What a joy it is to be part of the Waterford team! I came to Waterford in 2021, teaching Class III in the Lower School. My husband, Taylor, is a Waterford “lifer” and attended Waterford from Pre-K 3 through 12th grade, and he has always attributed his enthusiasm of life-long learning to this school. Before applying for this position, I toured the Lower School, and I knew right away that Waterford was the ideal place for me and my family. Students and teachers at Waterford are seen, heard, and supported. From the moment I walked in, I could sense a feeling of camaraderie and passionate intensity throughout the school.
As a new teacher at Waterford, I was assigned a mentor teacher, and I also worked closely with my Class III team lead to learn more about the school, routines, expectations, and receive answers to any other questions I had. Waterford also has educational coaches to support incoming and current faculty members. The first thing that really stood out to me as a teacher at Waterford was the amount of preparation time I had each day. Coming from the public school system, I was used to many long nights outside of my contracted hours preparing lessons and activities. At Waterford, not only was I able to plan lessons during my contracted hours, I was also able to create engaging and creative activities that I was proud of, all during the school day. This gave me the ability to be a better teacher, by having ample time to plan captivating lessons and also allowing me to go home, recharge, and be excited and ready for the next day. As a teacher and a mother, this has been crucial to maintaining balance and enthusiasm in all areas of my life.
Teaching at Waterford is truly just fun. Waterford students love to learn. I saw this on the school website before applying, but as soon as I stepped foot in a classroom, I recognized this immediately. Students are eager to learn, and they spend many hours a day engaged in thoughtful discussions and research, even at the Lower School level. They are reading books at home, coming to school with thought-provoking questions, and are excited to be at school each day. In my own classroom, I teach reading, writing, history, and math. Students are also exposed to a variety of specialists in the Lower School. I love how students are given opportunities daily to find unique interests; be it in a math classroom, an art studio, a gym, a stage, or a library. As a teacher, I find a lot of joy in watching my students learn to be well-rounded individuals, with a variety of interests and skills to explore.
Due to the size and nature of this school, Waterford has the ability to see individual students for who they are. Teachers have the flexibility to adapt their teaching and modify lessons to meet the needs of all learners. Although grade-level teachers are aligned with the curriculum, teachers can accommodate each student’s learning style and allow more or less time for specific classes and assignments. When a student faces any sort of challenge, Waterford utilizes a large support system for that student, while partnering with families. Collaboration is at the heart of student success here. Administrators are understanding and resourceful, school counselors often step in to meet with the students individually, and homeroom teachers discuss strategies with specialist teachers and other faculty members to ensure that student’s success. Because of the amount of resources that exist, I feel extremely supported as a teacher, and I know any setbacks I face in the classroom can and will be addressed effectively.
The Waterford community is also an exceptional place to belong. The school often brings families and teachers together by creating opportunities for connection outside of school hours. We participate in brunches, tailgates, parent association meetings, book clubs, concerts, sporting events, and celebrations. Teachers and families gain a deep affinity for one another, and teachers can watch their students grow and develop beyond their classrooms. It is common to see Lower School teachers attending commencement ceremonies for graduating seniors, knowing that they have been part of many of the students’ journeys. Middle school students will give their old teachers a smile and wave (all while making sure they still look cool in front of their friends!), and parents will express gratitude long after their child has left Lower School classrooms.
One of my favorite things about Waterford is to be surrounded by so many incredible colleagues, who are passionate about their careers and Waterford’s mission. It has been refreshing to work with a group of individuals who love what they do and look for opportunities to learn and grow inside and outside of the classroom. I continually feel challenged and pushed as a professional to improve. There are multiple professional development opportunities for teachers to engage with, including professional development days during the school year to update and better curriculum, and conferences and trainings to improve teaching. My colleagues and I gather together outside of school often to discuss books, podcasts, documentaries, philosophies, and education. We enjoy each other’s company over a meal at a restaurant, around a kitchen table in a home, or in the faculty lounge at school. My two children are giddy when they see a beloved teacher coming to our house for dinner! Teams at Waterford are a treat; we work well together, solve problems quickly and efficiently, and have a lot of fun along the way. I have really appreciated working with such enthusiastic individuals each day.
Waterford is a phenomenal place to work and be. It is apparent that Waterford is different and special as soon as you walk in the doors. The campus is beautiful, and people are delighted to be here. That’s what I think education is and should be all about—joy. Learning is fun, and Waterford’s entire community demonstrates that enjoyment exceptionally well. It truly is a happy place to be.