Felix Leadership
Leadership / Administration
Matthew Spengler is the founding superintendent of Felix Virtual Commonwealth School and a longtime education leader with more than thirty years of experience working to create and improve schools. Throughout his career, Mr. Spengler has served as a teacher, principal, leadership coach, nonprofit executive, and school system leader, with a focus on developing innovative approaches that expand opportunities for students.
Mr. Spengler is also the founder of Blueprint Schools Network, where he has led the organization’s strategy and operations. Previously, he served as Program Director of The Education Innovation Laboratory at Harvard University (EdLabs), overseeing the implementation of education research and field experiments in school districts across the country. He has also served as Chief Academic Officer for Lighthouse Academies and National Director of New School Development for the Big Picture Company.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Spengler was the founding principal of MetWest High School in Oakland, California, an experience that helped shape his commitment to building student-centered schools from the ground up.
Mr. Spengler received his A.B. from Harvard University and his M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Urban Superintendents Program.
Superintendent
mspengler@felixschool.org
Matthew Spengler
Dr. Russell Marino brings 25 years of educational experience including 12 years of school leadership as both a Principal and International School Head of School. Throughout his career, he has championed innovative school design, helping lead schools through the Massachusetts Innovation School model and the Innovation Career Pathways framework. For the past five years, Dr. Marino has worked within asynchronous, competency- and mastery-based learning environments at both the high school and college levels, giving him deep insight into what flexible, student-centered education can look like. He's thrilled to join a team dedicated to reimagining education for students across Massachusetts. Outside of school, Dr. Marino lives in Newburyport, MA, with his wife and their two daughters.
Dr. Marino received his undergraduate degree from Drew University in Behavioral Sciences, a Master’s in Education Leadership for University of Massachusetts at Lowell, and his Doctor in Education degree from University of Bath (United Kingdom). When he's not working, you'll likely find him traveling with his family, stepping up to the plate for a game of Vintage Baseball, or cheering on his daughters from the sidelines of Irish Dance competitions as a proud, dedicated dance dad.
Principal
rmarino@felixschool.org
Russell Marino
Marcia Berkowitz brings extensive educational administrative experience, a deep passion for student success, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every student achieves at the highest level. A champion for student-centered approach, she ensures that the efforts of administrators, classroom educators, related-service providers, and support staff remain focused on those they serve. Ms. Berkowitz earned her Bachelor of Science in Education, magna cum laude, from Boston University, followed by a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from Boston University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lesley University. With decades of experience in the field, Marcia began her career as a classroom teacher before advancing through various administrative roles in traditional and virtual school districts. She has served as Director of Special Education and Executive Director at an area Collaborative. In her free time, Marcia enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and staying active through exercise.
Director of Student Support Services
mberkowitz@felixschool.org
Marcia Berkowitz
Learning Guides
James Jaeger
James Jaeger is originally from a small town in Wisconsin, but now calls Arizona home, where he lives with his wife and two sons. He will be relocating to Boston to teach at Felix School during its launch year. Recent Khan World School Teacher of the Year, he holds a Master's degree in History and another in Reading Instruction. When not teaching, he spends quite a bit of time playing boardgames like Gloomhaven or rifling through my Steam account to find the latest MMORPG to get involved with. He enjoys watching and playing sports, reading epic fantasy novels, and catching the latest Marvel movies at my local theater.
History Core Learning Guide
Zachary Garrity
Zack Garrity is excited to be the math guide for the opening of the Felix School. His baby face makes him look like a student, but you can recognize him by his colorful math themed attire. He has a master’s degree in Mathematics and a minor in Theater. He has been teaching all things math for three years from pre-Algebra to AP-Statistics. He believes anyone can learn and love math with a little bit of encouragement. In his free time he likes pickleball, video games, and reading.
Math Core Learning Guide