Finding a teacher who is both skilled in technology and passionate about teaching is not always easy. This year, PDS is lucky to have Ms. Ilta Adler as a new Middle and Upper School computer science teacher. With her vast experience in the IT world and a deep love for teaching, Ms. Adler is excited to bring her talents to PDS.
“I needed to go back to what I enjoy most: teaching students about computer science,” Ms. Adler said with a smile. After years of working in IT, she realized her heart was in the classroom, and now, she is teaching everything from 7th-grade computer science to Upper School electives, not to mention an arts class for 5th graders.
Ms. Adler’s journey to becoming a teacher seems like it was destined from the very beginning. Born in Finland into a family of educators, becoming a teacher was not much of a surprise. “[Teaching] is just too fun,” she said. Ms. Adler began her teaching career at the Grace Church School in Manhattan where she worked first for tech support, then as a middle school technology teacher, sustainability teacher, resident lighting designer, fiber arts teacher, videographer, and roving graphic artist.
Adapting to a new community is not the easiest task, but Ms. Adler finds the PDS community welcoming and open. “I like the atmosphere of PDS; the people are easy to talk to, and the community is amazing,” she shared.
If you are in Ms. Adler’s class, expect hands-on learning. She starts most lessons with a demonstration to ensure everyone understands the basics, then lets students work in groups. “I want to get students to enjoy understanding computer science, as it can be a difficult area to learn,” she said.
If there is one message Ms. Adler wants to leave with her students, it is this: “Dance at least once a day.” In other words, take time to enjoy life, even when you are working hard. And when it comes to learning, she reminds us all that challenges are opportunities. “Keep yourself open to challenge and keep trying; don’t be afraid to fail because it is how you learn.”
Ms. Adler attended NYU and Boston University. She describes herself as “kind,” “eclectic,” and an “animal lover.” When she is not in the classroom, Ms. Adler is still keeping busy. She is an avid gardener, a master cook (ask her about her yogurt and chicken wings), and a talented crocheter. Her diverse hobbies show just how creative and dynamic she is. She is thrilled to be joining the PDS faculty this year as a member of the Middle and Upper School Computer Science team.
