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A message from Head of School David Egolf.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Learn about Corlears School's history, educational philosophy, mission, core values, and more.

Meet our faculty and staff and explore the directory.

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Everything prospective families need to know about Corlears admissions.

Outlining the admissions processes for each of our academic programs, from toddlers through PreK.
Visit our campus and go inside the curriculum with school leadership. 

Changing the paradigm from financial aid to equitable tuition level-setting for all families.
School Programs
The Toddler program for ages 10–24 months celebrates the way toddlers learn best: through the art of play and wonderment.

The Nursery program fosters the natural wonder and curiosity of 2- and 3-year-olds.

Empowering 4-year-old children to become even greater participants in their learning and school community.
Auxiliary Programs
Classic summer fun with plenty of outdoor play, arts and crafts, and fun with friends. Led by Corlears teachers. Open to all.

Free family activities available on select Saturdays throughout the school year.
Meet the volunteer Board of Trustees and learn more about the committees and structures that govern Corlears School.

Events, holidays, and school closings.
Corlears families are important members of our school community, and we offer a number of ways to get involved.

How to get connected and stay involved with Corlears School's alumni community.
Corlears is a small school, but our community has a big heart — and many ways to get involved.

Every dollar has a lasting impact — not just on  students attending Corlears today, but on all children who come through our doors.

There are a variety of opportunities available for current and alumni community members to get involved by volunteering their time. 

THE ROAD TO OUR FIRST ENDOWMENT

The Tuition Equity Fund (TEF) will serve as the foundation for Corlears School’s first-ever endowment. Corlears has committed significant resources to become the leading school for young children driven by diversity and equity. 

Through the Tuition Equity Fund, we strive to cultivate inclusion and belonging for all community members for generations to come. Your support of the TEF brings to life our vision of a vibrant and connected community like no other in New York City.

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Faculty and Staff

Learn more about Corlears School's impressive faculty expertise and explore our staff directory.
Without a doubt, our faculty are the single most impactful part of the Corlears journey. They hold the highest degrees in childhood education, and through Corlears’ commitment to professional development and training, they have an exceptional level of expertise not typically found in most early years educational settings. They also love what they do — and it shows.

Faculty Expertise

All Corlears faculty have a baseline in training that extends well beyond their graduate degrees. All teachers take part in training related to the core programs and approaches at their respective age levels.

We are a professional learning community that engages one another in bringing theory to practice as we meet during weekly staff meetings and on professional development days dedicated to teacher training and development in various areas.

Experience and Qualifications

All Head Teachers hold Master's degrees in early childhood. Associate Teachers interested in becoming Head Teachers are often working toward — or are enrolled in — Master's degree programs. Many teachers have additional, dual, or advanced degrees and certifications.

We Don’t Just Teach Subjects — We Teach Students

Every student brings with them different talents, interests, abilities, and learning styles. At Corlears, we go beyond the classroom to ensure children receives individualized attention.

In fact, all teachers partner with families to learn about children’s personal interests as they begin to build a bridge between home and school, then incorporate aspects of the children’s home life into their studies and spaces.

This extra effort is what makes learning more meaningful and effective, and is just one small part of what makes Corlears different from the rest.

Corlears School's Collaborative Environment

As children get older and develop emotionally and cognitively, we work with the whole child and challenge them academically, socially, and emotionally. Teachers partner with each other and families to help each child be their best. Collaboration across disciplines is also common, as teachers design a specific curricula based upon the developmental stages of children as well as their particular needs.

Every teacher is an expert in their field, with a solid and well-rounded understanding of child development. We create classrooms where students are able to take risks and embark upon challenges that help them learn deeply. In addition, partnerships with families are forged through regular communication and sharing of the learning process.

Meet the Team

Our full staff directory is below, sorted alphabetically by first name.

Benna Cheung, Early Childhood Head Teacher, 2s/3s
TOUCH
Benna Cheung 2s/3s Head Teacher

Teaching Since: 2010

At Corlears Since: 2017

Benna Cheung 2s/3s Head Teacher
Betty Baez, Early Childhood Classroom Teaching Assistant, 2s/3s
TOUCH
Betty Baez 2/3s Classroom Teaching Assistant

Teaching Since: 1989

At Corlears Since: 1989

Betty Baez 2/3s Classroom Teaching Assistant
Brinton Parson
TOUCH
Brinton Parson Admissions & Outplacement ConsultantAt Corlears Since: 2025
Brinton Parson Admissions & Outplacement Consultant
David Egolf, Head of School
TOUCH
David Egolf Head of School

Teaching Since: 1993

At Corlears Since: 2014

David Egolf Head of School
Debora Everett-Jones
TOUCH
Debora Everett-Jones School Receptionist & Office CoordinatorAt Corlears Since: 2023
Debora Everett-Jones School Receptionist & Office Coordinator
Elliot Davila, Facilities Support
TOUCH
Elliot Davila FacilitiesAt Corlears Since: 2019
Elliot Davila Facilities
Jameel Johnson, Elementary Associate Teacher (2)
TOUCH
Jameel Johnson PreK Associate Teacher

Teaching Since: 2005

At Corlears Since: 2020

Jameel Johnson PreK Associate Teacher
Kelvin DeSilva, Facilities Director-1
TOUCH
Kelvin DeSilva Director of Facilities & OperationsAt Corlears Since: 2021
Kelvin DeSilva Director of Facilities & Operations
Megan Guttersohn, Communications Director
TOUCH
Megan Guttersohn Director of Engagement & DevelopmentAt Corlears Since: 2019
Megan Guttersohn Director of Engagement & Development
Michelle Malakoff, PreK Head Teacher
TOUCH
Michelle Malakoff PreK Head Teacher

Teaching Since: 2010

At Corlears Since: 2016

Michelle Malakoff PreK Head Teacher
Samantha Campbell, Early Childhood Head Teacher, 2s
TOUCH
Samantha Campbell Director of Admissions & Program Coordinator

Teaching Since: 2012

At Corlears Since: 2012

Samantha Campbell Director of Admissions & Program Coordinator
Susan From, Toddler Associate Teacher
TOUCH
Susan From Toddler Associate Teacher

Teaching Since: 2003

At Corlears Since: 2021

Susan From Toddler Associate Teacher
Yris Osaria_Facilities Support
TOUCH
Yris Osoria Facilities Support

At Corlears Since: 2020

Yris Osoria Facilities Support
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