Harbor School Welcomes New Faculty for 2014-2015 School Year

In a return to the model that served the school well in its early days, Harbor School has hired Adam Kratz as a new addition to the Lower School faculty. Adam will join current elementary teacher Erin Blaser as co-teachers for its 4th / 5th grade multi-age classroom. For years the team-teaching model worked brilliantly and served generations of Harbor School students, so the school is excited to see two full-time teachers return to that classroom.

Adam Kratz has been teaching most recently at Thomas Elementary in Philadelphia. He also taught for two years at the Arthur Morgan School in North Carolina. Adam completed his Master’s Degree in Education at St. Joseph’s University and his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology/Anthropology and International Studies at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. However, Adam grew up in West Seattle, where his family still resides. He and his wife Mary are very eager and pleased to return to the Pacific Northwest.

As Adam states himself, “I love this community and I value the opportunities that growing up here afforded me. I know how the region’s natural and cultural wonders can be a wellspring of opportunity for learning. I am eager bring all my experiences full circle and share my love of learning with the students and community at Harbor School.”

Additionally, Harbor School could not be more pleased to announce that its current Arts Coordinator Alisara Martin has agreed to expand her position into a full teaching role for next year. This will allow Alisara to teach Art to all students at Harbor School as part of the core curriculum, in addition to arts electives and other showcases of our student and community talents.

Alisara’s role in the current year came as part of Harbor School’s ARTS Initiative which has driven the renovation of a new dedicated Arts Studio, the increase in arts classes for students, an extensive electives program utilizing island artist instructors, art-oriented travel opportunities, and a student artists’ summer camp. Her great success in bringing the school’s arts initiative to life this year points to even more success with a greater role at the school.

As a native islander, Alisara graduated from Vashon High School before completing a BA in Fine Arts at The Evergreen State College, a BFA in print media from The School of Art Institute of Chicago, and an MFA in print media from the Cranbrook Academy of Art. Alisara recently became engaged to Ben McQuillan, so there has been much to celebrate for her!

With these two teachers on staff, as well as its return to full enrollment, Harbor School is well poised to continue expanding and enriching its vigorous, project-based academic program. Adam and Alisara will also be full participants in the school’s ambitious Travel Study program, as well as being coaches and mentors as the school helps its students with their personal and social growth.