by Honor Taft, Head of School

Not only are our young students engaged in learning every day, so are our adult learners. A unique element of our school is our Teacher Preparation Program (TPP). This “alternative licensure program” with optional Master’s Degree, was launched in 2004 with the vision of nurturing and developing teachers who would carry the mission of Friends School well beyond our walls. Twenty years later, the TPP remains a sought-after graduate program for those wishing to be the world’s next educators.

Each year 17 to 25 teacher candidates (TCs) join our program, which typically attracts people who are changing careers, or who have undergraduate degrees in content areas who are now interested in teaching. As part of the program, TCs are placed in public and independent schools throughout Boulder and all across Colorado. Friends School is fortunate to have three stellar TCs from the program working inside our classrooms this year: Carly Gilbert (Kindergarten), Julie Ann Pasquinelli (1st grade), and Sheila Gallagher (4th grade).

We are incredibly fortunate to have Betsy Gonzalez Blohm leading the TPP. With over 15 years of experience in classroom instruction and mentoring and teaching educators, Betsy brings a wealth of experience to the TPP. She joined Friends because she felt that our innovative, heart-centered model of education is the ideal environment to best support teachers in cultivating their pedagogy and educational philosophy. 

The TPP and having TCs in the classrooms at Friends School elevates everything we do. Classroom teachers mentor their TCs, sharing the wisdom gained from years of experience while also imparting the Friends School philosophy. In return, TCs bring fresh perspectives, energy, and curiosity, infusing our program with new ideas, teaching methods, and innovative approaches. This partnership fosters a spirit of collaboration that enriches the lives of our adult community and the students in their care, keeping the joy of learning central in all that we do.

The TPP not only strengthens our teaching practices at Friends, but also ensures that our classrooms remain vibrant, innovative spaces where learning is a shared journey. We are proud to nurture the next generation of educators, knowing they will carry forward the Friends School philosophy to inspire countless future students. Together we are building a future where the joy of learning never ends.