“The educators are the backbone of Walden Community School. It is to them we owe our thanks. Each teacher is valuable and have come to truly define what it means to be a part of the school. Please take a moment to learn about our invaluable staff. We hope you will see the unique abilities and talents that make them exceptionally qualified to teach at Walden Community School.”

Ellen Miller has been with WCS since the beginning! I first met Ellen in 2002 when she was a teacher at a local private school. I was impressed with her ability to make learning fun while maintaining high expectations of academic excellence. Her philosophy of education and enthusiasm for both teaching and learning are a perfect match. Ellen has been integral to the growth and development of our school. She has applied the knowledge gained in her post graduate courses in authentic assessment, as well as teaching for understanding through Harvard's project zero program to help create our unique child centered program. This year Ellen will be involved in program and curriculum development and WRAT assessments.

Karin Williamson arrived at WCS in 2006. Over the 7 years I have known Karin I have repeatedly solicited her advice and support. In her role as Science and Math Lead Teacher, she is truly gifted. She has an amazing ability to explain complex scientific and mathematical concepts to children of all ages. Her love and passion to save our environment is an essential part of our curriculum. Through field trips, Karin makes learning come alive by engaging all the senses in her experiential approach to teaching. The application of science and math in the real world are integral to Karin's curriculum and philosophy. Her goal is to protect our children's natural curiosity in math and science throughout high school. Karin is our Guidance Counselor and High School Curriculum Advisor.

Gretchen McCallister finally joined our team this year. In her role as Language Arts and Social Studies Lead Teacher, she engages her students in conceptual learning by including them in the planning and implementation of thematic units. By using a multitude of strategies including KWL charts, mind mapping and visual arts she reinforces learning. In Gretchen's classroom, discussion of current events and controversial topics is a daily activity. Establishing time lines, identifying repeating patterns in history and finding its relevance to today's world is emphasized. Journal club, literary circle, vocabulary, reading comprehension and trips to the library are also weekly activities. Gretchen embraces the child-centered philosophy completely. In addition to teaching at WCS, Gretchen teaches an early education class at a local community college. She has the unique ability of putting theory into practice.

Paula Gale has been a part of WCS since 2004. Having known her for the past 12 years I have personally witnessed her ability to see talent in each and every one of her students. Her reputation in Choreography and Dance has been well known and respected in our community for over 30 years. Bringing a joy of music and dance into the lives of everyone is Ms. Gale's mission and her addition to our team has been an invaluable asset to the WCS vision. Under her direction our students have written skits, choreographed dances and performed in a variety of venues. The students' blossoming confidence and pride in their work is the natural reward for all their efforts. Through Ms. Gales's relationships within the community, the students have had the opportunity to perform for staff and patients at several hospitals. Ms. Gale has also been an integral part of the production of 4 musicals, the Rainbow Rocket series, in which the students wrote the script, developed their own characters, designed costumes and built the scenery from recycled materials. Ms Gale's continued energy and creativity are a source of inspiration to us all.