Storytelling and Creative Play: What if We Were to Go to the Land of Oz?

Hello! My name is Meredith.  My favorite thing to do is CREATE in community, and that includes collaborating with my community of learners here on Outschool.  I love providing students with tools to communicate effectively and tell stories through writing, acting, movement, improvisation, drawing and design. I feel inspired as I watch their skills grow during our work together. I enjoy using my imagination and 30 years of teaching experience to plan each new class and customize the curriculum to match my students' interests and learning goals. Working in partnership with families and students is important to me, because as a parent I know how much it means to have a teacher take the time to really get to know my child and help them get the most out of an educational experience.

I am currently teaching 1:1 sessions on Tuesdays only, and limited group classes. 

When I'm not teaching you can find me acting, directing, dancing or writing plays and books. 
Some of my favorite acting roles include a monster, a fairy, a movie star and a queen.
I also like to play with my cat, draw, dance and take long walks by the lake near my home in Seattle, Washington, USA.  

I grew up in New York City and received my BA at Yale College. I have performed and taught in many towns and cities in the United States.  Some of my most inspiring experiences have been my years with Living Stage in Washington, DC and at Seattle Children's Theatre.  I have also written a chapter book:  "The Ghostlight Kids Get Hooked," an adventure that takes place backstage in a theater.

I would say the skill that most defines me as a teacher is listening carefully to what each student has to offer and weaving that into the direction a class is taking, whether that means centering a story on students' suggestions or recalibrating a lesson plan on the spot.  My oldest child (now an adult) is neurodivergent, and I find that my experiences with my child and other ND students has made me a good partner for learners with a wide range of learning styles. 

In addition to teaching creative drama, acting and Improv I have taught Math, Language Arts, Health Ed concepts and Science concepts to small groups of learners.  I have training in trauma informed practices as well as techniques for teaching Social Emotional Learning through the Arts. I have experience leading friendship groups and community service projects.

I have been teaching for over 30 years and every day is a new, exciting adventure. I learn as much as I teach!