5th Grade Teachers

Jen Ko (she/her), Lead Teacher

My big question: How can we improve the world through more conscious choices?

 I started my official teaching career as an English as a Second Language Coordinator in the South Bronx of New York City in 2007--but I feel that I have always been teaching! I am dedicated to supporting students to develop as individuals who will be responsible, unique, critical-thinking, and caring citizens of the world. 

I grew up in Sonoma County and now live in the Mission with my husband Joe.

My favorite hobby is swimming in open water, but I love anything that gets me away from screens (trapeze, embroidery, hiking/camping, cooking, reading, watercolor painting, gardening)!

Mx Monica De La Paz, Lead Teacher

I have had the incredible privilege of being a member of the New School community for the past two years, and I must confess, I am head over heels in love with this place! Now, as I embark on a new chapter in my journey, I am thrilled to assume the role of Lead Teacher.

With my freshly minted single-subject teaching credential in Social Studies from San Francisco State University, I am bubbling over with excitement to showcase my newly acquired skills and continue my personal growth alongside the amazing students and staff at New School.

The energy and passion that flows through these halls have captivated my heart, and I can’t wait to start the a new year brimming with possibilities and exciting opportunities for growth and discovery.  

Jamie Morgan, Resident Teacher

I'm excited to be joining the New School as a Resident Teacher! I was born in San Francisco and grew up nearby in San Mateo, California. In 2019 I graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BA in Performing Arts & Social Justice; after that, I spent some time trying to figure out how to swing a career in music, took a detour and studied to be a paralegal, and finally landed on teaching.

I just graduated this May from USF (again) with an MAT in Education and I'm so excited to start the school year at New School. Being part of a school with a focus on social justice, equity, and community is very important to me.

My favorite part of teaching is figuring out what individual students need in order to learn best. In my free time, I can be found drawing, playing the bassoon, and playing DnD with my friends!