School Leadership
Jennifer Wilkin | Founder & Head of School
Jennifer is a linguist, bilingual education specialist, and published author. Her language learning books are published by Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Macmillan, and National Geographic Learning. A staunch and unwavering proponent of using proven brain development research to inform pedagogy, she insists that the SLA approach reflect – always – how children learn best.
Prior to founding SLA, Jennifer helped build and launch the New York French-American Charter School (NYFACS) in New York City, and was a consultant on the K–5 curriculum during its chartering process. She is a frequent guest panelist on topics pertaining to multilingualism and bilingual education.
Formerly a professional violinist, she is the beneficiary of a lifetime of musical training, and is passionate about imparting a love for and understanding of music to children.
Jennifer is a fluent French speaker, an enthusiastic student of Mandarin, and a strong believer in the benefits of language learning for children and adults alike.
Margaret “Peggy” Reimann | Faculty Mentor & Math Curriculum Director
Peggy has spent the last 40 years developing the methods and curriculum that are at the heart of the SLA approach. A native of New York City and graduate of Reed College and the University of Minnesota, she holds a lifetime teaching credential from the State of California. In the past, Peggy has consulted on curriculum and provided staff development in Pennsylvania public schools, as well as for statewide programs. She is the director of curriculum, program design, and staff development for a specialized summer math program for migrant children in Montana. Fluent in Spanish, Peggy also speaks Kipsigis and French. Peggy joined the SLA team in 2011.
SLA employees all share a strong belief in the limitless capabilities of children. Our faculty hail from all over the world, and are native speakers of their language of instruction. Their collective cultures and talents enrich SLA’s classrooms and community.
SLA is pleased to offer employees a warm and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. As the school has grown, so have employee benefits. Employees are eligible for benefits including:
- Subsidized health, vision and dental insurance
- Free access to Health Advocate and One Medical
- Low-cost life insurance, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance
- Flexible health and child-care spending accounts (FSAs)
- Pre-tax transit benefits
- Discounted gym memberships
- Retirement savings plan