Our Team

Jennifer Berne received her B.A in English Literature and Political Science from Tulane University, she received her M.A. in English Literature from Florida Atlantic University, and she is finishing her Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California. She is currently CEO of NewGrade LLC, a standards-based curriculum mapping, grading, and reporting app. She taught English Literature at Florida Atlantic University for fifteen years, she taught IB English and Creative Writing at North Broward Preparatory School for twelve years, and she currently teaches education, curriculum, classroom management, and creative writing at the Nova Southeastern University Fischler College of Education. Jennifer strives to create a student-centered learning environment in which students self-assess, think critically, and explore together. She is dedicated to equity, growth, and transparency in all aspects of education. She believes in lifetime learning and has attended seminars at Harvard's Project Zero and The Future of Learning, IBO, East Asian Literature Conference, ISTE, and ASCD. Jennifer Berne has presented at ISTE, FCIS, iTech21, and FETC. She is a Class Dojo Mentor, Apple Teacher, Google enthusiast, and Evernote advocate.

Milo Gilad has been a software developer since he was 12 years old, when he taught himself Python programming using the Internet. Since then, he's developed his understanding of computer science and IT systems. Here's a list of all the technologies he's used in the past:

• Programming Languages

  • C/C++

  • Java

  • Swift

  • JavaScript/TypeScript

  • Go

  • Dart

• Technologies

  • AWS

  • Google Cloud Datastore

  • Linux

  • Flutter

Milo joined the NewGrade team while still in high school, and became Chief Technology Officer in 2021. He currently works with executive leadership to implement app design objectives and manage the company's technological operations.

Milo previously worked as an IT consultant for the Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick for Congress campaign, where he advised the campaign on SEO and market research technologies. His notable competition performances include the Air Force CyberPatriot Competition, where his team placed 1st in Florida and 6th in the United States; and NASA International Space Apps, where his team was a Global Finalist.

You can find his resume here, and his blog here.

Elyse Brachfeld is currently completing a Bachelors in Music in Vocal Performance as a Mezzo Soprano with a minor in Graphic Design at Ithaca College. She is the Chief Creative Officer at NewGrade and holds a passion for standards based grading and equity in education.

Paul Oppenheimer is a software developer from Florida. He joined the NewGrade team in high school and helps manage and choose the technology solutions used with an understanding of the field and practical knowledge of a wide range of technologies. He currently is a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Spencer Ian Gitlitz is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Science of Business Administration at The Marshall School of Business at University of Southern California. He is currently the Chief Business Officer of New Grade LLC, a standards-based curriculum mapping, grading, and reporting app designed and targeted for teachers, students, parents, and administrators.