Instructors

Our instructors have spent years perfecting the curriculum and getting ready to help students become civic leaders! Some of our lead instructors are below.

All instructors are background-checked and have conducted mandatory reporting training.

Priten CEO/Founder

Chandani Chief Operating Officer

Kirk AlemanDirector of Programs

NinaChief Programs Officer

Anthony de MarteOperations Manager

Priten Soundar-Shah

CEO/Founder

Priten is an educator, philosopher, and entrepreneur working at the intersection of technology and education. As the founder of Pedagogy Ventures, an educational technology company helping teachers navigate the AI age, and Academy 4 Social Civics, a nonprofit focused on civics education to prepare students for future problems, he develops innovative solutions to help educators and students navigate changes and challenges, especially technological development.

Priten is the author of “AI & The Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (Wiley, 2023).” He also teaches social science courses at College Unbound, a bachelor’s college focused on adult learners. He has an academic background in Philosophy (B.A., Harvard College) and Education Policy (M.Ed., Harvard Graduate School of Education).

Chandani Shah

Chief Operating Officer
Through her avid participation in debates, Chandani has cultivated a fervent passion for elevating societal consciousness, particularly in the realms of mental health and women’s rights. A devoted contributor to Indians 4 Social Change, she has illuminated pressing issues facing women in India, leveraging her love for writing to explore a myriad of topics. Balancing a rich palette of interests including writing, and social activism, Chandani not only enjoys but thrives in environments where the discourse on mental health and women’s rights is fostered, working tirelessly to advocate for change and awareness in these critical areas.

Kirk Aleman

Chief Financial Officer
Kirk is a visionary dedicated to empowering the youth, nurturing their understanding of the boundless opportunities that await in their futures. Deeply passionate about diversity and inclusion, especially in the entrepreneurial landscape, he actively seeks avenues to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all aspiring entrepreneurs. With an open heart and a keen ear, Kirk is always eager to engage in enriching conversations that delve into individual motivations and dreams, encouraging people to articulate and pursue what truly drives them to rise each morning with purpose and vigor.

Nina Bamberg

Chief Programs Officer
Nina Bamberg has an MA in International Educational Development from Teachers College at Columbia University with a concentration in Peace and Human Rights Education. Her professional background includes teaching English as a second and foreign language, non-profit program management, and adult education. As the the CPO at Academy 4 Social Civics, she leads the initiatives to develop curriculum resources, teacher professional development, and student leadership workshops. Nina also serves as the Director of Curriculum & Instruction at Pedagogy.Cloud where she develops and leads professional development workshops and courses designed to help educators navigate the changes and challenges posed by artificial intelligence. She also serves as a course associate at Columbia’s School of Professional Studies and as a Citizenship Educator at The New York Historical. Nina is also a member of several professional coalitions working to improve access to quality civics and AI literacy education, including Democracy Ready NY and CivxNow, where she’s an active member of the AI Work Group.

Anthony de Marte

Operations Manager
Anthony is a Muhlenberg College alumnus where he honed his skills in theatre and dance, a foundation that propelled him into a rewarding career as a performing artist, administrator, and educator. Deeply passionate about fostering collaboration over competition, he leverages the arts to celebrate our shared humanity, encouraging expressive freedom and unity through his multifaceted roles. Outside of his professional life, Anthony is a proud pet parent to the cuddliest and friendliest pitbull, Cooper.