Our People

  • Students learning with the help of a teacher
  • Student leaning over book to understand content with teacher's help
  • Teacher listening closely to student speaking

Shawn Mangar, Founding Principal

Shawn Mangar is an educational leader, who builds school culture that fosters trust and inspires the development of both students and staff. He is known for driving organizational excellence and conquering every obstacle with a novel approach. Starting his career as a special education teacher, Shawn followed his passion for developing others by becoming a top-rated NYC Teaching Fellow trainer. He is founder and principal of the award-winning Baychester Middle School in the Bronx, which develops not only distinguished scholars but also extraordinary teachers, 5 of whom have already become national educational leaders.

Shawn and his school, Baychester Middle, have been featured on the Teaching Channel, in Quanta and Wired magazines, and in books, such as The Together Leader: Get Organized for Your Success - and Sanity! and Teach Like a Champion 2.0: 62 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College. He has served on the Mayor’s Leadership Team on School Climate and Discipline and is a sought-after speaker for education programs on data-driven instruction and teacher training. Having been born, raised, and educated in the district where he works, Shawn explores new horizons in long training runs for his many marathons.

Rebecca Checo, Assistant Principal

Rebecca Checo is a school leader who has the goal of fostering a strong school community for students, staff and families. She attended University of Maryland where she got her bachelor's degree in family science. She further pursued her love for education in 2016 when she joined Teaching Fellows and Relay Graduate School for Education. She has taught as a special educator in a range of subjects and settings within 6 - 8th grade. She is passionate about ensuring that all students are able to learn grade-level material, and encouraging students to have confidence and pride in their unique abilities. In December of 2020, Rebecca received her degree in Progressive Leadership from Bank Street. Most recently, She has worked as a Teacher Leader in the 2020 - 2021 school year, focusing particularly on creating positive school culture. At Baychester Middle School, her field of work revolves around school culture; specifically advisory curriculum, school events and incentives, as well as systems surrounding student behavior.

  • Assistant Principal Rebecca Arsham Helping a Student.
  • Students learning from Assistant Principal Rebecca Arsham.

Nicaury Villar, Assistant Principal

Nicaury Villar is a passionate and dedicated educator who believes in nurturing the whole child. She is deeply committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and empowered with the tools they need to thrive and become the future leaders of our world.  Ms. Villar earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Binghamton University in 2018. Shortly after, she joined Teach For America, where her teaching journey began. She has since served as a special education teacher, working across multiple subjects with students in grades 6–8. While teaching, Ms. Villar remained a lifelong learner—earning her Master’s in Teaching in 2020 and a second Master’s in Progressive Leadership in 2022.  Now serving as Assistant Principal of Culture, Ms. Villar is focused on creating a joyful, inclusive environment where all students feel seen, heard, and valued. She believes in working closely with families and the school community to meet students’ needs and support their growth both inside and outside the classroom.

Staff Directory