Our Teachers

Fruit fly genetics? Polansky!    •    The Outsiders? Koz!    •    Bowling ball physics? Chalfoun!    •    Border Doors and Spanish Model UN? Perez!

Our teachers are passionate: about the subjects they teach, about motivating and supporting their students, about continuously working together to make Sandia Prep the best it can be. From Day 1, Prep students talk about how the teachers go out of their way to provide extra help with difficult concepts, how much energy they put into their classes, and how they help students enjoy subjects they never did before. Students reach higher than they ever believed they could because they know they have support and encouragement from their teachers.

The Prep faculty is varied, experienced, and talented, with rich interests and backgrounds. They have lived, studied, and worked around the world in a variety of fields and feel passionately about giving our students a global perspective.
 

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“Throwing potassium in water just never gets old! I love watching the students find the 'ah-ha' moments. Usually, students have to work for at least one topic in chemistry, and when they have struggled and struggled and then finally really understand, it's wonderful to see. When I try to explain Prep culture to people, I try to explain that although we take academics seriously, we don't let that destroy our sense of whimsy.”

- Amy James, Science Teacher

Amy James

Arren Buck with students

“I think the thing I love most about teaching is seeing kids grow as the year goes on and seeing students find interest in something they didn't think they would find interesting. I am lucky to be able to teach something that I love and learn with students. One of the best things about teaching engineering is allowing students to understand that they can be lifelong learners.”

- Arren Buck, Engineering Teacher

“In the first two weeks of school, Ms. Kerbleski has already gotten my child excited about reading. My child talks about how great she is EVERY DAY! I can't wait to see how she inspires them next!”
– Carmela, parent

“I love to see the students proud of what they make! It is truly energizing. Whether it be a 6th grader learning the potters' wheel for the first time, or my seniors building a piece of furniture they designed, there is something about watching them beam in their accomplishments that is worth all the hard work we put in as teachers. It is the creative accomplishments that the students are not aware of yet, but that the teachers can see are just around the corner, that makes me love what I do.”

- Waseem Touma, Visual Arts Department Chair and Clay & Sculpture Teacher

Waseem Touma teaching clay student

Tregembo with students

“I get to talk about books and words and the way they make people feel; I feel pretty lucky to have a gig like this. And, I spend every day surrounded by energetic, idealistic, passionate people - and I mean both the students and the faculty. Where else does one get to spend so much time with people who are constantly dreaming about how to make the world a better place?”

- Brian Tregembo, Dean of Students & Writing Intensive Teacher

“Through the 20+ years I have taught here, I never cease to be amazed at middle school kids' ideas and creativity. Life is fun! Work is a necessary contrast to relaxation. Balance is the key to happiness.”

- Lucy Kozikowski, English Teacher

Lucy Kozikowski