Ms. Becca Mason (K1) has been teaching since 2001. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from The George Washington University and her master’s degree from Lesley University in Early Childhood Education. She is also an Adjunct Professor with Lesley University’s School of Education and enjoys helping her students attain their M.Ed. She has been with Conservatory Lab since 2009 and has taught in the K-1 and K-2 classrooms. Outside of school, Becca spends her time playing board games, watching films, going to concerts, cooking, going out for Karaoke, and solving sudoku puzzles. She is very happy to be celebrating her 4th year with Conservatory Lab and feels grateful for all of the incredible moments in teaching and learning she has experienced with this amazing group of students and families.
Dave Cordes, K1 Assistant Teacher, is an improvising double-bassist and educator. In 2011 he earned his Masters of Music degree from New England Conservatory’s Contemporary Improvisation Department. He graduated from Wesleyan University with a BA in Music in 2007 where he focused on ethnomusicology, world music performance, and improvisation. Previously, Dave was an assistant teacher at the Charter School for Young Children in Hartford, CT, and has presented music and literacy programs at various Boston area early-childhood sites. In his spare time, Dave enjoys being in nature, reading Calvin and Hobbes, and riding his bike around Boston.
This is K2 teacher Ms. Mary Randolph’s third year at the Conservatory Lab School, and her fourth year as a classroom teacher. She earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Lesley University in 2009. Before that she worked with many different age groups in both public and private institutions, and she also worked as a nanny for many years. In the end, she found her place in pre-kindergarten. The creativity, the sense of wonder, and the energy that exists at this age is so captivating to Mary. The mission at the Conservatory Lab- that music is a means for social change- as well as our Expeditionary Learning, have enabled her to strengthen her practice in remarkable ways. Nurturing the children as they blossom into deep thinkers and talented performers has been an incredible experience for Mary. She sees such a sense of accomplishment and pride that has an impact not only on their creative selves, but in their relationships and academics. When Mary is not teaching, she is often spending time with my family in Maine, lost in a great book, or trying to cook without over-seasoning anything.
Meg Musick, the K2 assistant, is a new member of the Conservatory Lab community. Meg earned her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance and minor in Music Education from Indiana University in 2011. She also earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education at Lesley University in 2012. Meg loves reading beautiful books and playing challenging math games with the K2 students and is looking forward to an exciting and adventurous first year at Conservatory Lab. Outside of the classroom, Meg enjoys running with friends, singing opera, and trying new restaurants around town.
Jovanne Buckmire, first grade, received her BA from Wheelock College in Human Development, and has been teaching elementary school for seven years. Her favorite part of teaching first grade is watching young learners grow as scholars, musicians, and friends. When she is not in the classroom she enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially at the beach!
Katie Biro is the assistant teacher in the first grade classroom. She is excited to begin her second year of teaching along side of Jovanne Buckmire. Katie has always had a passion for teaching and truly enjoys working with children to build strong social relationships within themselves and with peers. Katie is in the process of finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Wheelock College and is scheduled to graduate in December of this year. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, visiting her family in central Massachusetts and reading.
Ms. Jenna Gampel received her undergraduate degree from Northeastern University, and her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Literacy from Lesley in 2010. This is Jenna’s fourth year at Conservatory Lab, and she has enjoyed the benefits of honing her craft in the 2nd grade. Jenna enjoys bringing her musical theater and dance experience to the classroom. She has been excited to implement expeditionary learning, seeing the deep learning and quality work students are able to produce. In her free time, Jenna enjoys visiting her family, walking her dog Bentley and snowboarding.
Ivy Delaney has been teaching for 19 years. This will be her fourth year at Conservatory Lab. Ivy has taught grades one to five, Reading Recovery, Special Education and English Language Learners. As a volunteer in Kiribati, South Pacific, Ivy worked with teachers to lift the quality and delivery of their English language instruction. When she returned to the United States, Ivy moved to Manchester, England where she taught English as a Second/Foreign Language to adult learners. Ivy is a graduate of Bank Street College of Education. She received her Reading Recovery training at New York University. When not in the classroom, Ivy enjoys spending time with her family, taking yoga classes, reading and watching movies. (with a big tub of popcorn!)
Ms. Rachel Cates is a fourth grade teacher and has been teaching at Conservatory Lab since 2009. She has lived in Boston since 2003 and prior to that she grew up in a small town about an hour south of Boston. Rachel received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Boston University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Framingham State College. Rachel has always had a passion to work with children and she loves being a part of Conservatory Lab! Although it’s been awhile since she’s taken lessons, Rachel can play the piano and loves to sing. When not at school, Rachel enjoys spending time with friends and family. She also loves engaging herself with new books for pleasure as well as books that will enhance her teaching career.
Alexandra Klove is teaching fifth grade at the Conservatory Lab this year. She attended Boston University and Simmons College and received a BA in psychology and education. She continued her studies and obtained a Masters of Art in teaching elementary education from Simmons College. She is eager to use what she has learned alongside Jenna Gampel and implement expeditionary learning into her own classroom. She believes synthesizing learning through authentic activities builds positive members of society. In her spare time, Alex enjoys dancing, practicing yoga, singing, cooking, reading outdoors and spending quality time with family and friends!
Sarah Perkins, sixth grade, received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Bard College and her master’s in elementary education from Brown University. Sarah worked for three years in her hometown community of New Haven, CT as the program coordinator for Music Haven, an urban, tuition-free music education program. Sarah is thrilled to be working in a place that values music and arts education as highly as academics. Playing the violin, eating ice cream, riding bicycles, and being at the beach are four of Sarah’s favorite activities.
