Rachael’s classroom is a colorful place full of books, toys, friends, and learning. Rachael graduated from Penn State with a BS in Elementary and Early Education and has completed the comprehensive Orton-Gillingham course through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education, as well as graduate coursework in literacy through the University of Colorado Denver.
How did you wind up in the Roaring Fork Valley?
I grew up in State College, Pennsylvania. It’s a small college town in the middle of the state. After graduating high school, I decided to go to Penn State to pursue a teaching degree. After four years of being close to home, I moved to the Washington DC area, where I taught at Island Creek Elementary School.
I taught Kindergarten and First Grade while living in the DC area. After two years, I decided that I wanted to be closer to my sister, her family, and the mountains. I moved to Denver in 2016, where I taught in the Denver Public Schools for five years.
In 2021, my husband and I decided to act upon an opportunity that could bring us to the Roaring Fork Valley. I am now lucky enough to be a teacher at Aspen Country Day and be a part of this fantastic community and program.
Dream dinner party guests?
Michelle Obama – I loved reading her book! Not only is she strong and successful, but she also seems like she’d give great advice. Also, my grandmother. My mother’s father, my grandfather, passed away when my mother was nine years old. This left my grandmother to raise three daughters by herself. Her strength through troubling times is something I’ve always admired. I wish I had spent more of our time together asking her questions and learning more about how she was so resilient.
Something that surprised you about Aspen Country Day School?
Who knew that canoeing was a typical recess activity!
Favorite place on campus?
I love when you’re walking up to the lunchroom and you can see both ponds and the Highland Bowl. In autumn, when the leaves are changing, it is one of the most beautiful settings I’ve ever seen.
Something you’re looking forward to?
Hiking up to and skiing the Highland Bowl.