22051 Wilson Road • Georgetown, Delaware 19947 • Phone 302-856-3300 • Fax 302-856-1750
Head of School - Connie Hendricks
Connie Hendricks brings to The Jefferson School more than 24 years' of experience with independent private school teaching and administration. Connie, who always had a love for teaching, began her career as a teaching assistant. Later, as a teacher, she taught various subjects including art, math, language arts and social studies. Over the years, she has instructed students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Connie transitioned to administration when she became Head of the Upper Level of Centreville School in 1999. She served in this leadership position until 2008 when she moved to the central office to direct enrollment and financial aid for Centreville School. In her spare time, Connie enjoy spending time with her family, volunteering, taking photographs, reading, gardening and cooking.
Pre-K Teacher - Lindsay Lopez
Lindsay received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Delaware and a Master’s in Special Education from Wilmington University. She came directly to The Jefferson School to do what she loves – work with 3- and 4-year-olds. Her enjoyment comes from being around the children and observing their progress. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, baby sitting and spending time with her family.
Pre-K Assistant - Carolyn Bickling
Carolyn developed a fulfilling career working with children. She owned and operated a school bus and worked as a substitute teacher. The Jefferson School reflects her own need to create a nurturing environment for children. She calls it her mission to help every student in any way possible enhance his or her thirst for knowledge. In her spare time, Carolyn enjoys bicycle riding, sewing and crafting.
Primary I Teacher - Patricia White
Patty has taught at The Jefferson School since 1996. She earned a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood and Elementary education from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a Master’s in Elementary Education from George Washington University. Patty taught preschool and kindergarten for 22 years and is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Patty enjoys her children, her cats and baking.
Primary II Teacher - Brad Barndt
Brad taught at The Jefferson School from 2003 - 2006, and has returned after working as an assistant teacher at the Child Development Center, Del Tech. Brad has a diverse background including Chief Warrant Officer in the United States Coast Guard, and helping with summer school programs and after school programs at Del Tech. Brad has many hobbies, including photographing nature while kayaking or birding, fishing, gardening, reading and writing short stories and poems. He is a member of the International Poets Society and has had a few poems published.
Primary II Teacher - Gayle Rush
Gayle, a veteran teacher and child development specialist, earned her Bachelor’s from the University of Illinois. She has taken dozens of continuing education classes including at Waldorf Institute, National Institute of Health, MATT Institute for Human and Organizational Enhancement and St. Francis Center. Gayle, who has taught for more than 30 years, is gifted at identifying children’s learning styles. She also enjoys community service and has served on numerous national and local boards.
Primary III Teacher - Cindy Hill
Prior to coming to The Jefferson School, Cindy Hill, Primary III teacher, taught at Epworth Christian School; working with grades ranging from 3rd through 8th. Cindy has a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science and a Master's in Elementary Special Education. We welcome her experience, warmth and professionalism. Some of you will know Cindy as a substitute teacher during the past school year and as a counselor with the "cool kids" at summer at camp. Cindy loves spending time with her husband, their two grown daughters and dog, Chip. She loves tending her wildflower garden, reading, nature walks, going to the beach and life in general! She says her lifelong dream has come true--being a teacher!
Primary III Teacher - Janet Taylor-Smith
Janet has 20 years of teaching experience in public, private and parochial schools in Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. She obtained a bachelor’s in education and master’s in mathematics education at the University of Delaware. Janet opened her own preschool in New Jersey, tutored primary and middle school students, and home-schooled one of her children through high school. Besides teaching, she enjoys indoor and outdoor home renovation projects – from designing them to doing the work herself.
Intermediate l Teacher - Grier White
Grier holds a master’s in instruction from the University of Delaware and has 30 years of experience teaching math, social studies, and language arts in Delaware elementary and middle schools. He served on the Delaware Curriculum Frameworks Commission in social studies, is fully trained in the Math Trailblazers curriculum, versed in the 6+1 Trait Writing and 4-Blocks Literacy programs, and participated in the Learning Focus Strategies program. Grier’s lifelong hobby is music: he plays saxophone in the Funsters band and guitar and base at his church. He particularly enjoys reading children’s literature, writing and cooking.
Intermediate I Teacher - Bill Nelson
Bill Nelson will be joining the Intermediate team. Bill has vast experience teaching Middle and Upper School science. He helped build the Salisbury School's Upper School program, and has taught, advised, coached, and sponsored clubs at the Middle School level. Bill's enthusiasm is obvious when you meet him and the students love him. Among Bill's many interests are stained glass design, backpacking, bicycle touring, writing and reading!
Intermediate II Teacher - John Gause
After obtaining a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in instruction, John became a faculty member at the Sussex County Consortium for 10 years. He was an Independent Living Center (ILC) special education instructor in all subjects and taught in the Delaware Autism Program. During his nine years at TJS, John has taught math, language arts, social studies, science, art, music, physical education, and Spanish in third through eighth grades and serves in curriculum planning and development. He’s an area soccer coach and the TJS basketball coach. His varied interests include piano, guitar, surfing, gardening, and painting.
Art Teacher - Karen Letonoff
Karen holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. After completing a postgraduate year of study in sculpture she joined the staff of the Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture where she taught in the metal chasing and patina departments. Karen relocated to the Rehoboth Beach area in 1995 where she was co-owner of an art gallery in which she designed and created custom forged steel furniture and cast bronze home accessories. She has taught art classes for adults and children of all ages, been involved in community murals, and does decorative painting in homes throughout the area. Her artwork has been on display in shows and in galleries throughout the Mid Atlantic region. Karen returned to teaching as an early childhood educator in 2003 before joining the staff at The Jefferson School in 2008.
Music Teacher - Ann Freeman
Ann received her bachelor’s from Mount Holyoke College where she minored in music and theatre. She spent the 1970s and early 1980s working in the professional theatre and motion picture industries in New York City. Ann began her teaching career when she stepped in as an emergency replacement music teacher at the Rippowam Cisqua School in Bedford, New York in 1989. When her family moved overseas she continued teaching, first at The American School of Dubai and then at The Anglo-American School of Moscow. Upon her return from Russia she taught music at The Jefferson School from 2000 until 2005. Ann has always enjoyed singing, and has participated with community, church and civic choirs wherever she has lived.
Physical Education Teacher - Nancy Berg
Nancy graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in biology. She worked for several years as a research assistant at the Mayo Clinic, leaving to raise her family. Nancy began coaching soccer while in high school and continued to coach over the years. Eight years ago she became involved in Special Olympics as a volunteer and now serves as the Program Director for the junior program for the Sussex De-Terminators as well as coaching the cycling and basketball teams and assisting with the aquatics program. Nancy enjoys running, swimming and baking during her spare time.
Spanish Teacher - Stefine K. Pitzer
As a high school Spanish student in Zenia, Ohio, Stefine spent her junior year in Argentina. She earned a bachelor’s in Spanish with a minor in religious studies at The College of Wooster, studying one summer in Ecuador. Besides being a private tutor, she taught Spanish at Wooster City elementary schools, the Wayne County Montessori schools and Wee Care. She joined the staff of The Jefferson School in January 2008. Stefine is a published author of a play and several fantasy and science fiction short stories. She enjoys reading, sewing, knitting, musical theatre and her two cats.
