What strikes you most about the students at Hillbrook?
I love how much of a known presence each child has at Hillbrook. They each interact with so many other members of the community and have many deep and meaningful connections. It’s refreshing to see them thrive and grow in multiple settings around campus through their strong, warm relationships.
When you think about the students at Hillbrook, what’s the one thing that stands out to you?
Responsibility. My first day here I was subbing in 8th grade, and I was immediately impressed by how responsible and thoughtful the students were. That impression remains accurate the longer I spend here!
What is your favorite unit or project?
Socioemotional learning is core to the curriculum here, and I love supporting children in learning to express themselves and be in community with others. Lately, we have been practicing I-Messages in kindergarten, as students grow as social problem-solvers and conflict resolvers! It feels good to practice a skill with students and then see them apply it in their daily experience.
What made you choose to teach at Hillbrook?
There’s a certain magic to the campus, where every corner you turn promises something new to discover and explore. The deep belief in children as capable constructors of their own learning matches my own personal philosophies and experiences in teaching. This is a school where I can teach in ways that empower kids that I know to be best practice and where I have the support of a dynamic, experienced, passionate staff.
What are you most looking forward to at Hillbrook in the next few months?
I am excited for our upcoming exploration of skin tones through paint mixing in kindergarten. Anti-bias education is a real passion of mine and one of the reasons I was drawn to teach here, and this project is a deeply meaningful experience for children.
What is the last book you read?
The last book I read was Neither by Airlie Anderson. It’s one of my daughter’s favorite books, and one of my favorites too, so it gets read quite a bit in my home!
We hope you loved getting to know Eli this week!