What we are learning...
Ms. Clare Wagstaff, Assistant Director of Middle School and Design TeacherWhat is your favorite song? Bill Withers, "Lovely Day"
Where did you attend Middle School? Belper, England (a very progressive school where we called all our teachers by their first names).
Who was your favorite or most influential teacher? Magda Barnes. She taught me science all the way through middle school and high school. She awoke a passion in me and made me realize that I could do anything I put my mind to. We are still in touch today.
Any interesting trivia about you? I'm an avid scuba diver (for over 12 years) and mountaineer. My first dive here in the Puget Sound, I was within touching distance of a 6-gilled shark! And I have summited Mt. Rainier and Mr. Baker in the last year.
As a former science teacher, I never thought I would feel as passionate about another subject as I did about science, but here I am! The Design course in Middle School is purposefully created to develop empathy in our students and delve deeply into creative problem solving through multiple iterations and self-evaluation. I currently teach all three grades and it’s hard to pick a favorite unit right now. However, the Eighth-Grade class has been a joy to teach because of the ATL (Approaches To Learning) skills they have been mastering without even realizing it. Over the last three lessons, the class has been asked to carry out a series of practical tasks to develop competency in some standard design equipment such as the drills, sewing machines, and the Silhouette Cameo. While the practical skills are important and a necessary foundation for future units, it is the collaboration and leadership that also occurs during these lessons that make it the most compelling. Peer mentoring organically takes places, as students help and support each other in learning new skills or refining old ones. Collaboration also ensues to achieve time sensitive goals with limited resources, bringing out the best in this group. It’s truly a pleasure to watch this process and student development that takes place, while also doing some fun and creative practical tasks along the way. Design rocks!Things to do in the community...
- The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts has announced conservatory fall classes for students ages 4-18! Visit the Broadway Center's site to find more information and to register.
- Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Volunteer Match, United Way of Pierce County, and Metro Parks Tacoma's sites to find the right opportunity for you and your family.
