My passion has always been to improve our education system for all children and this passion has guided my educational and professional pursuits for the last 30 years. At Stanford, I received a Bachelor’s degree in Education Economics and Policy, followed by a Master’s in Education and a teaching credential. I had the great opportunity to help create and teach a truly integrated science curriculum to high school students.
I later turned my attention to technology and worked at Yahoo on education products and services for middle and high school students and teachers. This experience gave me a solid grasp on the potential and limitations of technology in education and helped me realize that I wanted to focus my attention on other aspects of education.
During a 5-year stint in Washington D.C. I worked in education reform. I wrote a book targeted to low-income parents to help them navigate the robust, and somewhat confusing, school choice system there. I also authored a report on the impact of high quality early childhood education. Next, I worked with a national organization to implement education policies state by state that are focused on the best interests of students. This experience helped me develop a clarifying “lens” for analyzing education policy – a lens that focuses exclusively on what is best for the students.
Most recently I discovered Montessori education through my children’s preschool experience. I found this holistic philosophy reflected my instincts about child development, and also mirrored the current research in education and child psychology and development. And I knew from my time in D.C. the importance of high quality education for this age group. I became certified in Primary Montessori education which focuses on children aged 3-6 years. I currently teach at Corte Madera Montessori school.
I also have dedicated my volunteer time in the past to public schools. When my son attended a public elementary school in San Francisco, I served on the site council and on the PTA fundraising committee. I worked to increase parent feedback by moving our annual feedback process online. I designed and executed the online survey and helped analyze the results. This effort helped guide the PTA fundraising priorities for the following year.
My varied experiences give me a wide range of perspectives from which to draw when analyzing issues facing our school district. I know that technology can be a powerful tool but is not always the right education solution. I know that funding our enrichment classes, aides, etc is critical but I also know that more money isn’t always the answer. I know that excellent teachers, administrators and other staff are our schools’ #1 asset. I know that developing a sense of purpose is one of the most important things we can offer our children.
We moved to Marin and have now spent 2 years in the Kentfield school district. I know that serving on the school board is where I want to spend my volunteer time. I would be honored to be a trustee and to ensure that Kentfield Schools are providing all our students with the best possible education experience.
