Welcome to Episode 55 of The Darlington Podcast!
In this episode, Director of Pre-K to 8 Hope Jones talks with third-grade literacy and science teacher Jamie Massey and fourth-grade literacy and science teacher Dr. Michael Natarella, who also teaches a fifth-grade science class. They discuss the benefits of Darlington's skills-based curriculum for students in these grade levels, particularly as it relates to several of their annual projects such as the Third Grade Wax Museum and the Fourth Grade Invention Convention.
Jamie Massey has taught third grade at Darlington since 2014. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the State University of West Georgia as well as an M.Ed. and an Ed.S., both in Early Childhood Education, from Jacksonville State University. Additionally, she holds certifications in Early Childhood Education (P-5), Learning Disabilities (P-12), Educational Leadership (P-12), Reading Endorsement and Gifted Endorsement. Jamie has nearly two decades of experience in education.
Dr. Michael Natarella has taught at Darlington since the fall of 2020 and serves as a fourth and fifth-grade teacher. He holds a B.S. in Social Studies Education from The University of Missouri - Columbia as well as an M.A. in Elementary Education, an M.A. in Education Administration, and a Ph.D. in Education Administration from The University of Alabama. He has more than 20 years of experience in education at all levels, serving previously in administration and teaching roles from pre-school to college.
Hope Jones has served as director of Pre-K to 8 since 2014 and has more than 30 years of experience in education. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and English from the University of Alabama – Huntsville as well as an M.A. in Middle Level Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. During her career, Hope has served in teaching and administrative roles in Alabama, Virginia, Washington, D.C., California, and Georgia.
The Darlington Podcast is a collaboration between the communication and advancement teams, and is hosted by various members of the school community. Episodes are released each Thursday morning and available on most podcast platforms (search for The Darlington Podcast in your podcast player). Once new episodes are posted, you'll also be able to find them at www.darlingtonschool.org/podcast. Please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so that you'll get the latest episode each week!
The Darlington Podcast intro music was written and performed by Elliot Luitwieler ('22) and Kathryn Davidson ('22). Carson Raymond, director of major gifts, lends his voice, and editing and production is handled by Maddie Fox, content manager.
If you have ideas for future episodes or have any questions about The Darlington Podcast, please email communications@darlingtonschool.org.
