Mike Mangiaracina grew up in Bucks County, Pa., earned his bachelor’s degree from St. John’s College in Annapolis, which is known for its great books program, and his master’s degree in elementary education at George Washington University, through its literacy cooperative program. He has 15 years of teaching experience – he taught math and drama at Sidwell Friends Middle School, taught math and science at Thornton Friends Middle School in Silver Spring, Md., taught English at three high schools in Japan, served as the “intervention specialist” at a Baltimore County elementary school, and designed and taught enrichment courses for Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth. He and his wife are avid bird watchers and volunteer during the summers with the Audubon Society’s “Project Puffin,” working with nesting sea birds off the coast of Maine. He also enjoys cycling (he rides from 100 to 200 miles a week on his bike) and traveling. “I am committed to public education in our city and was impressed with the progress Brent has made and the sense of community that the school seems to value highly,” he says.