Profiles in Academic Excellence

Educators at Catlin Gabel are unique and special, but with a shared purpose: To help students develop as individuals and gain confidence in their knowledge and skills. Guided by principles of progressive education, they encourage each learner to engage in discussions, ask questions, dig deeper into ideas, and share their perspectives.

Hedy Jackson: From Junior Tennis Star to Award-winning Coach

With a champion’s experience, skill, and mindset, Boys Varsity Tennis Coach Hedy Jackson transformed the school’s tennis program—and became the winningest coach in Catlin Gabel history.

Building a Community Where Every Child is Seen and Celebrated

In the Beehive, kindergarten teacher Sia Haralampus helps students develop self-awareness and identity, and an understanding that “everybody belongs.”

Alumni Profile: Elizabeth Gibbs '04

Upper School Drama Teacher Elizabeth Gibbs is creating a space where students develop confidence, self-understanding, and an appreciation for others' feelings and points of view.

Encouraging Students to Think About the Broader Picture of Science

Upper School Science and Health Teacher Bianca Knoll Nakayama is teaching from multiple perspectives and helping students make connections across disciplines.

Fostering an Appreciation for Nuance and Creativity in Math

Upper School Computer Science and Math teacher Rick White engages students with highly collaborate projects that require abstract thinking and imagination.

Integrating Students into the Learning Process

First grade teacher Heidi Parrett promotes a purposeful learning community where students are motivated to build skills and knowledge to answer their own questions, and to share with others what they’ve learned.

Creating a Classroom Dynamic Where Every Student Experiences Success

Lower School Spanish teacher Pilar Arias fosters a learning environment where students develop skills and the confidence to explore and make mistakes.

Providing Opportunities to Develop Confidence, Skills, and an Ethical Mindset

Director of Engineering Education Kevin Forbes guides students to approach problems and develop technologies in a responsible way.

Bridging the Gap in Music Education

Middle School music teacher Alex Juarez is helping students make connections across genres and generations.

Building Relationships through the Medium of Art

Beginning School Studio Teacher Leondra Brackett is helping students develop the skills to make meaningful connections with each other and the world.

Opening Up to the Power of Stories

Upper School English teacher Tony Stocks shares reflections on a 25-year teaching career at Catlin Gabel.

Unleashing Creativity by Giving Students a Problem to Solve

Middle School Visual Arts teacher Phil Robinson is helping young artists recognize and work through obstacles to their self-expression.

Helping Students Deepen Their Knowledge by Applying What They’ve Learned

With his context-based teaching method, Lower School Mandarin teacher Guimin Tang guides students to find joy and ownership in their language acquisition.

Guiding Students to Become Active Participants in Their Education

Seventh grade math teacher An Nguyen builds literacy and confidence by encouraging students to ask questions, share ideas, and create their own learning.

Using Students’ Interests to Fuel Academic Learning

Fourth-grade homeroom teacher Olivia Poirier is helping students learn and grow by designing lessons that match their interests and tapping into their empathetic nature.

Fostering Collaboration and Community by Singing Together

Music teacher Rhonda Patten shares thoughts on how making music together leads to a sense of belonging.

Helping Students Understand Today’s World by Engaging with the Past

Upper School Social Studies teacher Peter Shulman uses the lens of history to deepen students’ consciousness about current events and issues.

Inviting Learners to Find the Joy in Collaboration and Community

Preschool teacher Hana Hutchings is creating classroom experiences that encourage children to develop their identity and work in relationship with others

A Winning Approach to Wellness

Javier Duque is helping Middle School students find the joy in athletics by focusing on fun and friendship.

Empowering Students with Tools, Tactics, and the Confidence to Create

Upper School Digital Arts Teacher Matt Woodard provides students with a foundation in digital technology as a means to express their thoughts and feelings.

Developing Life Skills Through Science Education

Upper School Physics teacher Marguerite McKean '04 is helping students develop their ability to communicate findings and ask questions in a meaningful way.