School Leadership

Mr. German joined the Tesla Engineering team in 2003. He brings an unprecedented level of enthusiasm to the the school and is inspiring students to achieve their potential both in and out of the classroom. His support for our students is unquestionable and he has made himself a tremendous asset to Tesla. Mr. German is a 2002 graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Stout with a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology Education. He also received a masters degree from the University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse. Mr. German began his teaching career with the Appleton Area School District in 2002.

Mrs. De Gaetano grew up in Appleton and is a proud graduate of Appleton East High School. She attended UW Stevens Point, where she earned her teaching degree in regular and special education. After beginning her career with the AASD in 2006 at Roosevelt Middle School, she earned her Master of Education in Reading through UW Oshkosh. She has served as a regular and special education teacher, a building instructional coach, and a Secondary District Instructional Coach. She earned her Principal and Director of Instruction License from eduCATE-WI. 

While not at school, Mrs. De Gaetano enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, going up north, and being on the water.

Mrs. De Gaetano is honored to serve as Principal of Appleton East and Tesla Engineering Charter School. As a proud alumnus of Appleton East, it is important to her that the Appleton East community and families are involved in our students' education. She believes students come to high school to explore paths in life that will give them a great starting point when they venture into the community. When students leave East, she hopes they feel as proud as she does to say, "Once a Patriot, always a Patriot."