Rachael Clarke - First Grade Teacher

Greetings!

 

My name is Rachael Clarke, also known as Ms. Rachael, and my pronouns are she/they. This marks my third year at ABS, but it's my inaugural year as lead teacher here. With nearly a decade of experience in education, I am eager to meet your rising 1st graders!

 

Prior to joining ABS, I served as the Lead Preschool teacher at Piedmont Forest School, where I fostered outdoor, child-directed learning deeply rooted in nature year round (yes, even in the rain and snow!). Additionally, I have also worked as a teacher for children and teens on the autism spectrum. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University and fulfilled ECE requirements at Forsyth Technical Community College. I've also completed foundations training with Cedarsong Nature School in Asheville, NC, enriching my understanding of nature-based education. Currently, I'm finishing up my Masters of Teaching (K-6) at UNC Charlotte.

 

Drawing from my background in exceptional children and outdoor schooling, I hold a steadfast commitment to neurodiversity, nature-based learning, and fostering a richly inclusive environment. I strive to infuse music, art, and a reverence for the natural world into many aspects of our classroom.

 

Outside of school, you'll often find me strumming my guitar, enjoying quality time with my kiddo (who's also part of the ABS family), pausing to smell the flowers, and embarking on woodland hikes with Freddy, my beloved rescue dog.