Faculty | EF Academy New York

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Great teachers who are experts in their field

A great education always starts with great teachers. Over 90% of our faculty members have advanced degrees. Our teachers share their deep knowledge and real-world experience to inspire the best in you. Many have led successful, professional careers in their subject areas and offer first-hand insight into how it really works on the ground.

We are passionate teachers, advisors, and mentors. We are also committed co-learners in the global community we create together with you. That’s why our job doesn’t end when lessons are over for the day. Our door is always open during office hours. We coach your sports teams and advise your cultural clubs. We attend your plays, concerts, and art shows. We are there for you.

Jessica Soininen-Eddis

Arts Teacher

“At the beginning of the course, everyone is still exploring, but soon, they discover the ideas and media they want to express. Many of our students have gone on to very prestigious programs like Parsons, RISD, etc. I love witnessing how my students develop and the different artworks they come up with. It’s so rewarding.”

Jessica Soininen-Eddis received her B.F.A. in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Providence, Rhode Island, and her M.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. She is a contemporary visual artist and inspiring art educator with more than 15 years of experience. As an IB Art teacher, her encouraging, positive, and enthusiastic approach to teaching art is contagious to all of her students. When learning from Ms. Soininen-Eddis, it is clear that she has a real passion for inspiring students to create their unique artwork while learning about artistic technique and the power of creative expression.

Cory Johnson

Learning & Knowledge Department Head

“Critical thinking is something we aim to develop in our students. We really target it in our Learning and Knowledge Program, which teaches the process of analyzing and evaluating information to make well-reasoned decisions. It involves learning the different types of logic, asking questions, examining evidence, and considering perspectives. For instance, we let students discover how seemingly different fields like math and visual arts can, in fact, have similar methodologies in studying them. But what makes the program really special is that we’re introducing philosophy, which is really rare in high school, and giving them a taste of learning at the university level.”

Mr. Cory Johnson graduated from Colby College with a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and from Virginia Tech with a Master of Arts in Philosophy and he is currently pursuing his doctorate. Prior to coming to EF Academy in 2018, Mr. Johnson taught English for EF in China and Spain, as well as philosophy in New Zealand. Beyond academics, Mr. Johnson serves as the coach of the EF Academy Table Tennis Team in addition to being a Residential Advisor

Stephen Fleming

Head of the Science Department

“We bring students on a trip to Belize, where they have the opportunity to travel to a research station right on the barrier reef. It’s informative, fun, adventurous, and we make tangible connections to the IB curriculum.”

Stephen Fleming graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Siena College and received his M.S. in Secondary Education from East Stroudsburg University. Before joining EF Academy, where he is the Head of the Science Department and teaches IB Biology, he taught at the American International School in Warsaw, Poland. His passion for science and education motivated him to start a nonprofit that introduces students to marine science along New York City's waterways aboard a 63' research vessel.

Miriam Ortiz

World Languages Department Head, Spanish Teacher

“One of the most rewarding aspects of being an educator is being able to see students' eyes light up and smiles widen as they accomplish their personal or academic goals.”

Miriam Ortiz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Adolescent Education from Fordham University, specializing in Spanish grammar and literature, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern New Hampshire University. Ms. Ortiz joined EF Academy in 2009 teaching Spanish and English, as well as EAL courses. Since 2015, Ms. Ortiz has successfully been guiding students through the IB Spanish curriculum. As the head of the World Languages Department, she enjoys inspiring others with her passion for languages and curiosity for learning. Ms. Ortiz has also been the Girls Varsity Soccer Coach since 2013 and enjoys sharing her love for the sport.

Real-life learning—way beyond textbooks

The best way to learn is to roll up your sleeves and make your own discoveries—in and outside the classroom. We keep class sizes small so you focus on building first-hand skills and knowledge through group projects that bring key concepts to life.