January 19, 2010, Yarmouth, Maine: North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) Headmaster Peter W. Mertz announced that Shannon Gallagher has been hired to develop and teach NYA's new fifth grade class, launching in September 2010. The introduction of a fifth grade is a result of a growing interest from parents in expanding NYA's Middle School program. "We are delighted that Ms. Gallagher will be joining our team. She is a highly experienced and enthusiastic teacher," said Mertz. Gallagher is moving to Maine from New Hampshire in June but is currently an active participant in developing the fifth grade curriculum along with NYA faculty and administrators.
Gallagher earned a Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction: Integrated Teaching Through the Arts degree from Lesley University and a Bachelor of Science from Westfield State College. She is certified to teach in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and she has over fifteen years of diverse teaching experience including curriculum development and classroom instruction. "I plan and execute creative and stimulating lessons to accommodate unique learning styles, offering an approach to learning that keeps students engaged and focused," she said. Her work as an Experiential Educator has also impacted her successful performance in the classroom. "I am beyond thrilled and proud to be joining the community of excellence at NYA! I am looking forward to working with the team to develop a dynamic, integrated curriculum for the new fifth grade."
Director of Admission Laurie Hyndman has been accepting applications for the fifth grade for several months, and interest is high. "I am pleased with the amount of community interest in our new fifth grade program at NYA," said Hyndman. "Having such a dynamic and experienced educator on board will only increase the applicant pool," Hyndman predicted. NYA will continue to accept applications for the fifth grade as well as grades six through twelve through the February 10 deadline.
NYA will hold a fifth grade gathering later in the spring to provide families with the opportunity to meet Ms. Gallagher and other faculty and administrators who will be shaping the curriculum of the class. For more information, please contact the Admission Office at 207-846-2376 or email Laurie Hyndman at lhyndman@nya.org.
North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational day school serving students in grades 5 through 12. NYA is dedicated to fostering integrity, character and intellect in young adults.
For more information, please contact:
Kristi Belesca
Director of Community Development and Communications
North Yarmouth Academy
148 Main Street
Yarmouth, ME 04096
207-846-2380 ext. 9305
kbelesca@nya.org