The 4Points Academy Team
Meet the 4Points Academy Team
The 4Points Academy Team is made up of a group of diverse professionals, each of whom brings unique skills and talents to the 4Points Journey. The Founders, Directors, Teachers, Guides, and the Advisory Council Members share a core administrative and teaching philosophy that is rooted in collaboration, to ensure that the Academy meets the needs of every student.
Teachers/Guides
4Points Academy provides a team of highly qualified teachers/instructors/guides, including generalist teachers, subject specialists, and enrichment guides, several of whom have received specialized training in technology integration for core subject instruction. Our lead teachers and guides have experience both in education and outside of education. The Academy recognizes that the exposure of the students to individuals with both teaching and other professional experiences provides our students with a better connection of their in-class learning experiences to the real-world experiences of the 21st century -- all within the classrooms.
Spotlight on our Math & Science Teacher
Mary P. is an elementary and middle school teacher with 12 years teaching experience. Mary holds a BS in Business Administration and a T.E.A.C.H certification. Mary has taught in Leander ISD and Lake Travis ISD, with teaching experience extending from elementary to middle school. She has taught Mathematics, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies. In her role at a leading Leander ISD elementary school, she served as team leader and mentor to new teachers. Mary was heavily involved in organizing and leading the school business fair and was involved in various committees and after school math/robotics programs. Prior to her teaching career, Mary was a Senior Auditor conducting operational, financial, and compliance audits. She is a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Fraud Examiner. Mary has volunteered for various organizations including Meals on Wheels, Boy Scouts of America, and CASA.
Spotlight on our Math & Science Teacher
Mary P. is an elementary and middle school teacher with 12 years teaching experience. Mary holds a BS in Business Administration and a T.E.A.C.H certification. Mary has taught in Leander ISD and Lake Travis ISD, with teaching experience extending from elementary to middle school. She has taught Mathematics, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies. In her role at a leading Leander ISD elementary school, she served as team leader and mentor to new teachers. Mary was heavily involved in organizing and leading the school business fair and was involved in various committees and after school math/robotics programs. Prior to her teaching career, Mary was a Senior Auditor conducting operational, financial, and compliance audits. She is a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Fraud Examiner. Mary has volunteered for various organizations including Meals on Wheels, Boy Scouts of America, and CASA.
Interview with Mary Palmer
1.Tell us about your experience at 4Points Academy?
I've been the math and science teacher here since October 2016. The directors are dedicated to providing a superior academic experience, tailored to each student. In public school, I did my best to achieve true differentiation, but it's very difficult when you have over 25 students at many levels and are pressured to focus your time on students at risk of failing state tests. I also found myself spending a lot of time monitoring, documenting and dealing with behavior problems. Here I get to spend my time teaching, developing challenging lessons and working closely with every student. I know each student's areas of strength and weakness and I get to develop unique programs using multiple resources including technology and traditional teaching to optimize the performance of each student. We don't have bullying or behavior issues because it's a small group of kids working as a community, supporting each other. It's really a dream for a teacher because you get to spend your time doing the part of the job that you're passionate about—making a difference with kids.
2.How would you compare the curriculum with the ones you have worked with in the past?
This curriculum is a hybrid of technology, project based learning and traditional teaching. It's comparable in some ways to curriculum in top performing public schools, but there's more variety and access to technology, especially for elementary kids. We're covering all the Texas TEKS so that the education is easily transferable, but we're going beyond grade level TEKS because the program is tailored to each students' needs. I think the delivery is probably the most significant difference. If a student is performing below grade level when they come in, we assess that and design a program to address any learning gaps while making sure current grade level skills are also covered. We also go above grade level if a student is performing above grade level to make sure high achievers are challenged and motivated. We don't spend time working on a skill that a student already knows....that's boring!
3.Prior to joining the staff at 4points Academy, you worked as a lead teacher in one of the local public elementary schools and as a math and science teacher at a local middle school, what is the biggest difference you see in that experience from your experience teaching at 4points Academy?
The biggest difference is the small class size and the ability to focus nearly all of my time working with students and developing individual programs.
4.What is the most rewarding thing about teaching at 4Points?
The most rewarding part about teaching here is that I really get to see the impact I'm making with kids. Because of the small class size, I can create custom learning plans for each student. I can also change and adapt them if a student isn't progressing or needs more enrichment.
5.Explain a typical day at the school – Math class, Science class
In math, we work on an online program and a traditional curriculum including a textbook and worksheets. We incorporate a Singapore Math style process where kids are taught to use multiple methods including mental math to problem solve. Projects are also used to provide experiential learning.
In a typical day at school, the students have online assignments and traditional worksheets. They may also be working on a project. I work with each student to make sure that they complete assignments and have a good understanding of the learning objectives. In science, we often have a lab, so there is a lot of hands-on learning. We can do a lot more labs in science because we're not constrained by large, slow moving classes. On the spot inquiries can be explored. Students are independent, but are provided with support as needed.
6.The students know you as the guitar playing teacher. Care to elaborate?
I've always used music in teaching. Many students learn musically and it's fun! I've written a variety of math and science songs covering some of the major topics. I've had former 5th grade students tell me they remembered a song to answer a question in their high school SATs!
I've been the math and science teacher here since October 2016. The directors are dedicated to providing a superior academic experience, tailored to each student. In public school, I did my best to achieve true differentiation, but it's very difficult when you have over 25 students at many levels and are pressured to focus your time on students at risk of failing state tests. I also found myself spending a lot of time monitoring, documenting and dealing with behavior problems. Here I get to spend my time teaching, developing challenging lessons and working closely with every student. I know each student's areas of strength and weakness and I get to develop unique programs using multiple resources including technology and traditional teaching to optimize the performance of each student. We don't have bullying or behavior issues because it's a small group of kids working as a community, supporting each other. It's really a dream for a teacher because you get to spend your time doing the part of the job that you're passionate about—making a difference with kids.
2.How would you compare the curriculum with the ones you have worked with in the past?
This curriculum is a hybrid of technology, project based learning and traditional teaching. It's comparable in some ways to curriculum in top performing public schools, but there's more variety and access to technology, especially for elementary kids. We're covering all the Texas TEKS so that the education is easily transferable, but we're going beyond grade level TEKS because the program is tailored to each students' needs. I think the delivery is probably the most significant difference. If a student is performing below grade level when they come in, we assess that and design a program to address any learning gaps while making sure current grade level skills are also covered. We also go above grade level if a student is performing above grade level to make sure high achievers are challenged and motivated. We don't spend time working on a skill that a student already knows....that's boring!
3.Prior to joining the staff at 4points Academy, you worked as a lead teacher in one of the local public elementary schools and as a math and science teacher at a local middle school, what is the biggest difference you see in that experience from your experience teaching at 4points Academy?
The biggest difference is the small class size and the ability to focus nearly all of my time working with students and developing individual programs.
4.What is the most rewarding thing about teaching at 4Points?
The most rewarding part about teaching here is that I really get to see the impact I'm making with kids. Because of the small class size, I can create custom learning plans for each student. I can also change and adapt them if a student isn't progressing or needs more enrichment.
5.Explain a typical day at the school – Math class, Science class
In math, we work on an online program and a traditional curriculum including a textbook and worksheets. We incorporate a Singapore Math style process where kids are taught to use multiple methods including mental math to problem solve. Projects are also used to provide experiential learning.
In a typical day at school, the students have online assignments and traditional worksheets. They may also be working on a project. I work with each student to make sure that they complete assignments and have a good understanding of the learning objectives. In science, we often have a lab, so there is a lot of hands-on learning. We can do a lot more labs in science because we're not constrained by large, slow moving classes. On the spot inquiries can be explored. Students are independent, but are provided with support as needed.
6.The students know you as the guitar playing teacher. Care to elaborate?
I've always used music in teaching. Many students learn musically and it's fun! I've written a variety of math and science songs covering some of the major topics. I've had former 5th grade students tell me they remembered a song to answer a question in their high school SATs!
Featured Directors
Director, Eustace Isidore has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston. A successful attorney and business owner, he is the founding Member & Managing Partner of two Intellectual Property Law firms. Eustace works on intellectual property matters for large Fortune 100 companies, mid-size companies, as well as for individual inventors and entrepreneurs. As a business owner and IP attorney who interacts daily with innovation and business entrepreneurs, Eustace recognizes the power of developing innovative thinkers and the need to equip children from an early age with the skills to become business leaders.
Eustace has a passion for Education! He has been a 7th Grade all-inclusive teacher at his Secondary School (a Catholic private school), and was a Mathematics and Chemistry tutor in the Engineering program. He also was an All-subject tutor in the Athletic program, while a student-athlete in college. Eustace has volunteered for two years as part of the Reading Buddy program in Leander ISD, assisting 1st and 3rd grade students with their reading. He also volunteers as a small group leader in Camp Fun at his local church. In addition to education, Eustace has a passion for sports and working with youth sports. A former Collegiate Track Athlete, Eustace has coached youth track and field and has also played and coached team basketball and soccer. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, going to the movies, travelling, playing tennis, and watching sports, which includes attending live sporting events, such as the Olympic Games. In addition to being a Director, Eustace will play an active part in the Sports Mechanics Based Phys. Ed. program.
Director, Nesia Isidore has a law degree from the University of the West Indies, a Masters in International Law from the University of Houston, and a Masters in International Business from the University of South Carolina. She currently works part time with one of the Big Four companies as a global trade consultant, which serves nicely to complement her full time administrative duties and parenting duties! As a global trade consultant, Nesia frequently manages teams on projects for multi-million dollar companies.
Nesia has invested the majority of her afternoons and weekends as an at-home educator. She has researched and investigated tools to engage, entertain and challenge her two kids, including the use of technology to complement the teacher-led classrooms to which most children are exposed. With hundreds of hours invested, Nesia has developed a keen awareness and understanding of the need to implement an adaptive curriculum that allows children to develop and learn at their own pace, while providing all of the other essentials for children to be successful in the global world in which they will work. Nesia received her primary and secondary school education in Catholic private schools.
Director, Renee Williams is the ultimate educator! As a girl, she was strongly influenced by her mom, who had a PhD in Education and who served as a Vice President of Huston Tillotson College. Renee herself graduated with a Bachelors in Education, a Masters in Science education, and an Education Administration Certification. Renee has over 43 years of teaching and administrative experience. She started her career as a middle school science teacher and a high school science teacher in Austin ISD. She then ventured into administration, working as an Assistant Principal in Austin ISD, Eanes ISD, and then Leander ISD. As a testimony to her administrative skill she was appointed Director for Student Support in Leander ISD and served in that position until her retirement. Renee is recognized for her ability to connect with students in her classroom and the wider school. She is also immensely skilled in fostering productive relationship with parents and fellow teachers. As a part of the Director Team at 4Points Academy, Renee has been invaluable in helping to hone the vision of the school, and constantly reminds us of the need to maintain the uttermost quality in providing educational services to our students and parents.
Eustace has a passion for Education! He has been a 7th Grade all-inclusive teacher at his Secondary School (a Catholic private school), and was a Mathematics and Chemistry tutor in the Engineering program. He also was an All-subject tutor in the Athletic program, while a student-athlete in college. Eustace has volunteered for two years as part of the Reading Buddy program in Leander ISD, assisting 1st and 3rd grade students with their reading. He also volunteers as a small group leader in Camp Fun at his local church. In addition to education, Eustace has a passion for sports and working with youth sports. A former Collegiate Track Athlete, Eustace has coached youth track and field and has also played and coached team basketball and soccer. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, going to the movies, travelling, playing tennis, and watching sports, which includes attending live sporting events, such as the Olympic Games. In addition to being a Director, Eustace will play an active part in the Sports Mechanics Based Phys. Ed. program.
Director, Nesia Isidore has a law degree from the University of the West Indies, a Masters in International Law from the University of Houston, and a Masters in International Business from the University of South Carolina. She currently works part time with one of the Big Four companies as a global trade consultant, which serves nicely to complement her full time administrative duties and parenting duties! As a global trade consultant, Nesia frequently manages teams on projects for multi-million dollar companies.
Nesia has invested the majority of her afternoons and weekends as an at-home educator. She has researched and investigated tools to engage, entertain and challenge her two kids, including the use of technology to complement the teacher-led classrooms to which most children are exposed. With hundreds of hours invested, Nesia has developed a keen awareness and understanding of the need to implement an adaptive curriculum that allows children to develop and learn at their own pace, while providing all of the other essentials for children to be successful in the global world in which they will work. Nesia received her primary and secondary school education in Catholic private schools.
Director, Renee Williams is the ultimate educator! As a girl, she was strongly influenced by her mom, who had a PhD in Education and who served as a Vice President of Huston Tillotson College. Renee herself graduated with a Bachelors in Education, a Masters in Science education, and an Education Administration Certification. Renee has over 43 years of teaching and administrative experience. She started her career as a middle school science teacher and a high school science teacher in Austin ISD. She then ventured into administration, working as an Assistant Principal in Austin ISD, Eanes ISD, and then Leander ISD. As a testimony to her administrative skill she was appointed Director for Student Support in Leander ISD and served in that position until her retirement. Renee is recognized for her ability to connect with students in her classroom and the wider school. She is also immensely skilled in fostering productive relationship with parents and fellow teachers. As a part of the Director Team at 4Points Academy, Renee has been invaluable in helping to hone the vision of the school, and constantly reminds us of the need to maintain the uttermost quality in providing educational services to our students and parents.