International Baccalaureate (IB)

Meet our International Baccalaureate Team!


 Laura Bartel  
Laura Bartel, English Department Chair: IB Language and Literature 2
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Mrs. Bartel has been teaching English in Baltimore County for 17 years, and has served as a department chair at both Woodlawn High School and New Town High School. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mrs. Bartel currently resides with her husband of 14 years, her three daughters Penelope, Eliana, and Zoe, and her sweet dog Luna. Mrs. Bartel is passionate about literature, writing, and building positive relationships with students, staff, and community members.
 Michael Dumler  
Michael Dumler: IB Biology 11, IB Biology 12, Living Systems/Biology

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I am Mr. Dumler and my goal is for all students to view life through the lens of a scientist. Every question has an answer waiting to be discovered.

 Ben Gaffigan  Benjamin Gaffigan: IB Language and Literature 1, English 10
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Mr. Gaffigan is starting his 6th year teaching and is very excited to start back up with New Town. He is a strong proponent of IB--with a strong focus on global perspectives.
 Dave Hammer  
Dave Hammer, Visual Arts Department Chair: IB Visual Arts 1, IB Visual Arts 2, Photo Studio, Fundamentals of Art

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Chanell Owens

Chanell Owens Johnson, IB Magnet Coordinator

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I am a Baltimore native who attended Wellwood Elementary and Pikesville Middle schools before graduating from Randallstown High School. I graduated from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. I continued my passion for learning by receiving my master’s degree in Physics from Loyola University.

I began my teaching career in 1998 at Owings Mills High School as a chemistry and physics teacher. I joined the New Town family in 2005 and served as the science department chairperson. My current role is Magnet Coordinator. I am excited to explore the opportunities of our International Studies Magnet Program and academic achievements of our magnet students.

I like to travel and explore new places. I spend my summers in Spanish speaking countries sharpening my bilingual language skills. My husband and I are the proud parents of 4 amazing children.

Sam Johnson
  
Samuel Johnson, Language Acquisition Department Chair: Spanish 1, Theory of Knowledge IB

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Being a Baltimore native (Go O's & Ravens), I was very fortunate to grow up learning a second language (Spanish). I completed my undergraduate degree at Towson University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature in 2015. During my time at TU, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Madrid and Alicante, España. Since then, I worked as a Spanish teacher & Department Chair at Windsor Mill Middle School from 2015-2023. I earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 2020 through Goucher College, and will soon begin working on my Administrators certification.

Outside of the classroom, I am a world class drummer in the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, based in Vancouver Canada. I have won 2 Gold medals in Tenor Drumming as well as 2 World Drum Corps titles since 2019. I am also an adjudicator for the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association.

While I am new to New Town, I am excited to join this team and look forward to pushing our students to have the opportunity to become truly bilingual, as well as have the chance to earn a Seal of Biliteracy from the State of Maryland.

 Hajira Khan  
Hajira Khan: World History, IB Global Politics 1
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Born in India but raised in Columbia, Maryland, I am a proud product of the Maryland public school system. I attended the University of Maryland (go TERPS!) for my undergraduate degree and UMBC for my graduate school degree. I knew I wanted to be a teacher as early as elementary school so I could get the summers off! My parents worked and summers were no fun for a latchkey kid. Reading, especially my favorite genre historical fiction, became my outlet into the world.

My history teachers at Oakland Mills High inspired me to become a history teacher. I had never had teachers teach with such passion and committed to us learning history that was “ugly, painful, and truthful.” They did not want to dumb it down for us. Instead we learned how all civilizations, nations, people are complex and learning from their mistakes is an important way to better ourselves. From the 11th grade onwards, I knew I would teach history.

I have taught for 9 years in private schools with a very diverse population, learning much about the world through my students. I am starting my 4th year at NTH (go Titans!) and BCPS. I am also an avid traveler having gone to 10 countries,17 states and counting!
 Matthew Kramer  
Matthew Kramer: IB Math Applications & Interpretation 1, IB Math Applications & Interpretation 2, Algebra 1, Algebra 2
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Originally from northeast of Philadelphia, PA. I went to Eastern University (same school as Bryan Stevenson!) and majored and Math and Secondary Education. I then began teaching and my first job I was hired because the principal thought I spoke Spanish(Not really sure why). I got married and had a few kids. We eventually moved down to Maryland and then we had a few more kids. Our house was full and we did not want to buy a bigger car so we stopped with kids after 4. After commuting to PA to work, I decided my car would not last very long driving this far everyday, so I got a job at New Town. The joke was on me because, although New Town is in Maryland, it was just as far away as my school in PA was. Oh well. Good thing my car is a beast! This summer, our landlord decided he was moving back to America and decided to kick us out. Lucky for me we now live only 20 minutes away! I knew it would all work out in the end. I have now been teaching math for 12 years and this is my 5th year at New Town. I am known for having the best beard at New Town. There are many who try to emulate, but only one Kramer beard.

Alyssa Mason  
Alyssa Mason

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My name is Alyssa Mason, and I have been teaching in the Baltimore County Public School System for 8 years. This is my second year teaching at New Town High School in which I am a proud alum and AVID scholar! Prior to coming to New Town, I was previously a science special educator, science teacher, and AVID coordinator. I received my Bachelors in Science in General Science with a minor in Biology from The Pennsylvania State University and my Masters in Art in Teaching in Secondary Science and Special Education from Goucher College. I often refer to teaching at New Town as “Being home” because I grew up and lived in the Randallstown/Owings Mills area.

Currently, I live with my husband and soon-to-be 8 month-old son downtown. One of my favorite things to do is to spend time with my family and friends but in my spare time, I enjoy crafting, binging my favorite shows and movies, and trying new restaurants with my husband who is a Research & Development chef.


 Tyler Shaw  
Tyler Shaw, Science Department Chair: IB Environmental Systems and Societies, Chemistry, Earth Systems, Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC)
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I am originally from Milford, CT., and I went to college at Towson University. I graduated with a B.S. degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Secondary Education. I am now entering my 6th year of teaching at New Town. I am now living in Baltimore City with my wife and our two pugs, Winston and Tucker. (Yes he is named after the G.O.A.T., Justin Tucker). I also have a daughter named Ashlynn. I love all things “nerdy” from video games, to movies, to music, to superheroes. I really like anything pop culture esk.

Ever since I was in high school, I have been interested in science. I love everything science has to offer. I love to create new products, make chemical reactions, and light things on fire. That’s the best part of my job. 
😊 I also love teaching students about science because it literally is the future. I became a teacher to help students fall in love with science and one day use what they learned in my class to make the world a better place.

PS: I am the flyest teacher here in a bow tie.

 Sadie Spencer  
Sadie Spencer, MYP Coordinator & Freshmen Team Coordinator: AVID 10
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Hello! My name is Sadie Spencer, and I am ecstatic to be a part of the Owings Mills / New Town community for another year! I am a proud Baltimore Alumni having attended BCPS schools, including Parkville Middle School, and Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts. After graduating from Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) where I earned my bachelor of science in Music Education. After graduating, I returned to BCPS schools, where I accepted a position to build a program and become the Director of Instrumental Studies at New Town High School. While at New Town, I have had the opportunity to build a program, host county events, chair county events, serve as guest conductor on numerous occasions and more. In addition to music experience, I have had the opportunity to write curriculum at both the county and national level at the Library of Congress in Washington DC, and lead several curriculum teams.

After working at NTHS for a year, I started the work towards earning my masters degree, which I finalized in 2021 in Educational Leadership from Loyola University Maryland. In addition to teaching, I am a part of New Town High Schools community as Student Government Advisor, Re-Engagement and Refocus Tutoring Coordinator, Class of 2023 Advisor, Freshmen Team Coordinator and now in the role of MYP Coordinator in support of our IB Magnet. Currently, I am working towards earning my doctorate and am looking forward to the work that comes next! I want to be the best that I can for our students, and community.

I am a lifelong, globally minded learner, and encourage our students to do the same. "Tomorrow is not promised, but today we can make a change, and with that change we may shine tomorrow." In my free time, I love to spend time with family, or outdoors doing anything from hiking, exploring, kayaking, swimming, etc. You can always find me ready for a good craft, and fun time!

#TeamTitan


 Joe Willard  
Joe Willard: IB History of the Americas 1, IB History 2
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I am originally from Baltimore City. Now, I am from many different places. After high school, I set out to find my path by serving my country and seeing the world. I joined the United States Marine Corps. I turned 18 in basic training boot camp. After four years of military service, I had some direction and decided that I needed a college education. At the University of Maryland Baltimore County, I embraced my studies. This is when I was drawn to the study of history. After earning my Bachelors, I had to find a way to make a living with my history degree. One thing led to another. I started teaching social studies in Baltimore County Public Schools in the Fall of 1998. What a career! I have enjoyed continuing my studies and sharing in the learning with my students. I appreciate all the opportunities the New Town High School staff, students, and community have given me. I will continue to search for ways to give back.