News | Kellogg Field School

2 months ago

Dear Field School Families,
I hope you have been having a lovely summer so far and that you are enjoying the great outdoor life we are so fortunate to have available to us. I wanted to let you know that we have finalized our search for a new Field School Coordinator and the hiring process from main campus is now fully completed.

It was not an easy decision. There were many great candidates. Some were new to us and some were from within our KFS community already.Having made that difficult decision, we feel very confident about the one we made and believe she will be a great asset and resource to our kids, parents and graduate students. Her name is Shannon O'Laughlin and a letter follows from her so that he may introduce herself to you. She will step into the role officially on July first. I know she is eager to get going and to meet all of you.

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions at any time at 907-982-3122
-Steve Rubinstein

****Her letter follows here:

Greetings FIELD School Families,

Steve has offered me the opportunity to introduce myself to you as the new Kellogg Field School Coordinator. My name is Shannon O’Laughlin and I come to the Field School with a rich background in education; as a child of an educator, a teacher, a mentor, and a school administrator.

My first teaching experience after receiving my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University Chico, was as an English Language Development teacher. I taught 110 children daily; always striving to meet their educational and emotional needs. After two years with that program, I secured a job at a Waldorf charter school teaching Grade 2. The Waldorf curriculum was alive and engaging and completely captivated me. I went on to pursue my Waldorf Teaching Certificate through the Rudolf Steiner College, while continuing to teach my class of students. After an incredible seven year journey, I graduated my class from Grade 8. They’re now young adults and doing amazing things with their lives!

At that time, I decided to take a year off to renew myself and explore other countries, which I was incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to do. During that year, I was also called to adult education in the Waldorf sector. A highlight of my personal and professional life was being invited to present at the Humanizing Education Conference in Mumbai, India. I was also invited to Rudolf Steiner College as adjunct faculty for summer teacher training. To my surprise, I found myself greatly enjoying working with adults.

I applied for, and received a position in administration as the Education Director at the Waldorf charter where I had been a teacher. In this capacity, I served as the supervisor of the teaching staff, while ensuring we were upholding the pedagogy. Additionally I attended to numerous administrative tasks. During my time as Education Director I went back to school and received my Administrative Credential from Chico State.

I am experienced in curriculum design and lesson implementation, using a wide variety of engaging teaching techniques. I have a strong sense for meeting the developmental needs of each individual child; embracing and expanding their unique capacities. I feel I have knowledge, skill, and warmth that will enrich the Field School program. And, I have a great curiosity and openness to LEARNING! I will work closely with Steve, the students, other Kellogg Campus staff and faculty in Outdoor Education for their expertise in outdoor education as well as with Field School parents for all that Alaska has to offer as a classroom. I have had direct experience with the value of building and maintaining relationships for an enriching educational experience, I am hopeful that we form strong partnerships that will further augment this already dynamic program.

And a bit about me personally. I was born and raised in Northern California. My childhood was rich with agriculture, crafting, and musical theatre. Last summer I began yearning for a big change; a grand adventure. This Winter, my boyfriend and I moved from our hometown in Northern California to Sutton. I’m taken with the majestic beauty of Alaska and the kindness of people here. I’m out exploring the vastness at every opportunity. I’m a handworker who loves sewing, knitting, and felting most. I derive great joy in flowers. I love to grow them, give them, and get them. It’s quite a learning curve, but I do believe I will be successful in having some incredible flowers in my yard this first summer in Alaska. And, I’m a dog lover! My precious pug of 15 years was my classroom pet and office companion. These days I keep the company of an incredibly agile and sweet two year old Carolina dog, Homer, and a spunky six month old Catahoula/German Shepherd, Fernie, with a knack for snuggling.

I will begin my work with the Field School in July, and would welcome the opportunity to meet you and your child(ren) before classes start in September!

Warmly,
Shannon ... See MoreSee Less

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