BA in International Affairs, Specialization in Economics and Spanish Language Studies, James Madison University;
MA in Political Science/Community Development, Specialization in Migration Studies, Illinois State University;
MA in Education, Specialization in High School History/Civic Education, Peace Corps Coverdell Fellow, Bard College 2028
Steffi Chetraru joins the Darrow community as an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher and residential faculty member, bringing over two decades of global experience to Mountainside and Lakeside. Prior to stepping into the classroom, Steffi spent more than twenty years as a U.S. diplomat and international humanitarian aid worker, directing peacebuilding, development, and community programs across Latin America, Southwest Asia and North Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Representing the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), she also served as the Distinguished Chair for Development Studies at the U.S. Army's Command and General Staff College, mentoring the next generation of U.S. and international military leaders. Her long-standing passion for cross-cultural communication now drives her work in helping international students build language fluency, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging. Living on campus with her two children, Steffi thrives on the immersive, community-centered spirit of boarding school life. Beyond the classroom, she can usually be found exploring the Berkshire trails with her family, paddling on local lakes, or diving into her graduate studies in education at Bard College, where she also serves as Peace Corps' Campus Ambassador. She is thrilled to call Darrow home and to partner with students as they navigate their own transformative learning journeys. |
