Middle School Teachers
Our teaching team is the cornerstone of our middle school. Our teachers work with early adolescents because they are drawn to this dynamic age group, when students are uniquely curious about learning and exploring their own interests.
They also bring passion and expertise to their classrooms. Many of our teachers hold advanced degrees in their subject areas and participate in ongoing professional development. Others find time to actively contribute in their professional fields by publishing literary works or academic papers, performing on stage, or receiving artwork commissions.
Kristen Morgensen '93
Biology Teacher
Favorite Teaching Prop
Foam models for hands-on learning activities.
Best Advice for Students
Keep trying when you’re wrong because that is when you will learn the most.
Hobbies
Snowboarding, competing in equestrian events, hiking and watching college football.
More Harker Profiles Browse the Middle School Teacher Directory
Librarians
The library is one of the most popular hangouts here at Harker. We think it’s because our students appreciate that the library is an exciting place to deepen their love of learning.
Our inquiry-based teaching approach hinges on information literacy – knowing how to find, verify, use and cite information available in print and on the web. Teachers and library staff work collaboratively to augment classroom lessons with outside resources available in our extensive library.
In a world deluged with information, our information literacy program sets our students up for success as they move forward to high school and college where study and research skills are invaluable.
Technology Specialists
At Harker we teach students how to use technology meaningfully and effectively to explore deeply, solve problems and represent information and data in new ways. Through intentional and targeted technology integration into our curriculum, our technology specialists help teachers use these tools to increase student knowledge and open doors to discovery. With a laptop for each student, we ensure that our students have access to the technological tools they need to succeed.
Professional Development
Teacher development is an essential component of our middle school program. Our teachers enjoy internal and external professional development opportunities including annual workshops, trainings and retreats. With the support of our librarians, technology staff, counselors and learning specialist, our teachers have the in-house support they need to devote their energy to creative and caring classroom teaching. Our own Vegesna Foundation Teacher Excellence Program allows selected faculty to travel the U.S. and abroad to hone skills they can bring back to their classrooms.