South Classroom

Our South Class always seems hard at work or hard at play. Lots of learning goes on here as well as celebrations for every holiday throughout the school year. The classroom is really two rooms, a main seating area for table work and snack/lunch and another room which is used for Circle gatherings, demonstrations and floor work.

This classroom contains our South Class (5 days, Mornings, Monday-Friday) for 18 three to five-year-olds. It is also where children can be dropped off for our Earlybird Drop-off if parents require care before 9:00.

Also, any older children (four to five-year-olds) who wish to have an Extended Day option until 3:30 use this classroom in the afternoons with our Explorer’s Class.

Alexandra Martin

Head Teacher and Explorer’s Teacher

Alexandra (known to most of us as Alex), our South Class Head Teacher, is a native New Yorker and lives on the Upper West Side with her family.

Alex has a Master’s in Education, and has dual certification from the Department of Education in Childhood Education and in Art Education.

Alex was an Art Educator at the Guggenheim Museum for five years before coming to us. Alex was the Head Teacher in the North class for 3 years and has now taken up residence in the South class.

Alex has two sons; Sebastian, is a Morningside graduate, and Xander who is a current student.

Alex’s calm and nurturing nature sets the tone for a comfortable learning environment. One can see that Alex has an authentic appreciation for the needs of all of her students.

Sabina Rerecic

Associate Teacher and Explorer’s Teacher

Sabina has been with Morningside since 1982 and has continued to amaze her students (as well as her fellow teachers) with her boundless enthusiasm, energy and creativity.

Her work ethic and dedication make her a favorite of her students and brings the South Classroom to life.

She was born in Zagreb, Croatia and received a teaching diploma in 1970 from the Academy of Pedagogy at the Zagreb Teacher’s College for Preschool Education in Zagreb (the former Yugoslavia). She has been working with young children since her teens and has been a teacher since 1970. She moved to New York City in 1978. She and her husband, John, have a daughter, Sandra.

She is legendary for bringing every holiday celebration throughout the school year alive.

Alexandra Valentin

Montessori Teacher

Alex has been part of our community for many years, as both a parent and a teacher. In 1997 Alex became a permanent assistant teacher and in 2000 she became our Camp Coordinator.

In 2004, Alex left Morningside to work at Episcopal Social Services as an Infant/Toddler Specialist.  In 2006, Alex returned to Morningside where she is now a Montessori teacher.

Alex obtained her AMS Montessori certification through West Side Montessori.  Alex loves working with children, and brings a wonderfully fun and charismatic presence to our school.

Alex has worked with the Toddler and North class age group for two years in our summer program and three years in the PM class.

Alex is married to Eli.  They have a daughter Dana and a son Eli, who are both graduates of Morningside.