NHS welcomes new teaching crew

Tuesday, Aug. 17, marked the first day of school not only for incoming freshman students, but for nine new teachers at Niwot High School. From new science teachers to a new counselor, the NHS faculty and staff will look a little different this year, and they all seem very excited.

"Teaching and inspiring others is something that I have always loved and am looking forward to continuing to do so here," said Nathan Gravelding, who will be joining the science department. A Colorado native, Gravelding grew up in Golden and graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder (CU) in 2019, earning a masters in teaching and learning science.

This idea of teaching to inspire was reiterated by a number of the new teachers. Peter Brandes, another science teacher, said, "real learning happens when a student is actively seeking out the solution to the questions the instructor is asking." He went on to share a story of how he's always looking for ways to make sure students feel safe and supported in the classroom.

Once during his career, he worked with a student who was struggling and adapted his teaching and testing style to help the student succeed. "I'm so grateful to be able to pass that wonder and excitement [I have] on to my students," he said. This will be Brandes' first full time position, but since gaining his master's degree from CU, he has worked for two years as a student teacher and a long-term substitute. A Niwot resident, he's thrilled to give back to the community.

Community and relationships seem to be important themes to these teachers. Many of them said that their top pieces of advice to students is to try new things and to ask for help when needed. Being able to self-advocate and make connections within the community is key.

Teachers are central to the advocacy and networking aspects of education. "'Teaching' is more than just teaching students a specific subject," explained Spanish teacher Sabrina Sorensen. "You are a mentor, mediator, psychiatrist, cheerleader, and much, much more. The teaching aspect is only one part of what we do every day."

Sorensen has been teaching for four years and was excited to come to NHS, in part for the IB program, and in part for the "high regard for student success in all areas." She went on to say that she is always ready to back up her students and be their champion. "I like sharing their [students'] successes with them and cheering them on."

Another teaching veteran coming to the NHS team is Charlotte Mason, who will be teaching science. "I found that being able to foster a sense of wonder for students was something that I became passionate about." After ten years of teaching environmental education and obtaining a masters degree in teaching while in an Alaskan classroom, Mason is excited to move back to Colorado.

"What I enjoy most is learning from my students," she said. "They always surprise me with their perspectives and experiences, and I get excited to see what they contribute every day." Like her colleagues, she hopes to inspire her students to become independent learners, all while feeling as though they belong in the classroom.

Like Mason, Sophia Renda, who will teach English and social studies, also said that learning from her students is the best part of teaching. In addition to earning a master's degree in Urban Education from the University of Pennsylvania, Renda has been in education for six years and moved to Niwot to be closer to family. "As an English and Social Studies teacher, I love facilitating opportunities for students to bring who they are into the classroom and to grow together," she said.

Other members of the incoming teaching team include Sarah Wainshal, a French and drama teacher; Lindsey Jones, who will be teaching French; James McLaughlin, who will join the social studies department; and Mickie Doherty, who will join the NHS counseling team.