Elise Prowse , ext. 221
Head of General Studies/ Math Teacher

Elise Prowse’s Class Page

Elise Prowse has been a middle school teacher at Tehiyah since 1990 and Middle School Head since 2000. Elise received her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from UC Davis, and then headed off to Africa to study baboons. Upon her return, she pursued a Single Subject Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University, and moved on to teach math and science in high school. Before coming to Tehiyah, Elise held the position of Director of Education for the Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley where she developed curriculum and taught in schools.

For Elise, taking on the role of teacher/administrator represents a blending of all the best aspects of education – collegiality, cooperative spirit, intellectual inspiration, and humor are only a few rewards of being a member of the Tehiyah middle school community.

At the center of the middle school world is the middle school student – it is, at once, a privilege and a pleasure to experience the joy, high energy, and especially the great enthusiasm for learning, life, exploring and socializing, all within the context of Jewish life, culture and study.

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Joel DeFauw , ext. 246
MIddle School Math Teacher

Joel DeFauw’s Class Page

Joel DeFauw, former 7th grade math and science teacher (2005-2006), is returning to Tehiyah this year to teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade mathematics. He took a year off to work with Discovery Channel Education in Los Angeles where he developed content for Discovery's tutoring division, Nutshell Math. Prior to teaching at Tehiyah, he was a high school teacher for seven years at New Life Christian Academy in Port Huron, Michigan. While there, he taught a variety of subjects, including: Chemistry, Physics, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, and TV Production. Additionally, he coached Track, Basketball, and Volleyball at the varsity level for both girls and boys. Joel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1997 from Grove City College in Pennsylvania.

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Jessica Nack , ext. 230
Middle School Science & Math

Jessica Nack’s Class Page

This fall marks Jessica Nack’s third year teaching math and science at Tehiyah.  A Michigan native, Ms. Nack earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Anthropology from The University of Michigan, then moved on to complete a Master’s in Education from Bank Street College of Education  in New York.  Ms. Nack’s experiences have led her on a road through both public and private schools, lower and upper schools, and finally from her doorstep to Tehiyah everyday in a car fueled by vegetable oil.

Sixth grade math and science at Tehiyah incorporates cooperative group learning, hands-on lab activities, interactive projects, games, engaging group discussions and creative problem solving.  Students also work independently in the science lab and in math class, and are inspired to take responsibility for their own work given the new, more independent environment of middle school.

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Stephanie Piper , ext. 206
MS Humanities Teacher

Stephanie Piper’s Class Page

Stephanie Piper has been teaching seventh-grade Humanities at Tehiyah for six years and has served as Middle School Student Council faculty advisor for three years. She received her Bachelor's degree in English from U.C. Berkeley and her M.A. in English from the University of Washington. Before coming to Tehiyah, Stephanie taught English and American literature and composition at the university and community college levels. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys reading, hiking, and woodwork.

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Margot Stein , ext. 238
MS Humanities Teacher

Margot Stein’s Class Page

Margot Stein is now in her third year of teaching 6th grade Humanities at TDS. Before moving to California, she taught 6th grade for two years at the Mary McDowell Center for Learning in Brooklyn.  She received her B.A. in English from Barnard College of Columbia University.

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
- Socrates

In my classroom, I emphasize the development of self- expression and intellectual curiosity. Each subject of study is approached interactively, ensuring that students make personal connections with the material at hand. From building models of ancient temples dedicated to a god of their choice to writing short stories inspired by books read in class, the curriculum becomes integrated with each student’s individual creativity.

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C. Bruce Taylor , ext. 218
MS Humanities Teacher

Mr. T ’s Class Page

Teaching the Humanities, I like to stress a Socratic discussion format for much of our studies. But always, I keep in mind that I teach children first, and that the subject matter, as important and valuable as I think it is, is always secondary.

For me, teaching is a calling. I have been teaching Middle School students for over 30 years, so I am starting to figure out what I really want to do in the classroom. Most of the people I began teaching with are long retired. Me? I’m just getting started, and having a ball (most days!). Really!