Alice Wright

from September 2004 Today @ Breck

Passionate About Life Inside the Classroom and Out

As a nature lover, Alice Wright appreciates all of Minnesota’s seasons. But as a teacher, she especially enjoys the new beginning of every fall.

Beginning her nineteenth year as a Breck first-grade teacher, and her fourth as Lower School Dean of grades pre-k-1, Alice is just as enthusiastic as ever about getting back to the classroom. “It’s so much fun to watch both teachers and students come back and get ready," she says. “I appreciate the time for re-evaluating and reflecting over the summer, but I’m really excited to get going again!"

Her colleagues appreciate her zeal. “When I think of Alice, the words that immediately come to mind are passionate, dedicated and competent," says Lower School Director Peg Bailey. To Science Department Head Lois Fruen, who has worked with Alice on curriculum design and other projects, the first descriptions that came to mind were bubbly and creative. “Her love of students always shines through," Lois says.

It’s a passion that’s genuine—and one that Alice has felt for as long as she can remember. As the youngest of eight, she reflects, she always wanted someone younger to take care of, herself. She helped out babysitting for neighbors and working at camps in her native Omaha and never considered any profession other than working with young children.

“Alice is a remarkable teacher," says Peg Bailey. “I first met her 15 years ago when my daughter Megan was in her first grade class. I always knew there was something very special about her." Adds Communications Assistant Karyl Rice, whose children Erik and Maura both were in Alice’s class, “The environment that Alice creates in her classroom makes it a safe place to stretch yourself and take chances. No one judges if you make a mistake. It’s a wonder to behold!"

Since she became a Lower School dean, Alice’s time in the classroom has been cut back to 40%, but she says the arrangement works well because she has such strong support. On the administrative side, she observes, Peg helps her see the big picture. Her teaching partner, Marg Lewis, is like part of her family. “We really function like dual parents to a large young family," she muses. “And our personalities blend so well. I’m more outgoing, and Marg is so calm and wise. Both Peg and Marg keep me anchored. And they’re a lot of fun, too!"

Marg sees things the same way. “I love sharing a class with Alice. She’s eager and energetic and such a wonderful supporter of both students and colleagues."

In addition to her roles as teacher and administrator, Alice relishes her work as Breck’s representative to MAIS (the Minnesota Association of Independent Schools) and ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States), a job she shares with Middle School Dean Becky Farber. “It’s so important to see what’s going on in the larger world of education," Alice says. “And I always come away from conferences with new ideas and new respect for the things we’re doing at Breck."

Alice’s life outside of school revolves around familiar themes of family and nature. This summer, she and husband Jim—coincidentally also one of eight children—celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary. They’re parents of two Breck alumni: Emily ’99, now a residential treatment counselor at the Wilder Foundation who majored in psychology at her parents’ alma mater of St. Mary’s, and Erik ’01, a senior at Marquette University currently studying in Chile on his way to a degree in Spanish and elementary education. Their extended family also includes 22 nieces and nephews. “I guess I’m very relationship-oriented," Alice laughs. “I really want to be involved with all of them!"

As for the outdoor life, Alice says she’s fortunate to have a job that lets her share that passion with her students. She loves being with her animals, is an avid equestrian, and says being outside is what helps her relax and unwind. “I get crabby if I don’t get enough fresh air," she says.

Observes Peg Bailey, “Just mention the word ‘rocks’ or ‘volcanoes’ and you’d better be prepared for a long conversation. She is incredibly passionate about science and the world around us." Alice thinks the first-grade curriculum is tailor-made that way. “We go outside to observe year-round," she says. “But we can study volcanoes and islands and take our annual first-grade ‘trip to Hawaii’ when we have to be indoors."

It’s typical of Alice to embrace that Breck first-grade tradition and everything else with such joy. “Whether it’s facilitating department meetings or organizing bus lines, Alice approaches every task with enthusiasm. She loves to be part of just about everything—and the more she does, the more charged up she gets!"