Aleda moved to Aspen in summer 2023 after having lived in the Front Range of Colorado for a decade. Originally from Winnetka, Illinois, she previously worked at Graland Country Day and Boulder Country Day. Aleda has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Spanish from Colorado College, and she earned a Master’s in Teaching from Adams State University
Which ACDS core value is most meaningful to you, and why?
Perseverance. I often remind my students, “you can do hard things” and challenges make your brain grow! I seek opportunities to put my students (and myself) in challenging situations to help them practice failing forward and trying again with a new strategy. As an educator, I find it incredibly rewarding to watch a student confront a challenge head-on and persevere to discover something new. Most importantly, they are proud of themselves for not giving up and realize they can accomplish anything they put their mind to!
What makes a student’s experience at ACDS distinctive from other schools?
One of the things that drew me to ACDS is the emphasis on Outdoor Education. I believe that this pillar of ACDS makes a student’s experience incredibly unique. From a young age, students are given opportunities to learn from and in the world around them. I have found that kids at ACDS have a passion for the environment they live in and appreciate what it allows them to do.
A personal accomplishment you’re proud of?
I ran the Chicago Marathon in 2022.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to speak every language in the world!
If you could swap lives with anyone for a day, who would it be? Why?
I would swap lives with my dog because she is one pampered pooch! She also is excited about so many things – tennis balls, swimming, treats – and I think it would be fun to experience her joy!