Science Curriculum & Professional Learning Team

Over the last six years, the Science Team at New Visions for Public Schools, along with science teachers from across our network of schools, has developed a strong scope and sequence for Living Environment and Earth Science, along with a rich set of curated and created resources for teaching these courses. We are currently development materials for High School Biology and Earth and Space Science, aligned to NGSS and NYSSLS.

Libby Chatham  |  Lead Curriculum Development and Professional Learning Manager  | echatham@newvisions.org

Libby is responsible for supporting science teachers in creating, modifying, and implementing high quality standards-aligned instructional materials through in-school support and facilitating professional learning sessions. She previously served as the founding science teacher of a New Visions high school and taught secondary science in international schools in India, South Korea, and Egypt. She holds a B.S. in ecology and zoology from the University of Florida, an M.A. in secondary science education from Teachers College, Columbia University, a graduate certificate in the supervision and administration of schools from Johns Hopkins University, and is currently pursuing her PhD in secondary science education.

Dora Kastel  |  Associate Director of Curriculum & Instruction |  dkastel@newvisions.org

Dora supports science teaching and learning in the New Visions network through the development of standards-aligned instructional materials along with facilitation of teacher and leader professional learning. She previously taught middle school science and math in East Harlem, and was a professional development leader at the American Museum of Natural History. She holds a B.A. in geology from the University of Pennsylvania, M.A. and Ed.M. degrees in science and math education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and is currently working on her Ph.D. in science education.

Kiran Purohit  |  Vice President of Curriculum & Instruction  |  kpurohit@newvisions.org

Kiran joined New Visions in 2012. She works on the development of curriculum and professional learning across math and science. She also works on developing systems for providing instructional support for the network of New Visions Charter and Affinity high schools. Prior to working at New Visions, she collaborated with schools to develop coherent secondary science and math curricula and taught science and math in middle schools in New York City.  She holds Master's degrees from Teachers College and New York University, and an Ed.D in curriculum studies from Columbia University, Teachers College.  

John Salazar |  Curriculum Development and Professional Learning Manager  |  jsalazar@newvisions.org

John Salazar is responsible for supporting science teachers within the New Visions Charter High Schools network through professional development, coaching and curriculum development. Before coming to New Visions, he worked as a NYC Department of Education science instructional coach, collaborating with a team that designed citywide professional development in the areas of science, social studies and ELA. John previously taught general and advanced placement high school chemistry. He holds an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from the University of San Diego and an MPA in public and nonprofit management from New York University.