New Year, New Career at Graland
As a Denver native, I have known about the first-rate reputation Graland Country Day School has in the community. After spending a great deal of time on campus as a visitor, I feel privileged to begin the newest phase of my career at Graland, where the faculty and staff collaborate to empower students to be leaders in a world that is in a constant state of change.
As a Denver native, I have known about the first-rate reputation Graland Country Day School has in the community. After spending a great deal of time on campus as a visitor, I feel privileged to begin the newest phase of my career at Graland, where the faculty and staff collaborate to empower students to be leaders in a world that is in a constant state of change.
I began my career as a teacher and have worked tirelessly to hone my craft. With each school year, I was fortunate to take on many administrative duties that gave me an opportunity to lead my colleagues in various areas of growth. Having served in these roles, I offer a perspective that takes into account the academic, social and emotional needs of middle school aged children. While learning new ways of problem-solving, children need space to grow as people who will ultimately bring contributions to the greater community and world. Yes, academics are important but having a strong character is equally, if not more, important.
Although I have a lot to share based on what I’ve gained from my 18 years of experience in the independent school world, my role will be to listen, learn and get to know the Graland community. It’s an amazing institution that recognizes the middle school years as a time of self-discovery with a burgeoning sense of independence. For the first time in their lives, this is the age where students have the freedom to explore their interests, develop their talents and begin the journey of who they are to become. This exploration is best fostered in a space that values innovation with a healthy dose of tradition. A thriving school environment like Graland will continue to push students to take risks in their thinking while strengthening fundamentals that are the pillars of a solid education.
Finally, I want to give a sincere thank you to the faculty, staff and administration. Transitions are not always easy, but I have always felt welcomed at every turn. Here’s to a new year and a new chance to grow, learn and build relationships together.
Marti became our head of Middle School in 2017 after working as an eighth-grade English teacher and dean of students. She has a master’s degree in curriculum and pedagogy from the University of Colorado-Denver and a bachelor’s degree in English and African American studies with a minor in music from Bowdoin College in Maine. A Denver native, Marti is an avid tennis player and lifelong learner.
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.
