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Behind the Curriculum

As you carefully consider the learning environment you want for your child, you probably have a lot of questions.

Gain insight into specific aspects of the the lower and middle school curriculum and pedagogy at High Mowing School from our experienced authors.

About Our Authors

Darcy Drayton

Darcy was a long-time class teacher on our Pine Hill campus.

She brought two classes through grades 1 through 8 and took a third class from grades 3 through 8. She has also taught art at High Mowing School and served as mentor for teachers new to HMS.

"The dynamic and creative approach to teaching in a Waldorf school is what drew me to this profession," says Darcy. "It has allowed me to teach to the child’s imagination and not just to their intellect. In the social context of a class the students learn to value their own gifts and challenges and those of their classmates."

Outside of teaching, Darcy enjoys gardening, nature studies, walking, and swimming in the many nearby ponds and lakes. An artist, Darcy paints in watercolor and oil. She is a Quaker, has been involved in many aspects of the Society of Friends in New England and worldwide and is a trained facilitator with the Alternatives for Violence, which runs programs in prisons as well as in communities where conflict arises around the world.

Emma Hamlin

Emma's introduction to Waldorf education began at age three, and she was a Waldorf student until high school.

As an adult, she returned to her roots out of a true appreciation for what the education meant for her and the wish to offer that same experience to her own children and those in our community.

Emma first joined High Mowing in 2015 as a class teacher after completing her Waldorf teacher training on campus and being inspired by the beauty and peacefulness of the campus, as well as the rich heritage of Waldorf education on the Hill.

Subsequently, she served as a reading tutor and as our Parent & Child program teacher for a time. Now as a member of our Admissions team, Emma enjoys welcoming prospective families and making the magic of Waldorf education accessible to a wide audience.

When she's not at work, Emma likes to garden, hike, and cook, all of which are rooted in an reverence for the world around us, which is one of the core tenets of Waldorf philosophy.

Jen Kershaw

Jen taught middle school for almost 10 years before she discovered Waldorf education as a parent.

After joining our faculty in 2011 and taking a class from grade 1 through grade 8, Jen cycled back to grade 1 in the 2018-2019 school year and is currently seeing her second group of students through to grade 8. She also brings her math expertise to students in various ways through mentoring and teaching math track in grade 6.

In addition to her role as class teacher, Jen has served as Faculty Chair for the lower school as well as Educational Support Coordinator. She is proud to serve High Mowing as a member of the Care group; Pedagogical Leadership group; and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) committee. Outside of High Mowing, Jen is an adjunct professor at Antioch University New England, where she has taught in both the Integrated Learning Program for Elementary Education as well as the Waldorf Teacher Training Program, and has been on the team for the Center for Anthroposophy’s annual summer Renewal program for teachers.

Kara Steere

Kara's two children attended High Mowing School, and she has been an active member of the community for the last decade.

She brings more than 20 years experience in corporate communications and is looking forward to resuming her volunteer work raising puppies to be future service dogs.

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