Investing in the Educators Who Inspire

At the core of Breck School is our exceptional faculty who nurture students’ curiosity and sense of connectedness to the world beyond the classroom. Which is why the School has made an ongoing commitment to provide Breck educators with tailored opportunities to grow, collaborate, and learn alongside one another. This focused investment empowers our teachers to remain leaders in educational innovation, directly enhancing the learning environment for every student from preschool through Upper School. In June 2025, Becky Jacobson and Lauren Wester, Middle School Science faculty, traveled to Iceland to gain a deeper understanding of concepts like plate tectonics, volcanism, glaciation, and geothermal energy and to explore opportunities to foster environmental stewardship with their students.

To uphold our mission of cultivating confident learners who embrace social responsibility, we support faculty to engage in professional learning that deepens their pedagogical expertise. For Becky and Lauren, the Science of Iceland Experience was transformative. This immersive professional development opportunity equipped them to return to their classrooms prepared to translate complex, earth science concepts into relevant classroom instruction. Becky shared, “Our experiences in Iceland have given me real-life examples, stories, photos, and connection to root my curriculum. Seeing glaciers melting, touring geothermal power plants, and observing the wonders of the natural world allowed us to have authentic moments of curiosity and wonder. I hope to build that excitement and wonder about the natural world in my students.”

Future Focus plan prioritizes investments in faculty growth and development. These investments reflect Breck’s commitment to supporting exceptional educators and have a direct impact on the student experience. Lauren reflected that the opportunity to connect with renowned scientists and educators broadened her approach to teaching and fostered a deeper appreciation for the natural world; “being immersed in the science of Iceland has changed how we view and teach and curate experiences on a daily basis.” Looking ahead to Summer 2026, Becky Jacobson is partnering with the Breck Summer Programs team to launch an experiential learning trip to Iceland for Breck Middle School students in July.

Professional learning experiences, such as the Science of Iceland trip, lead to innovative teaching strategies that challenge students and elevate Breck’s academic program. By supporting professional growth that is personalized, collaborative, and grounded in the real world, we are sustaining a tradition of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.