Faculty & Staff
FACULTY
At PS1 Pluralistic School, our teachers are true firestarters, igniting curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every student. Working in dynamic teams of two, each classroom becomes a vibrant hub of collaboration, innovation, and rich experience. Together, our educators bring diverse strengths and perspectives that spark deeper learning and meaningful connections.
More than instructors, PS1 teachers are dedicated mentors and champions for their students. They inspire young learners to uncover their unique passions and develop their authentic voices, guiding them on a transformative journey of discovery. With a steadfast commitment to nurturing growth and resilience, PS1 teachers lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning that empowers students to thrive well beyond the classroom.
CLICK HERE to view the PS1 faculty/staff directory.
Click the video to learn about our expert faculty, and what inspires them each and every day.
Our Teachers
Each summer the faculty members embark on a journey of exploration sharpening their teaching skills through professional development. See below for a list of recent workshops and institutes attended by our faculty.
Faculty Professional Development
Advanced education, institutes, workshops, events and programs in alphabetical order
Aim High Conference for Independent School Communicators, New Haven, CT
Annual Fund Boot Camp, Fountain Valley School of Colorado
“Best Friends, Worst Enemies” Workshop by Michael Thompson
CAIS Head/Trustee Conference
“Circuits Galore” Workshop by The Exploratory
Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) approach to mathematical thinking
Container Gardening Workshop by Emi Carvell
Critical Thinking Institute (K-8), UCLA Lab School
Design and Maker Colloquium, Windward School
Educators Tour at Park Century
Electricity Workshop by The Exploratory
Elementary Physical Education Workshop, California Polytechnic State University
First Aid Training
“Gender and Digital Life” Workshop by Common Sense Media
Greater Good Summer Institute for Educators, UC Berkeley
Inquiry Based Learning Workshop, UCLA Lab School
iPad Exploration Workshop
ISBOA – The Independent School Business Officers’ Association Conference
“The Latest in Brain Research and How it Informs Teaching, Learning and Parenting” Workshop by Joann Deak
Lindamood Bell "Seeing Stars" Program for Reading Fluency
Masters Degree in Education (with specialty in Literacy), Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology
“Never Too Young Engaging Elementary Age Social Activism” Workshop
Orton Gillingham Institute for Multi-Sensory Education
Responsive Classroom Institute, Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc.
“The Science of the Meaning of Life” Workshop by Bay Area Teacher Development Collaborative
Shared Inquiry Instruction Workshop by Great Books Foundation
“Show and Grow” Workshop by Educators Consortium of Service Learning
SoCal POCIS (People of Color in Independent Schools) Professional Development Day featuring Angela Davis, Tim Wise, and Steven Jones
Solar In-service by Matt Henigan, City of Santa Monica Office of Sustainability and the Environment, and Stuart Cooley, Professor of Renewable Energies, SMC
“Sun, Planets and Rockets” Workshop by The Exploratory
Teachers College Writing Institute, Columbia University
Teachers College Reading Institute, Columbia University
“Teaching and Learning at Home and at School” by the Center for the Future of Elementary Education
“Zoobiquity, the Science of Healing” workshop by the Friends of the Semel Institute