English Teacher and Academic Support Specialist Nicole Stanton will depart from the school after three years to teach at the Bay School in San Francisco. Stanton said her experience at the school has transformed the way she approaches teaching.

“Over my time teaching, I have gone from thinking I run the show to creating a classroom that honors the way students think and create,” Stanton said.  “I want to be a guide to a simpler classroom experience that allows student voices to control the class.” 

Stanton said she will also miss the relationships she has built and the parts of campus where she has made memories over the years, including the bleachers on Ted Slavin Field and the Learning Center.

“The bleachers here are really meaningful to me. During my first year of teaching here, I was feeling overwhelmed at a new school,” Stanton said.  “My new teacher friends and I always had lunch there so we could reground ourselves together. To me, it feels like the place where the real conversations happen, so I’ll definitely miss it.  I also want to give a shout-out to the team in the Learning Center, where I have spent a lot of time. Ms. Matkins and Mr. V are amazing, and it’s been a really important part of my time here. They have taught me so much.”

Although leaving those communities will be difficult, Stanton said  the transition is at a natural point in her personal life. 

“I just had my baby, Cora, and I’ve spent most of my life in Los Angeles,” Stanton said.  “I’m just ready to try a new place, so my partner and I are heading up to San Francisco. We have a lot of family up there, so I’ll have a great support system while teaching at my new school.” 

Shriya Vishwas ’28 said she has enjoyed Stanton’s warm attitude and will miss her next year.

“Ms. Stanton is really sweet, and she has been a great presence in the Learning Center,” Vishwas said.  “She brings warmth to every environment and will be deeply missed by the students here.”