Welcome to K/1 with Teacher Lisa and Teacher Eileen
Lisa Maras
Teacher Lisa is originally from Western New York and has lived in State College for nearly 20 years. She has been teaching her entire adult life and has experience teaching in multiage classrooms from preschool through upper elementary. Lisa loves children’s literature because it provides shared experiences, introduces new ideas, supports conversations and learning, and is sometimes just plain fun! You may recognize her from the Children’s Department at Schlow Centre Region Library, where she has worked. Lisa is excited to join Friends because she believes the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship should be at the heart of education. These are essential for building vibrant learning communities, creating meaningful curriculum, and teaching children to take an active role in the world.
Teacher Lisa is originally from Western New York and has lived in State College for nearly 20 years. She has been teaching her entire adult life and has experience teaching in multiage classrooms from preschool through upper elementary. Lisa loves children’s literature because it provides shared experiences, introduces new ideas, supports conversations and learning, and is sometimes just plain fun! You may recognize her from the Children’s Department at Schlow Centre Region Library, where she has worked. Lisa is excited to join Friends because she believes the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship should be at the heart of education. These are essential for building vibrant learning communities, creating meaningful curriculum, and teaching children to take an active role in the world.
Eileen Grunenwald
With many years of experience teaching at Friends School, Teacher Eileen will work with Teacher Lisa to provide new students with a seamless transition from preschool or home, and returning students with a seamless transition to 1st grade, especially since these rising 1st graders had Teacher Eileen last year in Kindergarten. Eileen's many gifts in classroom organization and relationship building will allow Lisa to focus on the nuances of teaching in a Quaker school. They are a talented and experienced team, looking forward to a year of community-building and discovery.
With many years of experience teaching at Friends School, Teacher Eileen will work with Teacher Lisa to provide new students with a seamless transition from preschool or home, and returning students with a seamless transition to 1st grade, especially since these rising 1st graders had Teacher Eileen last year in Kindergarten. Eileen's many gifts in classroom organization and relationship building will allow Lisa to focus on the nuances of teaching in a Quaker school. They are a talented and experienced team, looking forward to a year of community-building and discovery.