The Harbor School Welcomes New Faculty

As it enters its 17^th year as an island institution, The Harbor School announces the addition of several new faculty members to its academic program. The Harbor School is pleased to welcome the following new full-time teachers for the 2011-12 school year.

Erin McAllister (soon to beErin Blaser)– Lower School Teacher

Erin McAllister completed her Master of Arts in Teaching at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, in 2009.  She received her Washington Residency Teaching Certificate in early childhood education that same year. Her Bachelor of Science was completed at the University of Oregon with a major in elementary education and a minor in special education. Prior to joining THS, Erin taught at the Spruce Street School in Seattle where she was part of a three-person team designed to implement and integrate a multi-age curriculum.

Erin replaces Gayle Kellner as the primary Lower School teacher at The Harbor School, and she currently resides in West Seattle. (Erin will be marrying her fiancé this summer and her name will be Erin Blaser when the fall school year begins.)

“With all that The Harbor School has to offer, I am excited to bring my experience and excitement for teaching and learning to the Vashon community.” – Erin McAllister, THS Lower School teacher

ZoëHughes – Middle School Science Teacher

Zoë Hughes comes to THS from the east coast where she has been a Science Teacher for grades 7, 8 and 10 in the Buffalo Public Schools. As a science teacher, she has taught physics, chemistry, and biology, and she advised students for community-based creativity projects. Zoë teaches a science curriculum that is both academically rigorous and hands-on experiential, providing young scientists with a broad and practical base for further studies.

Zoë received her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Washington State University and her Master of Science at Canisius College in NY. She is a member of the National Science Teachers Association, National Association of Biology Teachers, and the Progressive Education Network.

Zoë returns to the Northwest where she grew up, and she and her family will be moving to Vashon Household’s Roseballen neighborhood later this month.

“The creative and holistic approach to education at The Harbor School captured my fascination from the moment I read about the school. I am honored and incredibly fortunate to be welcomed into the Harbor School and Vashon communities.”– Zoë Hughes, THS Middle School Science teacher

Kristen Spangler – Middle School English Teacher

Kristen Spangler has taught 7^thand 8^thgrade English at Harrisburg Academy, an independent, co-ed, private school in Wormleysburg, PA, since 2007. Prior to her private school experience, Kristen taught in the English Department at University College Cork (Ireland). She received two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Washington, and a Master degree from University of Glasgow (Scotland). She completed her Master of Science degree in Secondary Education, English, throughSaint Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania.

Kristen joins THS as the new English Teacher, replacing James Cardo who has taken the helm as Head of School. In that capacity, she brings an extensive, scholarly understanding of the English language along with a practical ability to train adolescent readers and writers. Unsurprisingly, she is an avid reader and writer herself. Additionally, Kristen’s interests include travelling, skiing, and photography.

“The Harbor School is what I wish my middle school had been.”– Kristen Spangler, THS Middle School English teacher

About The Harbor School

Situated on North End acreage and entering its 17^thyear as an island institution, The Harbor School is dedicated to the education of the whole child in a challenging and supportive community. We provide our students with a strong academic foundation and require them to actively apply their knowledge and skills. The ultimate goal is to instill a life-long passion for learning that will enable our students to contribute their wisdom, compassion, and leadership in a rapidly changing world.

The Harbor School is an independent day school serving grades 4 – 8. THS is recognized as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and is solely funded by student tuition and fundraising donations like the THS Annual Fund and Auction.