Elizabeth Leddy

Did you know that Lower School Innovation Specialist Mrs. Elizabeth Leddy placed second in an archery league when she was 10 years old? Ask her if she still knows how to shoot a bow and arrow!

Free Build is one of my favorite experiences to facilitate in the Gates Lab. I have so many favorite lessons, but the joy on Lower School students' faces when they walk into the room and see that the Tinker Time store is set up and the hot glue guns are plugged in is the best. I have students stop me in the hallways and ask, “Mrs. Leddy, when is our next Free Build?”

I am always looking for new ways to learn and grow as an educator. Recently, I participated in a yearlong fellowship through Leadership + Design, where I connected with independent school educators from around the country through coaching, leadership conversations, and professional learning. I also continue to attend conferences, present on innovation and education, and read widely about curiosity, creativity, leadership, and learning.

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching in the Gates Lab is watching students grow in creativity and independence from Kindergarten to Grade 1. In Kindergarten, students spend much of the year learning how to find and use the materials and tools they need to bring their ideas to life. By Grade 1, they are confidently gathering materials, making decisions, solving problems, and independently creating projects. It is inspiring to watch students develop the confidence and ownership needed to turn their design dreams into reality.

I want to help create learning experiences that inspire students to approach the world with curiosity, creativity, and purpose. Whether they become inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, or something entirely different, I hope they leave Graland believing they can make a meaningful contribution to the world. Beyond school, I want to encourage my children to embrace new experiences, stay curious, and approach life with creativity and compassion.

PawsCo, WeeCycle, The Blue Bench, Denver Rescue Mission, Food Bank of the Rockies, Horizons Graland, and Colorado Public Radio

Tinker Time Enrichment Teacher, Grades 5/6 Gates Coach, Summer Grant Participant, and contributor to a variety of school initiatives and task forces

2009

Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver

Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development from Colorado State University