By: Leela Uppaluri

This year, Winsor welcomes new faculty members including some who previously left and are now returning. I interviewed one new and one returning faculty member to get a sense of what they hope to bring to Winsor and why they decided to join or return to our community.

Ms. Jessica Wang joins Winsor to teach Honors Precalculus and AP Calculus. Prior to Winsor, she taught at Milton Academy. She described her teaching style as “student-centered” and “interactive,” qualities reflected in the student feedback she collects and the in-class activities she plans. These activities, including partner work, class notes, and scavenger hunts, allow students with different learning styles to thrive. Kelly Yin ’26, a student in Ms. Wang’s Honors Precalculus class, stated that she “loves” how Ms. Wang “takes feedback” frequently. Yin stated that Ms. Wang is “even planning on doing a game type of activity in class,” something that students told her they would like, an action that shows she values the opinions of her students. Ms. Wang’s unique focus on her students is evident not only throughout her teaching style, but also in her attitude outside of class. Though she only began working here two months ago, she already loves Winsor’s “community culture” and cannot wait to make “meaningful relationships” with students and colleagues.

Ms. Lisa Brandorff previously left and decided to return to Winsor as an assistant athletic trainer this school year. Along with Ms. Wang, Ms. Brandorff has a vested interest in supporting students, stating that the reason she returned to Winsor was to “build confidence” and allow students to “form strong bonds with their peers without some of the potential challenges they might encounter in co-ed settings.” Thus, Winsor seems the perfect environment for Brandorff, whose mission is to empower athletes. Ms. Brandorff also mentioned the importance of forming “strong bonds” with her athletes, going hand in hand with the inclusive community that Winsor encourages. Savanna Hurd ’25, a member of the Varsity field hockey team stated that Brandorff creates a “comforting environment” for athletes, and she encourages ideas of community and inclusivity. 

Both faculty members, though in completely different departments, share a focus on building relationships and supporting students. I personally cannot wait to see how these teachers impact the lives of students and contribute to Winsor’s community.