Carol Harrison, Upper School Spanish instructor and Master Teacher
Upper School Faculty
Breck's Upper School faculty is composed of published poets, professional artists, authors of textbooks, coaches, community volunteers and lifelong learners. Counted among them are nearly 30 individuals with many differences. There's a range of age and professional experience -- not to mention personalities, learning types and outside interests. But it's what they have in common that makes them such an amazing group. They're passionate about the subjects they teach. (Most hold advanced degrees in their field.) They see their students as individuals, too, and know how to work with them one on one. They've dedicated their lives and their spirits to helping adolescents and young adults develop their own interests. And they're deeply committed to carrying forth the conversation between teacher and student that is at the heart of the best education.
Sabbatical with the Stars
Upper School science teacher Chelen Johnson had a "rejuvenating" sabbatical year that included research at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, WV, and under the winter stars in Fairbanks, AK. She presented at workshops sponsored by the American Astronomical Society and NASA, traveled to California and worked with astrophotography (a digital camera attached to a telescope) in her own back yard. "Sleeping in an igloo, camping out under the stars, doing my own research, spending a year pursuing lifelong dreams after 20 years of teaching — it all got me completely re-energized," she says. "It was an invaluable experience."