Preschool Teachers

Ms. Rosemary Uppvall has taught and nurtured our youngest students since 2001. She has a gentle spirit and is patient and loving. Our youngest preschoolers begin their school experience learning the basics with her. Before long her children are able to thrive in a typical preschool day, including singing songs, reading stories and finding the way to their cubbies. She is dedicated to her young students and her commitment shows. Rosemary has previously taught autistic children, and kindergarten through second grade for fourteen years. She was part of the primary team piloting three programs including the Gesell Institute of Human Development, Saxon Publishing Company, and the Responsive Classroom (formerly the Northeast Foundation for Children). She holds an undergraduate and graduate degree and she is certified to teach preschool through grade six in both MA and CT.

Ms. Lynn Clemence joined The Laurel School in 2002 coming with public and private kindergarten and preschool experiences. She has a BA in Fine Arts with a dance concentration, an elementary education credential and credits towards a Master Program. We admire her creativity, flexibility, strong work ethic, and playful approach to work. Over the years, Lynn has developed an exciting thematic curriculum stressing math science, and language arts. Children are encouraged to explore and acquire key concepts preparing our students for future learning. Included in her day to day responsibilities, Lynn teaches creative movement and dance, choreographs dance and song routines, is our elementary cheerleading coach, and designs and creates costumes for our performances. Lynn goes above and beyond every day and we value her dedication to our children and school.

Ms. Robin Zuckerman has managed and designed our junior kindergarten program since September 2005 and she has been instrumental in developing the uniqueness of our program. This program gives students additional support and appropriate learning between preschool and kindergarten. Most of her students miss the September 1st cut off date or have late summer birthdays and Robin is able to design an exciting yet developmentally appropriate program to meet these students’ needs. Her classroom is inviting and filled with her creative approach to learning. Robin has the ability to “go” with the interest of the children and meet the necessary academic standards. Robin has worked with preschool children for 20 years as a teacher and director. She is Lead Teacher and Director II qualified by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Ms. Jane Bessette has worked with children for many years from being involved in a work-study program assisting in a preschool program at the beginning of her career, to working with learning disabled teenage girls, and teaching elementary programs in the public school systems. Over the years, she has also made over 500 costumes for studio dance recitals. Jane is a Lead Teacher and Director qualified by the Massachusetts Department of Education, (EEC).

Ms. Mary Baksa-Mathews was a postmaster when she "retired" with 25 years of service. At that time, she decided to pursue her life long dream to become a teacher. From attending education conferences and workshops, Mary realized she wanted to teach and become part of an academic community. In 2004, she enrolled into school to complete her certification. Mary is an outdoor and nature enthusiast and is an avid gardener growing her own fruits and vegetables.

Ms. Andrea Taylor began her career with us as a substitute teacher in 2007 and we realized quickly that we wanted to find her a permanent classroom assignment with us. She has been teaching for over 10 years with experience in grades kindergarten through five. Currently, she is the VP of the Brewser Elementary Schools Partners in Education, the Chairperson for the Brewster Scholastic Book Fair, teachers CCD and is involved in other local organizations. "I believe that teaching is a partnership between student, teacher and parent. Learning goes beyond the four walls of a classroom and a rich classroom environment filled with hands on experience is the true recipe for academic success. As their teacher I will stimulate my students to grow beyond yesterdays challenges and focus on today's accomplishments and tomorrow's goals."

Ms. Karin Pearce-Small has been at The Laurel School since September 1987 and has worked in a variety of positions from classroom teacher to Summer Camp Director to Head of School. Over the years, she has taught kindergarten through third grade and has the capability to individualize her programs according to the needs of her students. Karin has a thoughtful approach, is flexible, and adapts her curriculum to include creative, hands-on work and projects. She is a positive and supportive team member working well with peers and families and is well respected by her students. She is artistic, athletic, professionally trained in dance and has her black belt in Poekoelan, an Indonesian martial art. She integrates her love of movement into her classroom schedule motivating the children physically as well as mentally. Karin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and an Education Degree. She is certified by the Massachusetts Department of Education to teach preschool through grade three and holds a Director I Certification, an administration/management, state approved qualification.

Ms. Stephanie El Sehrawey has been at The Laurel School since 2001. She has taught grades three through fifth and is enthusiastic, motivational, and inspirational. She is a great team player and her dry sense of humor keeps us positive and cheerful. We seek out her point of view and she provides a thoughtful and direct perspective. Along with her solid teaching abilities, she is very artistic and creative. She develops an interesting and unconventional approach to some of her lessons helping students to experience different ways to learn and to adapt learning styles. Stephanie has a Bachelors of Art Degree in Spanish and Psychology.

Ms. Dianne Wadsworth has been with The Laurel School from the beginning and has been teaching our elementary students geography and drama. Dianne continues to demonstrate these great qualities and we are fortunate to have her on our team. We share her with the Brewster's branch of the Animal Rescue League where she was awarded the 2008 Heroes Among Us award. She performs as a local actress, singer, and dancer but loves comedy the best. In her spare time she helps with Meals on Wheels, too. A quote from a co-teacher of Dianne’s from 1989 describes Dianne best, “Dianne is a teacher par excellence. She shares warmth, humor, and a bright smile every day. Dianne is enthusiastic and cheerful, comes prepared, and treats every child as a unique and special gift."

Ryann Wietecha is a Teacher's Aide and our Afterschool Cheerleading Coach. She is also works for our camp during the summer. Bio coming soon!