MASTER TEACHER: SHELLEY ANDERSON (1975-1995)
.I remember well the three fourth grade teachers: Joanne Reinhoff, Ed Esleeck, and Shelley Anderson (in those days, she was Mrs. Ammons).
Even though my first classroom at Graland was U-51 in the Upper School Building, I loved the Gates Science Bldg. as soon as I saw it. There was something soothing about the space that housed shop, fourth grade, and Mrs. Gorham. It was a very busy space that worked. Other than visiting Mrs. Gorham two or three times a day, I often wandered through the building, peeking into the rooms wondering what was happening. I remember well the three fourth grade teachers: Joanne Rienhoff, Ed Esleeck, and Shelley Anderson (in those days, she was Mrs. Ammons). Also, Shelley introduced me to the Poudre Valley, spaghetti squash, and the great outdoors (with much help from Jack McKenna and John Kuntz, both of whom knew and almost accepted my fear of anything that was not a bookstore or a movie theatre).
What follows is an appreciation of Shelley written by Mary Ellen Snyder for the first Master Teachers’ Reception:
“Shelley was the personification of a teacher and scientist who truly loved her field. She appreciated and respected the world around her and had the ability to instill this joy in others. We’ll never forget the hundreds of trips she made to Cherry Creek to explore the trail and the critters in the water. Her reminder that the critters could be examined and studies but were to be returned to their habitat was a lasting lesson for all.
“Ever ready to guide a hike, help identify a wildflower, or explain a new phenomenon of nature, Shelley taught many of us to keep our eyes open, our senses alert, and to walk gently on this earth. She was an inspiration to all.”
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
