About D-E

Employment

The members of the Dwight-Englewood School faculty and staff community are a lively, engaged group of exceptional individuals who passionately believe in "meeting the challenges of a changing world" and are committed to "mak(ing) it better." 

To learn more about being a member of our community, scroll down and click on "current openings."

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List of 4 items.

  • Teaching at D-E


    • Faculty/Student Ratio is 1:9
    • Class Size: Average class size is 16. In all three divisions (Lower, Middle & Upper Schools), classes rarely exceed 18 students. 
    • Class load: Middle and Upper School teachers generally teach 18 50-minute periods per week, the equivalent of four-and-a-half courses. 
    • There is a strong teacher voice in curriculum planning, leading to many opportunities for cross-disciplinary teaching.

  • Support for Faculty

    • Funds for professional development and advanced education are available. 
    • A student-support team of trained professionals to which faculty may turn when they have concerns about the achievement or behavior of students in their classes. 
    • A program of faculty supervision whose specific focus is on professional growth. 
    • Opportunities for close interaction with other teachers. This includes specific programs in which faculty are organized in teams, as well as informal networks in which the faculty work together.

  • Salaries

    D-E Administration and the Board of Trustees are committed to a competitive salary schedule. Faculty new to the school are placed on a salary step commensurate with their teaching experience and educational background.

  • Benefits

    Dwight-Englewood's benefit package is competitive with other independent schools and provides the following:
    • Health benefits: comprehensive medical & dental coverage, wellness program, and fitness center. 
    • Financial Planning: TIAA/CREF 403(b) retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, and professional development funds. 
    • Income protection: workers' compensation, disability benefits, life insurance, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment. 

Welcome to Our New Faculty and Staff!

Dwight-Englewood is delighted to announce our newest faculty and staff members for the 2025-2026 academic year. Learn more about each of them below.

Clara Budrot – Maternity Leave Sub, Pre-K 4

Clara joins D-E as a Pre-K 4 Teacher. She says in her spare time, she enjoys puzzles, crafting, and finding new ways to support her students. She holds a Master of Arts in Education in Early Childhood Education from Montclair State University and a Bachelor’s in Music in Cello Performance from New York University. For the past two years, she has worked as a substitute elementary teacher for Tenafly Public Schools, and prior to that, she served as a maternity leave replacement at The Elisabeth Morrow School.

Rebecca Cacciato – Middle School Learning Specialist

Rebecca joins D-E as a Middle School Learning Specialist. She is in her 18th year of teaching, with a focus on Literacy, Executive-Functioning Strategies, and Learning Styles. She’s a graduate of Boston College’s School of Education with an undergraduate degree in Education and Human Development, as well as a Graduate degree in Special Education. Driven by cultivating students’ passion and curiosity for learning, Rebecca has delved into both the art of teaching and learning. Using these techniques, she supports students and families in school settings and beyond as an educator and in her private practice as an Educational Therapist, Consultant, and Parenting Coach.

Charlotte E. Franco – Upper School Science Teacher

Charlotte is a dedicated scientist-turned-educator with more than seven years of experience in immuno-oncology research before she transitioned to teaching high school biology. She brings expertise in molecular biology, curriculum design, and hands-on science education, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists. She holds a degree in Biology with emphasis in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Brandeis University.

Grace Harkins – Human Development Teacher

Grace joins the Human Development Team this year. She has been teaching sexual-health education and writing curriculum in the sexual-health field for the past three years. She received an M.A. in Education Foundations, Policy, and Practice from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2023 in addition to other certifications. She says, “I also love to teach barre fitness classes and spend time outside with friends. I’m moving to town, so I’m excited to make friends and go on new adventures this upcoming year!”

Donwan Harrell – Upper School Arts and Design Teacher

Donwan is D-E’s new Upper School Art & Design Teacher with a career spanning global brands like Nike, PRPS, Donna Karan, Evisu, and Akademiks. As Nike’s Senior Designer and Global Team Sports Director, he merged performance-driven apparel with high-level design, collaborating with athletes and manufacturers worldwide. Founder and Creative Director of PRPS, he revolutionized luxury denim with innovative washes and fabric treatments. An experienced educator, Donwan has led programs such as Virginia Commonwealth University’s “Jeanology,” emphasizing sustainability, inclusive design, and global market insight.

Mike Hegedus – World Language Department Chair

Mike taught Mandarin Chinese and Spanish for 13 years at Seton Hall Preparatory School and will now serve as World Language Department Chair, continuing to teach both languages. He says, “My own foreign language learning began as a toddler in Tennessee, counting numbers in French thanks to Canadian Sesame Street via satellite. Since then, it has blossomed into a life of travel and discovery across four continents.” Outside the classroom, he enjoys a number of creative pursuits, including singing, composing music, and writing. “I also come from a family of educators—ministers, principals, and teachers—and consider it a true privilege to be part of this noble profession,” he says.

Candace Ho – 4th Grade Teacher

Candace Ho joins D-E as a Grade 4 Teacher in the Lower School. She comes to us from Hong Kong with a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Bilingual Studies in Mandarin Chinese. You may have seen “Ms. C” around campus as she has been a guest teacher at D-E since 2023. Most recently, she taught second grade at the Singapore American School.

Jeff Hogan – Upper School Theatre Teacher and Director

Jeff has been teaching and directing high school theatre for 14 years. He holds a B.A. in Communications from Marist College and an M.A.T. from Drew University. Jeff is a proud dog dad to his 13-year-old Yorkie, AJ, a self-proclaimed “Karaoke King,” WWE fan, and “I Love Lucy” binge-watcher. He loves health, fitness, and helping others build confidence through creative expression. He firmly believes that art can save the world—not only for its power to ignite, reflect, and inspire, but for its ability to drive society forward.

Andrew Hume – Director of Enrollment Management

Andrew is D-E’s new Director of Enrollment Management. “I’m thrilled to join this incredible community of learners at Dwight-Englewood,” he says. “I’ve been a teacher, coach and administrator in independent schools for 30 years, and love to work, play, learn, and grow with colleagues and families.” Andrew lives in Maplewood, NJ, with his partner and his two adult children and two grandchildren he’s always eager to talk about. He enjoys attending concerts and plays, reading books about education and social justice, and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals, Phoenix Suns and New York Liberty.

Taryn Kuchar – 4th Grade Teacher

Taryn is joining the D-E community as a Grade 4 Teacher. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Studies. She says, “I strive to create a classroom where every student feels valued, challenged, and inspired to grow. I believe in fostering curiosity, building strong relationships, and supporting the whole child through engaging, student-centered learning.” As a third-grade teacher for the Clifton Board of Education, she has taught across multiple grade levels, developed targeted academic and behavioral interventions, and collaborated closely with colleagues, families, and support staff to meet diverse student needs.

Rudy LeDuc – Second Grade Assistant Teacher

Rudy, who graduated from Dwight-Englewood in 2020, joins as a 2nd Grade Assistant Teacher. “As an alum, I am deeply familiar with the wonderful community here at D-E and am incredibly excited to be joining as a member of faculty,” he says. “I am also incredibly excited to be working alongside Jennifer Koteles—one of my former teachers—in the second grade.” Rudy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Columbia University. His interests are graphic design, baking, and crochet.

Madeleine Lopez – Lower School Assistant Principal

Madeleine has 21 years of experience in independent and public schools, with degrees from Georgetown, Manhattanville, and Columbia Teachers College. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating inclusive, engaging learning environments and building strong partnerships with teachers and families,” says Madeleine. “I’m especially energized by opportunities to support teachers and to foster a joyful, student-centered school culture.” Outside of school, she adds, “I love spending time with my family—including my four wonderful children—whether we’re at the beach, exploring new places, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home together.”

Carolyn Miller – Admin Assistant to College Counseling

Carolyn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from St. Peter’s University and began her career in New York as a General Ledger Report Writer for Equitable Insurance, later moving on to Ernst & Young. After taking time off to raise her children, she reentered the workforce and has spent the past 10 years as an Administrative Assistant in the College Counseling Office at the Academy of the Holy Angels. This experience has prepared her well for a smooth transition to D-E, where she looks forward to bringing her skills and enthusiasm to a new team. Outside of work, she enjoys karaoke!

Maggie Morales – Accounts Payable Coordinator

Maggie, an experienced accountant with more than 20 years of experience, joins D-E as the new Accounts Payable Coordinator. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Hunter College. She says, “I have a genuine passion for working in a school environment and helping schools run smoothly behind the scenes. I look forward to working in the Business Office and getting to know everyone on campus.”

Jannet Park – Lower School Math Specialist

Jannet is a Tufts University and Bank Street College of Education graduate with 16 years of teaching experience and eight years dedicated to instructional leadership. She says she is passionate about equitable practices and believes in the magic of “doing mathematics” to spark curiosity, joy, and confidence in every learner. “My heart is in building positive, inclusive communities where educators feel empowered and every student sees themselves as a ‘math person,’ says Jannet. “Outside of school, I love coffee, chocolate, baking, reading, and rewatching Gilmore Girls while spending time with my two boys, Owen and Milo.” She adds, “Bulldogs have a forever place in my heart, especially my late Frenchie Bulldog, Tater Tot Wigglebottom.”

Raquel Rubalcaba Garrido – Middle School Spanish Teacher

Raquel joins D-E as a Spanish Teacher. She says, “I am from Madrid, Spain. I’ve lived in California for the last 12 years and moved to the East Coast a year ago. I love hiking, singing, and hanging out with friends.” Her career includes roles at York Preparatory School, Hackley School, Pinewood High School, and other institutions, where she has designed engaging, culturally immersive lessons, incorporated Social Emotional Learning, and collaborated on curriculum development to enhance student learning and engagement. She holds a Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering from Spain and is currently pursuing a Degree in Psychology.

David Sarfati – Maternity Leave Upper School Psychologist

David is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in the mental-health field for more than 11 years. He has a Master in Social Work concentration with Advanced Clinic Practice, Mental Health, Health and Disabilities from Columbia University. He says, “I am passionate about supporting the mental health of students, and I am excited to join the D-E community. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, playing tennis, and heading to the beach.”

Melissa Vudragovic – Lower School Nurse

Melissa is a dedicated school nurse with more than a decade of nursing experience. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Nursing from William Paterson University. She is passionate about promoting the health and well-being of students so they can thrive both in the classroom and in life. She believes in creating a safe, supportive environment where every child feels cared for and heard.

Janine Whitman – Director of Learning Support

Janine, originally from Englewood Cliffs, returns after 15 years in NYC and now lives in River Edge with her wife, Danielle, and their children, Hudson, 5, and Ruby, 3. She has a Master Degree in Education from Hunter College. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her kids, cooking, exploring restaurants, tennis, team sports, live music, and travel. She thrives in any team setting. Her passion for education is grounded in a lifelong love of learning and a desire to make the world a better place. She is thrilled to be joining the D-E community as Director of Learning Support.

Questions?

Dwight-Englewood seeks resumes only for positions posted on its website. The address is on each opening. Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to answer phone queries.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Dwight-Englewood is a non-profit corporation accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools. Dwight-Englewood School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, ethnicity, age, national origin, religion, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or military veteran status. The diversity of our student body supports our commitment to employ a diverse faculty and staff. Educators  and staff from all backgrounds who bring knowledge and expertise in equity, diversity and multicultural education are especially encouraged to apply.
 
Mailing Address: 315 East Palisade Avenue Englewood, NJ 07631
gps: 81 Lincoln Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
201-569-9500 Email: d-e@d-e.org
Located in Englewood, New Jersey, Dwight-Englewood is a greater New York City area private school with a rigorous college prep curriculum for boys and girls in preschool through grade 12.