Welcome to First Grade with Ms. Rachael 🌻

Greetings!

 

My name is Rachael Clarke, also known as Ms. Rachael. This marks my fourth year at ABS, and my second 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 and am licensed with the North Carolina State Board of Education with my K-6 Professional Teaching License. 

 

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.