Teaching and Learning Department Staff

Kristie Burk
Supervisor of Teaching and Learning: 7-12 Inst Tech/AI; 7-12 ELA; K-12 Library; 9-12 Summer School; K-12 Induction
(610)269-8460 Ext# 11215
krburk@dasd.org

Dr. Kristie Lipka Burk is the Teaching and Learning Supervisor 7-12 Inst Tech/AI; 7-12 ELA; K-12 Library; 9-12 Summer School; K-12 Induction.

After earning her undergraduate degree, Kristie worked in industry as an AS/400 computer programmer, corporate training specialist, technical writer and editor, and a standardized test writer and grader.  Kristie then spent a decade working as an English teacher in both traditional and cyber classes for Natick Public High School and Medfield Public High School in Massachusetts. Both high schools were part of the Virtual High School Consortium.  

Kristie has also taught undergraduate and graduate technical education, writing, and literature cyber and blended courses for Eastern University, Immaculata University, Pulaski Technical College, and St. Xavier University. 

In 2013 Kristie joined the Downingtown Area School District and earned an Instructional Technology Specialist Certification from Temple University and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.

In her free time, Kristie enjoys teaching as an ACE-certified group-fitness instructor; trying new recipes; reading books, both digital and those made of paper; and spending time with her husband, three sons, and one Olde English Bulldogge.

You can also follow her on Twitter @KristieLBurk.

Kelly Byrne
Supervisor of Teaching and Learning: 7-12 Science; 7-12 Tech/Engineering; 7-12 FCS; 7-12 Data/Assessment
(610) 269-8460 Ext# 11313
kbyrne@dasd.org

Kelly Byrne came to DASD in 2009 as the Supervisor of Mathematics and Science K-12 and later became the Supervisor of Mathematics and Coordinator of Data Analysis. She helped support the assessment programming within our district and is now the district’s Teaching and Learning Supervisor of 7-12 Math/STEM.

Prior to coming to DASD, Kelly was an administrator, department chair, and middle level and high school teacher in other area school districts. Kelly also taught at K International School Tokyo (KIST), Japan. KIST is a K-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme school. While at KIST, she taught students grade 7 Mathematics, Science, and Technology in the IB’s Middle Year Programme (MYP). Kelly also worked on the Algebra I Keystone Exam, the Mathematics PSSA for grades 3-8, and the PVAAS Reporting Focus Group for the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Katie Dugan
Supervisor of Teaching and Learning: 7-12 Math; 9-12 Business Education, K-12 Health and Phys Ed, and K-12 Art. 
(610) 269-8460 Ext# 11316
kdugan@dasd.org

Dr. Kecia Nesmith

DCA Principal & Supervisor of Teaching and Learning: K-12 DCA; K-12 Music; 6-12 World Language; 7-12 Regular Ed Reading
(610) 269-8460 Ext# 11211
knesmith@dasd.org

Dr. Kecia Nesmith is the Principal of the Downingtown Cyber Academy (DCA) and Teaching and Learning Supervisor for K-12 DCA; K-12 Music; 6-12 World Language; 7-12 Regular Ed Reading.

Dr. Nesmith has 25 years of experience as an educator and leader, with several years serving as a building administrator at the elementary level.  She is excited to join the district leadership team as the Teaching and Learning Supervisor for secondary curricular areas while continuing to serve as Principal for the Downingtown Cyber Academy.  Dr. Nesmith welcomes the expanded opportunity to collaborate with forward-thinking educators in both cyber and brick-and-mortar teaching and learning environments. She is committed to raising the bar for innovation and excellence while engaging as a collaborative leader who is focused on ensuring both academic and personal success for all students in a culturally-sustaining, global learning community.

Dr. Nesmith has previously served as the principal at West Bradford Elementary and prior to coming to DASD, she served as both principal and assistant principal of Gilpin Manor Elementary School in Elkton, Maryland. Additionally, she taught at a middle school in the School District of Philadelphia and English Language Development in the Kennett Consolidated School District. Dr. Nesmith has also served as an adjunct professor at Cecil College in content area reading for pre-service teachers.

Dr. Nesmith found a love of education at a young age. “My mother, a retired teacher, inspired me to become a teacher. I was very intrigued by how she made learning fun and how her students were actively engaged in learning.” This interest grew into a way of life for her. “I love to engage with children; their minds are full of creative ideas and new ways to look at things. My passion is to empower all learners to achieve excellence and reach their full potential.”

Dr. Nesmith earned a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Delaware, a Master of Education in School Leadership from Wilmington University, a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language at West Chester University, and a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish from West Chester University. 

Outside of work, Dr. Nesmith enjoys spending time with her family, reading, singing, and salsa dancing.  She values public service and is a School Board Member in her local school district and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Troy Podell
Supervisor of Teaching and Learning: STEM Internships & Partnerships; K-12 College/Career Readiness; Dual Enrollment; K-12 Social Studies; 9-12 Summer School
(610) 269-8460 Ext# 11314
tpodell@dasd.org

Troy began his career at DASD as a student teacher at DHS West. Thereafter, he taught Social Studies at the STEM Academy, and served as K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Leader. He then moved into administrative roles for the district, first as the Coordinator of Career Readiness, and now as Teaching and Learning Supervisor.  In all his various roles, Troy’s passion is to help young people define and pursue happiness. He takes great pride in working with stakeholders in the Greater Philadelphia region to create meaningful career exploration opportunities for our students.

Troy is a graduate of Dobbs Ferry High School, an IB World School in Westchester, New York. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcasting, Telecommunications, and Mass Media from Temple University, Troy worked for CBS Radio as an Account Executive. He then pivoted into the field of education, and has been happily tied to DASD ever since. Troy holds a Master of Science in Adolescent Education from Mercy College, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the American College of Education.