Project Description
Theresa “Terri” Ruyter
Principal, Battery Park City School
Manhattan, New York
Fellow
Theresa “Terri” Ruyter began her teaching career in the late 1980s. She graduated with her MA in teaching from Teachers College in 1991. She taught ESL in Japan, and elementary school in New York and New Mexico, before returning to TC for her doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching. She has served as an instructor at TC, a visiting professor of education at Adelphi University, and a literacy and social studies specialist in the NYCDOE.
In 2009, she was given the opportunity to open a new public school in lower Manhattan. Since then, she has nurtured the growth of the students, teachers and community at the Battery Park City School, a public pre-K to 8 school, in New York City. She is happiest at school when she is working with students and teachers learning new skills, collaboratively finding answers to thought-provoking questions, and problem-solving how to provide an equitable education for all young people. She believes that transparency around work towards social justice and including multiple voices is key to educational success.
Mollie Noel
Assistant Principal, Battery Park City School
Manhattan, New York
ALLY
Mollie Noel is a Learning Specialist and Special Education Coordinator at PS/IS 276, the Battery Park City School. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Delaware, where she studied Elementary and Special Education. She continued her education at Rowan University, where she earned a Master of Arts Degree in Reading Education and became certified as a Reading Specialist.
Mollie recently began her 13th year in public education. She has been fortunate to teach and learn alongside students in elementary, middle, and high school from Cherry Hill, NJ to Brooklyn and Manhattan.