Faculty Profile: Sheena Tart-Zelvin
It has been one of the more unusual ways to start a new job, but Upper School Director Sheena Tart-Zelvin has been thrilled to be part of the Burke’s community as it navigated teaching and learning in the midst of a pandemic. “While the sound of kids laughing on campus is sorely missed, it has been energizing and heartwarming to stop by their virtual classrooms and to see them in action with their teachers. Students are strong and resilient. Not only are they growing in important ways right now, but they can even play a lead role in modeling adaptability and flexibility for the whole community in this moment.”
Sheena spent the last nine years at The Hamlin School where she wore many hats, including middle school math teacher, service learning coordinator, and student advisor. She also helped coordinate the global citizenship program, served as math department coordinator, and as an instructional coach for the math team. In the summers, she worked at Summerbridge/Breakthrough Collaborative, an organization that provides intensive academic enrichment and support to 5-12th graders with limited educational opportunities, as their Math Department Chair, an instructional coach, and a math extension instructor.
Sheena started her teaching career in Dallas, Texas and Joplin, Missouri, teaching economics and math to middle school and high school students. She has a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and a master’s degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, as well as extensive experience attending and presenting at educational professional development activities across the country. In her free time she tries to discover new ways to wear out her clever and energetic puppy, Cali. She loves the mountains and the sea and delights in having time to recharge in nature. Some of her favorite moments in life come from cooking a delicious meal for loved ones and savoring the time spent together sharing good food and laughter.
Reflecting on the first few weeks of school Sheena said, “I have been so happy to see that even in the face of uncertainty and challenge, our classrooms and community groups have also seen laughter and joy.” As I have said often, “students possess these abilities at superpower levels—and that is one of the key reasons I consider myself fortunate to be an educator!”
Burke's mission is to educate, encourage and empower girls. Our school combines academic excellence with an appreciation for childhood so that students thrive as learners, develop a strong sense of self, contribute to community, and fulfill their potential, now and throughout life.
Burke's admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.