First Grade
Jen Honsel
Jen Honsel's family has lovingly dubbed her a "kid magnet". She has always enjoyed the curiosity, wonder and laughter of young children, so becoming an elementary school teacher was an easy choice. She received a BS in elementary education and early childhood education from the University of Delaware, a M.Ed. in reading and a Reading Specialist Certification from East Stroudsburg University. She taught 1st grade for 2 years then spent 6 years as a kindergarten teacher in Parkland School District before the birth of her two children – Evan, age 9, and Caroline, age 6. She later switched gears to teach higher education at Cedar Crest College and DeSales University, where she was an Instructor of literacy and science methods courses in the M.Ed. program. She was also a staff naturalist at the Pool Wildlife Sanctuary for 3 years before coming to Seven Generations.
Born and raised in Whitehall, Jen loves spending time with her children, their puggle Sawyer and family and friends. She can also be found gardening, cooking and baking, reading, participating in outdoor activities and tackling DIY projects. Her teaching mantra is based on a wise Chinese proverb: " I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I DO and I understand!" Contact Jen Honsel at jennifer.honsel@sevengen.org.
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
Invigorating, rewarding and exhausting (in a good way)!
Leah Naylor
Born in Reading and raised in Bethlehem, Leah Naylor joins Seven Generations' staff for the the 2010-2011 school year, job-sharing first grade teaching duties with Ms. Richardson. After earning a BA in Children and Family Studies from The University of Pittsburgh and an MA in elementary education from New York University, Leah spent four years teaching at the elementary level (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades). She was as an Arts and Science Enrichment Coordinator as well as a Site Coordinator for student teachers at the University of Colorado, Denver, and also worked as a preschool teacher at the nearby Rodale Child Care Center. She was very active behind the scenes at her elementary school, having served on the Hiring Committee, School Reform Committee and the Leadership Board. When she's not at Seven Generations, she teaches yoga at a studio she co-owns with her mother in the West End of Allentown.
Leah loves to be outside with her son biking, hiking, swimming, climbing or doing yoga. Her travels have taken her to Paris, Thailand, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Peru and all over the U.S, and she's hoping to make it to Canada soon. In the meantime, she enjoys art projects like building cardboard castles with her son, crocheting or restoring old furniture with bright, colorful paint. Contact Leah Naylor at leah.naylor@sevengen.org.
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
Exciting! But I'll have to tell you more once I've experienced it a bit longer!
Mara Richardson
Mara Richardson is in her 11th year of teaching, her second as a 1st grade teacher at Seven Generations (She will be job-sharing teaching duties with Ms. Naylor for the 2010-2011 school year). Raised in Malvern, she earned a Bachelor's degree in sociology and elementary education then a M.Ed in elementary education and literacy. She's had the pleasure of working with students in kindergarten, first, second and fourth grades in a variety of places, including Costa Rica, Washington, D.C., Bellingham, Washington, Mammoth Lakes, California and Redmond, Oregon.
After a decade on the west coast, she returned to Pennsylvania to live with her husband and two young children. She enjoys being close to family and friends again, as well as exploring life in the Lehigh Valley. When she is not at school, she is often outside running, biking, hiking, camping, skiing, swimming, snowshoeing, kayaking, or trying anything that involves breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the sunshine! Contact Mara Richardson at mara.richardson@sevengen.org.
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
Teaching at Seven Gen is an adventure. My students always bring a smile to my face, and I enjoy learning with them on a daily basis.
Angela Waldraff
Angela Waldraff moved around a lot when she was younger. She was born in Hawaii but also lived in California, Maryland, Indiana, Florida and in Harrogate, England for six years. While in Florida, she fulfilled a dream by moving to Orlando and working at Disney World. That's where she met her husband, and in 2001 they moved to Pennsylvania to be near his family. Angela earned her BS in elementary education in 2009 from Cedar Crest College, with Elementary Certification K-6. She completed her student teaching in first grade, in Allentown, and in fifth grade, in Parkland School District. Before that, she was a MOPS (Mothers of Pre-School) lesson and craft organizer and a Girl Scout leader for 3 years. She spent a year as a guest teacher at Seven Generations, teaching in all grades, as well as Spanish, IDEA, Play and Music.
She and her husband Pete have been married for 13 years. Her two daughters, Ashley (age 12) and Madison (age 9) are the joy of her life and the reason why she went back to school to get her education degree. She feels that education is one of the most important things in life; she knew that she not only needed to tell her daughters that, but to show them as well. Her family loves to travel together, revisiting Disney World or spending summers at the shore, walking on the beach and playing in the sand. They are planning a cross-country trip next summer, from Pennsylvania to California and back, with stops to see the sights along the way. On her own time, Angela enjoys reading (often a book a day while on vacation) and cross-stitching items for family and friends' birthdays or special occasions. Contact Angela Waldraff at angela.waldraff@sevengen.org.
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
Being a guest teacher at Seven Generations was an amazing experience. All of the students at the school are wonderful, and the staff has made me feel like part of the Seven Gen family. I look forward to becoming a full-time member of the faculty and being able to help students find their places in the world through education at a place where they feel they belong and know they are loved, safe and secure.
Photos: Olaf Starorypinski
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