Rana Morrissey

Kitah Alef/1st Grade General Studies

Years as a teacher: 19

Years at LGA: 15

Why did you choose to teach at LGA?

I sent my kids here and a job opened up, luckily! With the small class size, I can be a creative teacher and nurture students, and there’s real freedom with the curriculum and schedule.  My colleagues are like family, and I love watching students become their true selves.

How is LGA different than other schools?

At LGA we have it all — bilingual education, performance, a farm, enrichment, academic support, buddies, leadership, teacher leadership, small class sizes… Students are met where they are academically and emotionally. Life skills and social prowess are modeled and taught.

What is your favorite subject to teach and why?

I love teaching science because it’s so hands on and has such a “wow!” factor. Performing experiments really helps kids develop their critical thinking.

We also do lots of fun projects in first grade like the puppet show, calligraphy, and perspective photography.

How do your students change between the beginning and the end of the year?

They come in as kindergarteners and leave as second graders, so there is a huge shift. Kids learn to be independent on many levels: putting on winter gear, tying shoes, problem solving, academics, resolving social situations.

I’d also like to think they build confidence as learners and want to take risks and try new things. They learn how to navigate a classroom and know what kind of learner they are and what they need to succeed.

Asking for help, being honest, being proud of their work, complimenting others, stretching themselves, asking questions, being a good friend, leadership skills, and not giving up are other things they can expect to learn in first grade.