Academy School: Where learners are launched. Discovery through curiosity, creativity and intellect.
Third Grade
Isaac Freitas-Eagan
3rd Grade
Isaac graduated from Williams College in 2023 with a degree in History and Geosciences. This is their second year as a lead teacher, they have worked in the district as a special education paraprofessional and substitute teacher on and off since 2018. Isaac is a third grade teacher at Academy this year. They are passionate about creating a classroom community which prioritizes equity and engagement. Isaac believes that each student has the right to learn, to be interested in and excited by the world around them, and to read, write, and solve problems. Outside of school, Isaac loves to make music, be outside, and learn new things! They live in Brattleboro.
Jane Geidel
3rd Grade
Jane graduated from Simmons College with degrees in Psychology and Teaching. Before coming to Academy School in 2017, Jane spent 12 years teaching third grade in Northfield, MA. Jane uses her knowledge of child development to guide her teaching. She works to make sure students feel involved and invested in their own learning process. She believes that students thrive when they feel like important members of a strong class community.
Paige Starkweather
3rd Grade
Paige (Ms. Starkweather) graduated from Endicott College with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Before coming to Academy, she substitute taught at Hinsdale Elementary School and interned in a number of Massachusetts schools while in college. Paige is extremely excited to join the Academy community and develop hands-on learning experiences for her students. She believes that project-based learning is valuable in helping students take ownership of their learning and passionately learn about the world. Paige loves board games, traveling, and playing with her Great White Pyrenees (named Luna)!
Ryan Cutting
3rd Grade
Ryan graduated with his bachelor's degree in English/Journalism from the University of New Hampshire in 2012. He then received his masters in Elementary Education and Special Education from Antioch University New England in 2016. Ryan is entering his 6th year of teaching spending 4 school years as an Academic Support Teacher in Windham Central Supervisory Union. Ryan is starting his second year at Academy School and is extremely excited to be part of Academy's 3rd grade team as an Academic Support Teacher. Ryan enjoys experiencing and being a part of the growth that students endure while feeling safe, trusted, and cared for at school.
Third grade is an exciting year filled with deep thinking, expansive learning, and tons of fun! It’s a big transition year. This is the year students begin to apply foundational skills in reading, writing, and math in order to learn about the world around them. We are committed to fostering independence, positive peer relationships, math problem solvers, scientific thinkers, and engaged writers.