
University School of the Lowcountry is committed to its growth as an institution that welcomes and values a diversified school community. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, religion, economic background, or any other classification protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, financial assistance policies, or any other school policy or program.