Jocelyn Waite has served in many roles at Madrona School since 2013, including lead grades teacher, handwork teacher, and preschool, kindergarten and first grade assistant. This year she is the Head of School and also teaches the Parent/Child class and handwork to the grades students.
Ms. Waite grew up on Bainbridge Island and attended Bainbridge High School. After graduating, she spent a gap year in England, three years in California, and a year abroad in Bologna, Italy. She received a BA in Linguistics from UC Santa Cruz. In her mid-forties, after owning a Bainbridge Island restaurant for 20 years, Ms. Waite pursued her passion and earned a Masters degree in Education with a Waldorf approach from Antioch University in New England. Ms. Waite is a mother to two Madrona School alums, both of whom attended the school from early childhood through 8th grade.
More about Ms. Waite:
Teaching. I love being a teacher. In the Waldorf classroom, learning often takes place through narratives, and storytelling has proven a compelling dimension of my teaching experience. I also love helping my students to discover concepts and principles for themselves through tangible experiences and then apply those ideas in new and creative ways.
Leadership. My experience running a restaurant has provided relevant skills that also apply to running a school. I understand organizational structures, business finances and human resources. The values of good customer service translate well to supporting parents and addressing their concerns. I have been fortunate to be able to combine my love of teaching with my business experience. Both my careers have prepared me to take on the role of Head of School. I enjoy leading Madrona School and am grateful to work with a very talented and innovative faculty.
Pastimes. I like to cook and knit. I like water-based activities, particularly swimming and boating. I think we live in the most beautiful part of the world, and am happy both when I am out in the elements and when snuggled inside on a rainy day with my book.
On Waldorf. I am passionate about Waldorf education. I think it is essential for the future health of our population that we value childhood and feed our children beautiful, nourishing images and ideas. Waldorf education offers an antidote for the rushed, over-scheduled, over stimulated, anxious child.
