Kazoo Faculty since 2021

Email Hannah

Since my own kindergarten education began at Kazoo School, I have been deeply influenced by my experiences as a Kazoo kid. During my time as a student here, I learned empathy, curiosity, self-confidence, honesty, commitment, and the importance of care—and had many amazing and challenging experiences in the classroom and in Kleinstuck. After Kazoo, I unschooled myself through high school and found college experiences that led me to grow as a writer and scholar focused on thinking critically about gender, culture, and social justice. In 2021, I joined the Kazoo faculty as a preschool teacher.

My educational philosophy and practice are guided by curiosity and connection. I am deeply committed to progressive education and teaching the whole child. I see students as creative problem solvers who learn actively and enthusiastically when they have agency in their learning and opportunities to connect their interests to the broader world. I am passionate about nature-based learning and love teaching at Kazoo where outdoor education is embraced and supported for all students.

When I’m not at Kazoo, you can find me wandering in the woods, reading, rock climbing, honing my photography skills, and making soup to share with friends and family.

Education

B.A. in Anthropology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from The College of Wooster

Child Development Associate

Kazoo School Faculty since 1996

Email Rose

Prior to moving to Kalamazoo in 1996, I lived and taught in Eugene, Oregon and Madison, Wisconsin. I graduated from Kalamazoo College in 1986, having completed an internship teaching at Stone Environmental Schools in Maine and Massachusetts. I received a Fulbright Scholarship for Teaching English, which took me to Strasbourg, France, where I lived and taught English to high school students at the Lycee Louis Pasteur. Upon returning to the U.S. I picked up my outdoor education interests to teach at another residential environmental school, Nature’s Classroom in Connecticut.

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1990 with a Master’s degree in Social Work, specializing in Children, Youth and Families, and in 1992 with a second Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

When I moved back to Kalamazoo, I began teaching at Kazoo School in a 1st/2nd grade basegroup. Over the years, I have taught all levels from 1st through 8th grade at Kazoo School and currently teach Upper Elementary students.

Kazoo School has been a perfect fit for my progressive teaching style and philosophy. I see students as active participants, problem solvers, and planners of their own learning. My role is to guide the children on their individual journeys as they become thoughtful problem solvers, motivated critical thinkers, active leaders, respectful collaborators, kind friends, and lifelong learners.

Education

B.A. in Psychology from Kalamazoo College

B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin

M.A. in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin