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Teachers and StaffNutfield Cooperative School is committed to providing quality, caring education for children. Kathy Gallagher, the Director of Nutfield, has assembled a top-notch staff of educators, with each member bringing her own unique abilities and experiences to the classroom. In addition, every teacher is CPR and First Aid Certified. Please contact teachers by phone at the school (434-2602) or by email. Helen Bethel helen@nutfieldcoop.com
Education Professional Experience Classes Sharon Carter sharon@nutfieldcoop.com Education Professional Experience Classes Kim Crowley
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“Working at Nutfield over the years has given me
a wonderful educational experience. Every child is unique and getting
to know each child is very rewarding.”
“My mom taught me to think outside the box. Not all apples are
red; not all flowers are the same. Look outside the box and listen to
what's around you! I love kids and they seem to love me. I think I get
way more out of being with them than they get from me, although I like
to think I have touched their little lives in a positive way. I feel
children should be respected--they know way more than most of us give
them credit for.”
“I have had the pleasure of spending significant time over the last
two years at the Nutfield Cooperative School as a volunteer, and fulfilling
my responsibilities as a cooperative parent. I enjoy spending time with
children, watching them learn, grow, and develop their minds and relationships
with their peers.”
"One of my goals as a teacher is to help children develop a love of learning. That is what I most wanted for my own children when they came to Nutfield years ago. One way I do this is by building on children’s innate love of nature (and my own) and incorporate the natural world into the curriculum. Since preschoolers specialize in moving, we do a lot of music and movement activities; both of which contribute to a child’s intellectual as well as physical development. Imagination and creativity are promoted by the children’s writing of stories (I take down their dictation) and story acting. To help cultivate pro-social and problem solving skills, I include a variety of cooperative learning experiences in our day. We all have a fun and fulfilling day!" 
“I love Nutfield. It is the best family environment
one can find. It is a wonderful experience being a part of the Nutfield
School community. I love working with the little ones; they create such
energy, and in turn, give me endless energy.”
“I have enjoyed being a part of the Nutfield Cooperative School community
for over 22 years, as a parent and as a teacher.”
“I live in Derry with my husband, Bob, and our son, Sam. I like horseback
riding, gardening, and taking pictures. I love getting to know children
and seeing them grow and change.”
“I enjoy seeing the world through a child's eyes. I have a great
deal of respect for children and a firm belief in their abilities. I try
to provide children with opportunities to stretch and grow every day in
my class--and in all of the classes at Nutfield, by hiring teachers who
practice a hands-on, process-oriented style of teaching. During the course
of a year I get to know all of the parents, and many siblings of the children
who attend Nutfield. These relationships are what help make Nutfield feel
like a community to me.”
“’Kindergarten’ is the German word for “children’s
garden.” Being a teacher of young children requires many of the same
skills a farmer needs to grow and tend a garden. A healthy garden requires
rich soil for the plants to grow. A classroom requires a thoughtful and
hands-on curriculum in which the children may thrive. Gardens require water
and sunlight to grow, and children need guidance and encouragement. A farmer’s
garden will contain a variety of plants—carrots, tomatoes, peppers,
cucumbers, potatoes, lettuce, and sunflowers—with each plant requiring
special and unique care. Kindergarten children are also diverse, with different
learning styles and unique needs. Gardens require a farmer’s green
thumb, but it also takes many additional hands to bring in the harvest.
In much the same way, parents, aides and the community at large must help
the teacher ensure a child reaches his or her fullest potential.”
“I have been teaching and working with children for over 20 years.
I enjoy sharing my energy and enthusiasm for learning with the children
at Nutfield. I also bring my experiences raising my own children and guiding
them through their school years.”
“I am patient, caring, and I just love to listen and watch these
little people during their day in school.”
“I feel that being associated
with Nutfield over the past 30 years first as a parent, as Registrar,
and as a teacher's aide has taught me to empathize with parents and students
alike. I have now come full circle as I introduce my grandchildren to
Nutfield. I am proud to say that the premise upon which Nutfield was
founded in 1969 still hold true today. Parents are an integral part of
their children’s preschool experience,
the importance of which cannot be overstated.”
“When
it came time to choose a preschool for my daughter 19 years ago, I
chose Nutfield. As a teacher, it was important to me to become an active
participant in my child’s education. Because of the “cooperative” nature
of the school, I was thrilled to join the staff. I love getting to
know the family as well as the child.”