By: Alice Tesar

Emma Griffin joined the SMS teaching faculty in 2022 and brought with her a wealth of experience in place-based education. Emma’s journey in education has spanned continents, from Bhutan to Colorado, where she has not only taught but also developed innovative, hands-on learning frameworks. Her work with the Bhutan Youth Development Fund as a Place-Based Education Consultant and Teacher involved creating community-engaged projects and a STEAM-infused curriculum, as well as mentoring teachers to build sustainable, locally relevant educational models.

Emma also brings a strong academic foundation, with a Master’s in Natural Science Education from the University of Wyoming and a residency at Teton Science Schools, which deepened her expertise in conservation, ecology, and instructional strategy. Her background in environmental science from Western Colorado University rounds out her approach, blending rigorous science education with a deep commitment to community and outdoor learning.

Join us for a Q&A with Emma, where we’ll discuss her unique teaching philosophy she brings to SMS’s youngest learners.

 

Q&A with Emma Griffin:

What’s the highlight of teaching young students?

“I love teaching 1st and 2nd graders because I get to witness their incredible growth. It’s so rewarding to see a concept click, like a phonics rule finally making sense! Each week, I can track their progress and help build the academic foundation that will support them for years. Seeing students move on to 3rd grade with both skills and a genuine joy for learning is truly fulfilling.”

 

How do you foster curiosity and critical thinking in your students?

“One of my favorite strategies is through vocabulary studies. Every Monday, we dive into a new word, exploring everything from phonics to synonyms. We use context clues to figure out meanings and practice using the word in sentences. It’s a fun way to introduce inquiry skills into ELA and build a strong connection with language.”

 

How do you integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into your daily lessons, and why is it important?

“SEL is central to my teaching. During our Morning Meetings, we introduce a new SEL focus each week, based on the school’s RULER curriculum or relevant concepts that come up. This week, for example, we’re focusing on kindness, in honor of World Kindness Day. We’re discussing how respect and active listening are acts of kindness toward teachers and classmates. Practicing empathy and understanding helps students connect with themselves and each other in meaningful ways.”