Administration | Pre-K | Kindergarten | First Grade | Second Grade | Third Grade | Fourth Grade | Fifth Grade | Teacher Specialists | Intervention Teachers

Zipporiah Mills, Principal
Ms. Mills returned to PS 261 in 2005 after serving as assistant principal at PS 59 in Bedford Stuyvesant for two years. Ms. Mills was born and raised in East New York. She decided to become a teacher when she attended Thomas Jefferson High School and student-taught at a daycare facility. She taught for 16 years at PS 273 before first coming to our school in 2000 as an invention teacher. Ms. Mills has a Bachelor's with a double major in Education and Black and Puerto Rican Studies from Hunter College. She also has a Master's in Reading from Mercy College and an advanced certificate in Administration from Adelphi University. She lives in Queens Village and has three children, all in college. In addition to spending time with family, Ms. Mills enjoys reading and gardening.

Lena Barbera, Assistant Principal
Ms. Barbera came to PS 261 in 1996, as an upper grade teacher and spent one year as a Mathematics Coach. Her main responsibility involved supporting the faculty in mathematics instruction. She was responsible for implementing a new curriculum and modeling instructional practices for new teachers. In 2004 she was appointed Assistant Principal and continues to serve in a school community that she knows well. Ms. Barbera resides in Carroll Gardens with her husband Anthony and two sons Dominick and Joseph. Both of her sons graduated from PS 261 and now attend Bishop Ford High School. Ms. Barbera attended Hunter College where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Geology and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. She received her second Masters in School Administration and Supervision from Brooklyn College.

Miss Vivian, a veteran teacher of nearly two decades, earned a Bachelor's in Developmental Drama and Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. She has a Master's in Elementary Education with a specialty in English as a Second Language from Adelphi University. Miss Vivian has taught pre-K since 2004, but she has spent most of her career teaching kindergarten, as well as first and second grades, and much it at PS 261. At home she keeps busy surfing the Internet, swimming, biking, doing arts and crafts and working on home projects.

Miss Justice has been teaching for two decades, most of them at PS 261 and mostly in kindergarten. She has been very happy teaching pre-K since 2002. "I love seeing children develop as learners," she says. She received her Bachelor's in Spanish and her Master's in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. At home, she's busy with two dogs, two cats and two sons, one grown and one a teenager. She also loves gardening, dance and music.

Mrs. Lopez teaches the MIS IV Spanish readiness program and has taught at PS 261 for 20+ years, always in Special Ed. This native New Yorker graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor's in Physical Education and from Hunter College with a Master's in Education with a specialty in Learning Disabilities. It gives Mrs. Lopez great pleasure to see her students grow and become independent learners. Away from school, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

This is David's first full year at P.S. 261. He received his Bachelor Degree in Political Science from S.U.N.Y. Buffalo and holds Masters Degrees from both Queens College (Social Studies in Secondary Education) and Touro College (Childhood and Special Education). David loves to play Gourmet Chef in the kitchen for his wife and amazing 2 year old daughter.

Jamie began teaching at our school in 2002. With a Bachelor's in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a dual Master's in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University, Jamie is happy to be at PS 261. “I absolutely love this school! We have an amazing community here!” She enjoys living in the neighborhood with her husband and cat. Jamie loves to cook, read, and travel.

Ms. Robyn started at PS 261 in 2005. She received her Bachelor's in Child and Family Studies from Syracuse University and her Master's in Childhood and Special Education from New York University. Recently she has also obtained her Early Childhood Education certificate. Ms. Robyn has just started her 4th year at PS 261 and has taught both 2nd grade CTT for two years and currently Kindergarten for her 2nd year. When Ms. Robyn is not working at PS 261 in the summer she works at a camp on Long Island where she has been for the past 11 years!

This begins Kevin's sixth year as an early childhood teacher, and his second at PS 261. After a brief stint in writing and publishing, and an MFA from Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Kevin moved to New York and initially taught Kindergarten and 1st grade at an independent school uptown in Manhattan. Originally from Louisiana and Houston, Kevin had already adopted New York as home when he changed career paths for good -- then completing an early childhood master's degree at NYU before coming to teach Kindergarten at PS 261. A community resident of Brooklyn for several years, it was a natural and welcomed transition to wind up here - at "a true neighborhood school."

Mandy came to PS 261 from The Churchill School in Manhattan, a special education school. She taught 3rd grade here for 2 years and then worked park time last year as an intervention teacher while she spent time with her baby Charlie! She is now back as a kindergarten teacher, working with Kevin. She lives close by with her husband, her dog Harry and her baby girl. A Manhattan native, she received her Bachelor's in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin and her Master's in Special and General Education from Bank Street College. She loves travel, cooking, reading, movies, music and friends (when she finds time!). In the classroom, she likes to "keep open communication and also make sure that they enjoy learning!"

This is Yasmine's first year teaching at P.S. 261. "It is an honor and privilege to work at P.S. 261 because it is the elementary school that I attended as a child". Yasmine has a bachelor's degree in Childhood Education with a concentration in Children's Studies from Brooklyn College. She is currently working on her master's degree in early childhood education at Brooklyn College. She is fluent in Arabic and enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Millie, who is originally from Cobble Hill and is bilingual in Spanish and English, has been teaching at PS 261 since 1990. She received her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and her Master's in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. Millie brings her love of art to the classroom; in fact, she studied at the School of Visual Arts. She also loves cooking, reading, crochet, needlepoint, walking, dance, figuring out her computer, and spending time with her grown son.

Jeong is from Annandale, VA and grew up there. This past summer she moved to Brooklyn, NY and is currently living with her dog, Brownie and her sister. Jeong went to Virginia Commonwealth University where she received a Bachelor's in English, Minor in Psychology, and a Master's in Teaching. When she started teaching in Dec. 2004, she taught Kindergarten for 2 1/2 years and 6th grade for a year. Transitioning to a new city and a new school has been great and she looks forward to all the wonderful connections she'll make with the staff and families at 261!

Jamie joined PS 261 in 2004. Previously, she taught second grade and pre-school. Jamie has a Bachelor's in Children's Literature and a Master's in Early Childhood Education, both from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Her favorite children's book authors are Maurice Sendak and Doris Burn. Jamie's favorite pastimes are bicycling, bicycling, bicycling-and bicycling! She also enjoys yoga, Pilates, and cooking, and lives in Park Slope.

Jenn has been at PS 261 since 2002. She originally taught kindergarten and she moved to first grade in 2006. She has her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and her Masters in Elementary Mathematics from New York University. One of her favorite things about PS 261, Jenn says, is all the great people she works with.

Aryn began teaching at PS 261 in 2003. She has her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Art History from New York University and she recently completed her Master's in Literacy, also from NYU. Aryn lives in the Bronx but has fallen in love with Brookyn, especially its restaurants. She is fluent in Italian, is a certified make-up artist, and she loves the beach.

Ms. Diana has been teaching since 1999. She received her Bachelor's in Theater from Fordham University and her Master's in Elementary Education from Dowling College. Ms. Diana lives in Park Slope and enjoys traveling, cooking, glitzy jewelry, spending time with good friends and her husband, Andrew, and her dog, Zelda.

Katy has been teaching for more almost a decade, mostly at PS 261. She loves watching the children's many changes. She especially enjoys working with other teachers and praises her colleagues' cohesiveness. On her own time she likes to travel, go to the beach, and spend time with friends and family. Katy, a native Californian, received her Bachelor's in Religion from Bard College and her Master's in Elementary Education from Smith College.

This is Meryl's first year at PS 261. Previously, she worked at the Balfour Brickner Early Childhood Center in Manhattan. She received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Educational Theory from Bates College in Lewiston, ME, and her Master's in Childhood and Special Education from New York University. Meryl is a native New Yorker and a proud graduate of the New York City public school system. She grew up in Manhattan, but now lives in Brooklyn. She loves to watch baseball and knit.

Jocelyn joined PS 261 in 2004. Previously she taught a combined second/third grade class near Seattle for three years. Formerly an actress, Jocelyn has a Bachelor's in Drama and a Master's in Educational Theatre, both from New York University. She also has a Certificate in Teaching and Human Development from Pacific Oaks College Northwest in Seattle. Jocelyn and her husband live in Clinton Hill with their daughter, who is a student at PS 261.

While this is Joyce's 2nd year of teaching at PS 261, she has been a parent here since 2003. After practicing law for 20 years (15 at Legal Services), Joyce is living her fantasy of being a public school teacher! Joyce received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, her law degree from Georgetown University and is getting her Masters in Childhood and Special Education at Brooklyn College through the NYC Teaching Fellows Program. Joyce lives in Flatbush, Brooklyn with her family and many pets.

Dara began teaching at PS 261 in 2007. She received her Bachelor's in Elementary and Special Education from Syracuse University and her Master's in Early Childhood Education/Special Education from New York University. Dara was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and has enjoyed exploring the many parts of New York City. She loves to read, swim, and bake yummy desserts!

Nan has been at our school for a decade as both a teacher and a parent (her daughter is a PS 261 graduate). Her previous experience includes staff development, teaching music, and working on stage as an actress. Nan received her Bachelor's in Theater Arts and English at San Francisco State University and her Master's in Elementary Education from Hunter College. Nan likes to create a lively, hands-on learning environment and considers the classroom a society and community.

Ms. Nicole, a native New Yorker who lives in Brooklyn, started at PS 261 in 2005 after three years teaching third and fifth grades at PS 158 in Brooklyn. She was previously a case manager in a domestic violence shelter for five years. Ms. Nicole is a NYC Teaching Fellow. She has a Bachelor's in Sociology from City College and a Master's in Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. Ms. Nicole finds teaching important because she believe she is investing in the making of our future. She enjoys reading, dancing, and listening to music.

Ms. Waita came to PS 261 in 2005 after five years at PS 8 and PS 67. This native New Yorker has a Bachelor's in Political Science from City College University of New York. She has her dual Master's in Elementary and Special Education and is currently working on a second Master's degree in Administration. Before teaching, she clerked at law firms and worked for the American Red Cross. She is a fitness fanatic and a Double Dutch diva. She also enjoys drawing, and music. Ms. Waita, who lives in Brooklyn Heights, believes that teaching is "helping to shape the community's future."

This is Miss Ayala's first year at PS 261-as a teacher. Her twin daughters graduated last spring, so she's very familiar with our community. Miss Ayala was an attorney in private practice for a decade before she became a New York City Teaching Fellow. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois in Chicago and a J.D. from Rutgers University in Newark. She expects to receive her Master's in Special Education from Brooklyn College in June 2008. Miss Ayala lives in East Flatbush and enjoys tinkering in her garden and spending time with her family.

Anne began at PS 261 in 2005 after working in Washington Heights where she taught both third and fourth grades for two years. She grew up in Massachusetts and, after four years in Manhattan, calls Brooklyn home. She received her Bachelor's in History from Wellesley College and a Master's in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University. She loves teaching for the good discussions, the privilege of helping kids become productive citizens, and the totally unexpected. Anne likes to sew-and has even tried skydiving!

This is Becca's third year in her own classroom at PS 261. She received her Bachelor's in Childhood Education/Special Education and Psychology and her Master's in In-Service Childhood Education concentrating in both Math and Literacy, both from New York University. Originally from the Boston area, Becca lives in Windsor Terrace and enjoys cooking, traveling, volunteering, and hiking.

This is Ms. Sharon's second year full-time at PS 261, but she's no stranger to our school. She has twins who attended PS 261 and are graduating from middle school this year! While Ms. Sharon's children were in school here, she spent 4 years substituting at PS 261. She is a native Brooklynite with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Baruch College. After 10 years in the business world, she went to Hunter College to get her Master's degree in Education. Ms. Sharon has been a Clinton Hill resident for over 20 years. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Ms. Scarborough came to PS 261 in 2006. She is in her 13th year in the classroom with 6 years prior experience as a substitute teacher. She has a B.A. in Psychology from UCF and a Master's in Education from Rollins College. Ms. Scarborough teaches her students the importance of living an extraordinary life, which includes a lifetime of learning and philanthropic endeavors. She has a daughter, Cody, who attends NYU and three dogs. For fun she enjoys spending time with her daughter, visiting museums, painting portraits of her dogs, and photography. Check out her classroom website at www.steach4fun.com .

Melissa has been teaching at P.S. 261 for 3 years. This is her first year teaching 4th grade. Melissa has a B.A. in Women's Studies from SUNY-New Paltz and two Master's degrees, one in Elementary Education from Temple and one in Museum Education from University of the Arts, both in Philadelphia. She likes teaching, Melissa says, because, "I like helping students realize just how brilliant they area". When she's not teaching, she enjoys going to Monday Night bingo and making handmade stationary.

Originally from Connecticut, Sarah moved to Brooklyn in 2004, after graduating with a BA in Environmental Studies from Bates College in Maine (one of her favorite places in the world). A former New York City Teaching Fellow, Sarah received her Masters of Science in Teaching from Pace University. She loves teaching because it keeps her mind spinning. In her free time, she likes to ride her bike, read, eat good food, and take trips to northern New England.

Mr. Scott loves teaching because he likes "the chance to be able to really get to know another person who's younger than me." He has a Bachelor's in English and Sociology from the University of Michigan and a Master's in Elementary Education from Columbia University. Mr. Scott has been at PS 261 since 2002. He grew up in Rochester, plays the piano and he loves to ski.

Dana Levy began her adventure at ps261 in 2006 as a student teacher in 3rd grade CTT. She has now been teaching 4th grade inclusion for 2 years. she loves having interesting and honest conversations with her students. Dana did her undergraduate work at Rutgers university before moving to Manhattan to pursue her Masters Degree in childhood and special education at New york University. Dana loves the collaborative and supportive environment PS261 is known for. She lives in park Slope and enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with friends.

Miss Megan received her Bachelor's in Visual Arts with a concentration in Ceramics from the State University of New York at New Paltz. She grew up in Brooklyn and lives in Queens. Miss Megan has also taught art in afterschool and weekend programs. She has been at PS 261 since 2005.

Colleen Greto earned her Bachelors degree from Syracuse University, graduating from their Elementary Inclusion program. She is in her last semester in the Literacy Master's program at Hunter College. Colleen is the Special Education teacher in P.S.261's fourth grade Collaborative Team Teaching classroom. She has been teaching in Brooklyn since 2004. Growing up in Connecticut, she always worked with children and knew that this was the profession for her. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, live music, and art.

This is Stacy's seventh year of teaching in New York City. She grew up in South Carolina with parent's of Brooklyn pedigree. When she graduated from the University of South Carolina, she moved to NYC. After a year of working in the fashion industry (in publicity, not fashion) she went and received her Masters at Teachers College, Columbia University. She student taught at PS 321 and taught at PS 94 in Sunset Park. This is her second year at PS 261. She currently lives in Lower Manhattan where she enjoys sitting at the waterfront with her dog, Oreo, and reading The New York Times.

Ellyn began teaching at PS 261 in 2007. She received her Bachelor's in Communications and History of Art at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. After graduation she worked in Advertising for three years before she decided to get her Master's in Education from New York University. Ellyn is originally from Chicago and currently resides in midtown Manhattan. Ellyn loves to travel, cook, draw and take walks throughout the city.

This is Marie's first year as a classroom teacher but she worked at PS 261 for the two previous years as a paraprofessional. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Medgar Evers College and is working on dual certification in Special and General Education in the Master's program at Tuoro College. A Brooklyn native, Marie lives in East Flatbush now and enjoys tennis and reading in her spare time.

As a teacher, Jook "facilitates ways for children to discover for themselves." He finds the upper grades a turning point for children as they start to think beyond elementary school. In addition to being with his wife and two children, Jook enjoys cooking, reading, and photography. He oversees the publication of the fifth grade yearbook. He received his Bachelor's in English Literature from Stony Brook University and a Master's in Elementary Education from Bank Street College. Jook has worked at PS 261 since 1995.

This is Erica's third year teaching at PS 261. For her fist two years, she taught special education. Last year, she left to teach in Larchmont, NY (Central School) as a Resource Room teacher but could no longer stand to be away from 261! Now Erica is is back teaching general education fifth grade and loves it. Erica received her dual master's degree from NYU in childhood and special education. She just moved to Park Slope in Brooklyn from Murray Hill and loves it. Eric's hobbies are reading and softball.

After teaching fifth grade at PS 261 for a decade, Don is now our P.E. teacher. Don received his Bachelor's in Education from Brooklyn College. He has three daughters. One is a fourth grade teacher and two are twins who just graduated from college.

Carmelo, "the Science Fellow," has taught science at PS 261 since 1996. Teaching science is his calling. With a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Nutrition from Brooklyn College and a Master's in Environmental Education, Carmelo is committed to encouraging more science in the classroom. Carmelo is getting married this fall.

"I like to challenge students to interact, think, create, and solve problems," says Jessica, who has previously taught in California, Manhattan and Brooklyn. She received her Bachelor's in Environmental Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and her Master's in Science, Math and Leadership from Bank Street College. She came to PS 261 in 2003.

Yvonne has been at our school since 1996. Before this she worked on Wall Street for 10 years. She received her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and a Master's in Elementary Mathematics from Brooklyn College. Yvonne, who is from Panama, speaks Spanish fluently. She enjoys singing and attending performing arts events. Yvonne likes being with children, she says, "because I can be myself."

Karyn has been teaching for nearly two decades, almost all of it Physical Education, but also art and second grade. Previously a professional dancer, she has taught dance since she was 17. Karyn has a Bachelor's in Biology from Wagner College and is working on her Master's in Liberal Arts Education from Excelsior. She came to PS 261 in 2002.

Miss Danielle, who came to PS 261 in 2002, has taught Kindergarten, 4th grade-CTT and served as the librarian and enrichment coordinator here. Miss Danielle has a Bachelor's in Dietetics from the University of Delaware and a Master's in Elementary Education from C.W. Post. Originally from Long Island, she now lives in Carroll Gardens with her husband and their cat, Hunter. She enjoys traveling, snowboarding and reading a great book.

Haya is in her second year at PS 261. Previously she taught art to Elementary and Middle School students in private schools in NYC and High School students in the Bronx. She graduated from Brooklyn College and went into advertising, and fashion, and, worked for several years as a prop and wardrobe stylist for film and photography shoots. Haya always knew she wanted to teach art and went to Pratt Institute to earn a Masters in Art and Design Education. Haya feels that art is vital to a child's development and thinking processes. She loves witnessing her students communicate through their art and watching what they will produce. When Haya isn't teaching she enjoys going to museums and galleries, working on art projects and spending time with friends.

Tanya began teaching at P.S. 261 in 2007. Teaching art makes her happy because she enjoys seeing the creative side of children develop. Tanya received her Bachelors in International Business from The University at Buffalo and her Masters in Visual Art Education from New York University. In her free time, Tanya loves to cook, be with friends and family, read, have overseas adventures, and make art (ceramics, printmaking, and drawing). She lives in Park Slope and is thrilled to be a part of the P.S. 261 community, "a true community".

Rocco began teaching at P.S. 261 in 2007. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he began studying piano seriously in high school. He received a Bachelor's of Arts in Music at Queens College where he was an active member of the Queens College Chorus and Choir. in 2008, Rocco completed his Level II Certification at the Kodaly Institute at NYU and is planning to complete Level III next year. He is also finishing his Masters in Music Education at Brooklyn College. In his spare time, Rocco enjoys traveling, working out, and hanging out with friends and family.

Marcy Mattera immediately accepted a teaching position here 12 years ago after receiving a Bachelor's degree from NYU. She spent the first five years teaching first grade and the next five years teaching second grade. Last year, Marcy took a new position as Math Coach. She now works with teachers to continue to strengthen mathematics instruction at PS 261. She also hosts a morning math team for students who love and excel at mathematics in Grades 3-5. This year, Marcy and her husband George welcomed a new baby, Juliana Rose, into their family! Marcy loves working at PS 261 and enjoys the relationships she has established with families and colleagues throughout the years. PS 261 is a second home!

Marisa has taught in the early grades for 15+ years, half of them at our school. She received her Bachelor's in Special Education from SUNY-Geneseo and her Master's in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College. She brings her love of music to her classroom. She says the children are the best thing about her job, and she encourages them "just to be themselves."