School Name

We are excited to welcome our new faculty members to the Senior School Community this school year! 

Jamison Burke: Jamie officially will join the Science department as a full-time faculty member this fall. Jamie graduated from Swarthmore College with a B.A. in Astrophysics and Classical Studies and earned his Ph. D. in Physics from the University of Santa Barbara shortly after. Jamie seamlessly integrated into our community last year as a long-term substitute, and we are thrilled to have him onboard.  

Andrea Cespedes: While Andrea is new to the Senior School, she is not new to SSA. For ten years, she taught 7th and 8th grade Spanish at the Middle School and served as the World Language Learning Coordinator for several years before briefly stepping away to teach at a local charter school. Along with her expertise in teaching Spanish, Andrea possesses a unique and diverse background with degrees in Sociology and Early Education. It is with great excitement that we welcome Andrea back to SSA. 

Angelica Escobar: Angelica joins our World Language Department as a full-time Spanish teacher this year. Her background is extensive in interdisciplinary thinking, teaching, and learning. This past May, Angelica earned her master’s degree in Medical Sciences and is currently working towards her medical degree at Pitt. Angelica earned her bachelor's degree in Hispanic Languages and Literature with a minor in Chemistry. She has taught both at Pitt’s School of Medicine and in their Chemistry department. Angelica has taught Spanish to preschoolers and medical students as a Spanish Course Instructor, teaching medical courses exclusively in Spanish. Additionally, Angelica has served as a medical interpreter, translating medical texts both in Spanish and Portuguese. SSA is thrilled to have Angelica to share her expertise with our students. 

Wenwen Grant: While Wenwen will be joining us as our Assistant Librarian this year, she is not new to the Academy. She has been a part of our Res. Life family as a Senior School campus resident for several years. Last year, Wenwen subbed at the Senior School in the World Language Department and as Assistant Librarian. Wenwen’s background is in education; she taught Chinese and English abroad and earned her master's degree in Education Psychology in 2013 at SooChow University in China. The Academy is excited to welcome Wenwen as she wears yet another hat here on the Senior School Campus. 

Blaire Modic: Blaire and his family recently moved from Costa Rica and we are thrilled to welcome them to Pittsburgh. Blaire will teach Spanish full-time and assist in leading our global travel programs. Blaire graduated from Kenyon College with a B.A. in Spanish and International Studies and subsequently received his M.A. in Spanish and his Ph.D. in Public Administration. In addition to his background in Spanish, Blaire also brings extensive experience in leading global academic programs in schools both domestically and abroad. 

Sarah Pease-Kerr: Sarah is new to the Senior School but not new to SSA. Sarah comes to us from the Middle School where she taught 7^th grade History, advised students, and wore many, many hats. Sarah graduated from Princeton University with a B.A. in English and from Harvard University Graduate School of Education with an M.A. in Education. Sarah is a beloved Middle School faculty member, and SSA is thrilled to welcome her to the Senior School.

Andreas Sageder: Andreas has taught German for 17 years—instructing students at every level, from beginners to native speakers. His experience teaching at international independent schools is vast: he has taught in Singapore, Columbia, Malaysia, and Austria. Andreas earned degrees in German Philology as well as Comparative Literature in Nordic and German literature. He is an avid runner, cyclist, and dedicated coach, and in his prior life, Andreas was a professional runner. We are very excited to have Andy here at the Senior School to share his talents and enthusiasm for all things school-related.  

Meg Scott: Meg recently moved her family to Pittsburgh from Philadelphia, but she is not new to the area. As a former Country Day student, Meg is well-acquainted with life in Pittsburgh. She joins us from The Agnes Irwin School in Philadelphia, where she directed the College Counseling Office for eight years. Before her impactful tenure at Agnes Irwin, she directed college counseling at Trinity School in Midland, Texas, and spent four years as an Associate Director of Admissions at Hollins University. Meg has been in the office for several weeks already and is quickly getting the lay of the SSA land.