NEW TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Mr. Chung: 5th Grade
My name is John Chung and I am excited to be a new fifth grade teacher at Tatem Elementary School! My path to
the teaching profession may be a bit different from others, but my desire to teach children has been with me for
many years.
I grew up in the neighboring town of Cherry Hill and graduated from Cherry Hill High School East, where I played
volleyball and sang in the men’s a cappella group. I studied Economics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore,
Maryland, and worked as an actuary after college. My path to the classroom took another detour when I attended
law school at Rutgers School of Law in Camden, and practiced corporate law at Saul Ewing in Philadelphia and NRG
Energy in Princeton. I’m happy to return to my hometown and raise my family in South Jersey.
Regardless of my job title or location, I always sought opportunities to work with children. For many summers, I
volunteered as a camp counselor to elementary-aged children. I cherished the campers’ curiosity, enthusiasm, and
enduring relationships. In law school, through the Marshall Brennan Fellowship Program, I taught a Constitutional
Law course to Camden high school students, with the goal of increasing civic literacy and participation in American
democracy. I relished the challenge of making an abstract subject, such as Constitutional Law, relevant to Camden
teenagers. While working in the city, I served as a reading coach to kindergarten students through Philadelphia
Reads, a children’s literacy program. Those lunch hours spent reading with children quickly became my favorite
part of the week.
My reason for wanting to become a teacher is not profound. I simply enjoy working with children. I also have
three of my own, and I love watching my little ones as they learn about the complex, fascinating, and ever-evolving
world in which we live. And I treasure playing an active role in that learning experience.
In the end, I could not deny my unrelenting desire to teach children, not simply as a volunteer activity, but as a
profession. Through my education classes at Rider University and my student teaching experience at Joseph D.
Sharp Elementary School in Cherry Hill, my passion for education has only grown.
I believe that my non-traditional journey has provided me with a breadth of experience and knowledge in realworld issues, a commitment to a standard of excellence in a demanding environment, and invaluable training in the
exercise of sound judgment – all of which will serve me well in the classroom.
One of my main goals this year is to foster a warm and respectful classroom community of life-long learners. To
meet this goal, I hope to build strong and positive relationships with each of my students. I also plan to utilize a
variety of instructional strategies to engage all types of learners, integrate technology in my instruction, establish
manageable and measurable goals and expectations, center instruction around students’ interests, promote
higher-order thinking and creative problem solving, employ assessment to drive instruction, collaborate with other
educators, and maintain open lines of communication with parents.
So it is with great enthusiasm that I join Tatem Elementary. I consider it a privilege to share this journey with each
of my students, and I look forward to meeting you this fall!
Mrs. Harding: 5th Grade
My name is Jen Harding and I am extremely proud and honored to introduce myself as a new 5 th grade teacher at
Tatem Elementary School. I am new to the area but from what I have experienced so far, I love it! I was married in
Beach Haven, New Jersey this past September and have been living in Mount Laurel for almost a year. Since
accepting the position at Tatem Elementary I have heard so many great things about the school/community
relationship. I am thrilled to work in such a highly regarded school and district.
I am originally from the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. After high school I continued my education at Plymouth
State University in New Hampshire. I received my Bachelors Degree in Geography with a concentration in Travel &
Tourism. I was accepted into the White House Internship Program the summer before my senior year and worked
in the Travel Office at the White House while living at Georgetown University. After working in the travel industry
for several years I decided to pursue a career in teaching.
I received my Elementary Teaching Certificate from Kutztown University in 2009. This will be my 6th year teaching
and every year I get more passionate about what I do. I am coming from Willow Lane Elementary in the East Penn
School District, which holds very similar exemplary standards and academic goals. I feel very fortunate to be
making such an easy transition due to the similarities in the two schools. This will be my fourth consecutive year
teaching 5th grade, I love this grade for so many reasons but mostly due to the relationships I develop with my
students over the school year.
My greatest strength in the classroom would be my creativity. I pride myself on creating a learning environment
that is authentic, engaging, and project-based. My methods of teaching are inquiry based and focus on problemsolving and higher level thinking skills. It is extremely rewarding to watch my students collaborate in the classroom;
a student-centered approach is at the forefront in my classroom. For the past two years I have included a blog on
my teaching website to chronicle the various activities and projects the kids have done throughout the year, it is a
big hit with parents. I plan on continuing to use a blog again this year, which you will find on my school eBoard. I
have already planned many activities for the first week of school and cannot wait to meet my very first class of 5th
graders at Tatem Elementary School. See you soon!
Ms. Grillo: 4th Grade
I am honored and thrilled to embark on my fifth year teaching 4th grade in the Haddonfield School District;
this year as a Tatem Tiger! I previously taught at Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School where I grew to love the
student-centered and goal-oriented Haddonfield community. I feel privileged to join and contribute to such a
passionate staff here at Tatem Elementary School. Just as I am eager to learn about you, I am sure you are just as
curious to know all about me! I hope this letter gives you a clear understanding of who I am as a teacher, and what
my goals are as an individual.
I grew up in Monroe Township, N.J. where I loved playing on the field hockey team and being creative in
the photography club. Realizing early on my dream of becoming a teacher, I spent my afternoons working at a local
elementary school’s Before and After School Program. I chose to continue my education at Fairleigh Dickinson
University in Madison, N.J. There I earned my Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, along with my Master’s
degree in Elementary Education. Keeping active in the Student Volunteer Association, the English Honors Society
and tutoring English Literature at the University’s Academic Support Center provided me with opportunities to
grow as a person, while also giving back to others.
Upon graduation I began working for the Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission, a school
district for students with special needs. Teaching in a classroom designed for students with autism and various
developmental disabilities provided me with tremendous gratitude and esteem for the teaching profession. Skilled
in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Direct Instruction and following and maintaining behavior plans and I.E.P goals
better enabled me to meet the needs of all learners. I left this school district feeling both humbled and empowered
with so many positive memories to take on with me to my future classrooms.
In September of 2010 I began my tenure as a 4th grade teacher within the Haddonfield School District. I am
a firm believer in creating a warm and caring classroom community where my students feel safe, respected, and
happy. I utilize many responsive classroom techniques such as morning meeting, collaborative rule making, positive
reinforcement and teacher language, and logical consequences. Building a positive rapport with my students and
connecting with their interests has been one of the most rewarding aspects of not only my career, but my life. In
addition to maintaining a strong relationship with my students I also strive to create a partnership with families. I
welcome parents into my classroom frequently for special events and volunteer opportunities. I believe that
frequent communication with families is essential.
I believe in engaging students through project and inquiry based learning. For example, after studying
economics my students worked together to create and market fictional businesses in small groups as a culminating
unit project. Students collaborated to complete Internet webquests, create cost graphs on Excel, analyze consumer
needs, design a Prezi Presentaton with a mission statement and job descriptions, create a logo and slogan for their
business, and present their business proposals to their peers. I work to create authentic learning experiences for
my students, such as a field trip we took to Ellis Island after studying immigration, or the ever popular International
Food Festival!
Outside of school, I most enjoy spending time with family and friends. Living in Philadelphia provides me
with endless opportunities to explore. I love going to the beach, staying healthy by taking a new exercise class at
the gym, trying a new art class, or walking my bichon-poodle Allie in the dog park. I am an avid reader and can
always be found relaxing with a good book, or planning somewhere new to travel! I am whole-heartedly grateful to
teach in Haddonfield and am truly excited to begin the next chapter of my career at J. Fithian Tatem Elementary
School. See you in September!
Ms. Kotlyar: 3rd Grade
My name is Ms. Rebecca Kotlyar and I'm thrilled to introduce myself as a new third grade teacher at Tatem
Elementary! I'm not an entirely new face, as I worked as a long term substitute in 3 rd grade last year. I moved to
South Jersey last year from Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, I received my Bachelors of Arts in English with minors
in Psychology and Education and I earned my Masters of Education from the University of Massachusetts. My
studies have taught me so much about the methods and practices of teaching, such as implementing technology in
the classroom, integrating inquiry based lessons to keep learning engaging, and using differentiated instruction to
target each individual's needs.
I feel so fortunate to be able to continue to work in the Haddonfield community. Haddonfield is such a
special place because of how closely our families work with the school to ensure success for every student. I loved
working in the 3rd grade at Tatem last year. The curriculum is wonderful. In Language Arts we read so many
wonderful stories. In Social Studies we learned all about the Haddonfield Community and took some great field
trips, too! I also had a blast as my class worked hard to celebrate their Biography Bash with their families. I can't
wait to meet my new 3rd grade students this year!
I am dedicated to implementing engaging and interactive lessons that allow my students to become
independent and creative thinkers. It is essential to develop a strong classroom community where students feel
comfortable taking risks and challenging themselves. My goal is to inspire each of my students to find a passion and
love for learning. I reach this goal through communication with students, school resources, and families. Keeping
an open dialogue allows me to implement the most meaningful, challenging, and engaging lessons to promote
learning. I am extremely excited to start the school year and meet the wonderful families that make up Tatem
Elementary School!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Kotlyar
Ms. Yedman: Special Education
Hello Tatem Elementary! My name is Maddie Yedman and I am honored to introduce myself as the new Special
Education teacher at Tatem Elementary. I recently graduated from the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers
University, where I received my Master’s in Special Education. Although I am a new teacher at Tatem, this is not my
first time walking the halls! I had the privilege of completing my student teaching internship at Tatem last fall. I was
lucky enough to work with two experienced and helpful teachers: Mrs. Lloyd and Ms. Kim. Both experiences
provided me with exposure to technology, opportunities for professional development, experience with the
curriculum, and an eagerness to teach in Haddonfield.
With the goal of becoming a special education teacher in mind, I have tried to take part in many activities
where I can work around students with special needs. While at Rutgers I took part in a club called Best Buddies, an
organization dedicated to establishing one-to-one friendships with people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. This experience allowed me to get to know adults living with disabilities on a more personal level. I was
able to connect with them, discuss their individual adversities, and develop plans for ways to overcome these
hardships.
I spend my summers working in my hometown of Moorestown as an Assistant Director for the township’s
theatre program. With a cast of over 100 children, it is my role to teach the children with special needs songs and
dances in order for them to take part in the summer production. Being able to facilitate a community project such
as an inclusive theatre program is something that I truly cherish.
It is my goal to bring a sense of energy to my teaching that motivates my students to learn. I look forward
to getting to know each students’ personal learning styles and interests, which will allow me to create
individualized instruction to best suit each student’s educational needs.
Outside of teaching, I really enjoy music and theatre. Although I am no expert, I enjoy playing instruments
such as the guitar and harmonica. This year I will be working with Ms. Wood’s AM Kindergarten, Ms. Flanagan’s
third grade and Mrs. Harding’s fifth grade. I look forward to getting to learn more about my students and the
Tatem community as a whole!
See you soon,
Ms. Yedman
Mrs. Batoff, School Counselor
I would like to take this opportunity to re-introduce myself. My name is Elyse Batoff and I am the guidance
counselor at Tatem Elementary School. I live in the Bucks County area of Pennsylvania. In addition to being a
certified guidance counselor, grades k thru 12, I am also a licensed psychologist and a licensed marriage and family
therapist. This is actually my 20th year at the school. Unfortunately, last year I was on leave but am very excited to
be back. I am looking forward to seeing all of the students and parents and to once again be part of the Tatem
community. I am always so surprised at how much the children grow and mature over the summer months. It will
be very interesting to observe the changes that they have made since I have last seen them.
As part of the guidance program at Tatem, I will be facilitating small groups as well as having lessons in the
classroom. The small groups will be centered on different topics such as “building friendship skills”. In addition, the
small group setting gives the students an opportunity to freely discuss their own personal concerns with myself and
their peers in a safe and trusting environment.
The classroom lessons will also be based on particular topics such as anti- bullying, respect, and how to handle peer
pressure. I value class participant with an emphasis on an open dialogue.
I also see students on an individual basis. Sometimes a student may request to meet with me just one time where
the emphasis is on helping him/her resolve a specific problem. Some times students will see me several times or
even over the course of the entire year depending on their own individual needs. Students may be self referred,
referred by a teacher or other staff member, or by a parent. Parents and students are always welcomed to contact
me. I have an open door policy and I make every effort to respond to requests as quickly as possible.
My mission for the students is that they feel confident, safe, and cared about at Tatem. As the guidance counselor,
I make every effort to help foster that in each of them. I hope that the skills that I teach the students helps them
learn how to respect themselves and others, builds integrity, tolerance, patience, empathy, and kindness towards
others.
Sincerely,
Elyse Batoff
Other Spotlight News:
*This year Mrs. Lloyd will be joining Mrs. Lampman and Ms. Tily as part of
our second grade team.
* Ms. Rebuck is now Mrs. Schneider:
*Tatem Elementary School will also welcome a new art teacher, a new
librarian, a new kindergarten teacher and a new half-time special education
teacher. We look forward to sharing their welcome letters with you soon!