We said goodbye to our outgoing PEL fellows Caleb Teachey, Emma Timbers and Jeff Adams, pictured in the center row, while saying hello to our four new fellows: Arielle Drisko, Ruth Bagley, Sarah Nelson and Matt Linden, front row. Former PEL fellows Sigal Gerson Kadden and Mike Vercillo are in the back.
For those who don’t know, PEL is our 2-year training program designed to teach early-career progressive educators in both experiential and theoretical ways (and without students incurring the debt of a traditional graduate program). Here is some background on each of the fellows. We are thrilled to have them on campus!
Ruth Bagley
Houston, TX
Originally from Houston, Ruth graduated from Haverford College (located near Philadelphia) in 2017 with a major in linguistics and minors in computer science and Chinese. She wants to become a math teacher adept in progressive teaching techniques because she believes in their efficacy in terms of both fostering students’ curiosity as well as facilitating real understanding rather than memorization of the material. Outside of education, Ruth has a variety of eclectic interests, including learning foreign languages, doing puzzles, playing piano, traveling, knitting, and coding.
Arielle Drisko
Lexington, MA
Arielle is from Lexington, MA. She graduated from Colorado College in 2016 with a degree in Art. She spent most of her art student career working in drawing, oil paint, and printmaking. She attended The Cambridge School of Weston and graduated in 2012. Recently she has been working as an instructor at the Hulbert Outdoor Center. Her days can include everything including silly tag games, facilitating team building challenges, and belaying on a high ropes course. She is fascinated by science, especially when it pertains to the nature that surrounds her. As an educator she strives to help students discover their strengths and learn about themselves through art and creativity.
Matt Linden
Acton, MA
Hailing from Acton, MA, Matt graduated from Cornell University in 2017 with a double major in History and Linguistics. Outside of the classroom, Matt loves to sing, do stand-up and improv comedy, and cook; he is also a fan of many sports, especially European soccer. Matt is thrilled to be a part of the PEL program and is looking forward to starting a career as an educator by learning from some of the best teachers around.
Sarah Nelson
Chicago, IL
Sarah hails from Chicago by way of southern California. She graduated from Pitzer College in 2017, where she studied human biology and participated in the Bhutan exchange program; she also tutored peers in the writing center, participated in the campus outdoor leadership program and was an active member of Advocates for Survivors of Sexual Assault. Sarah spent her final year researching contemplative learning in higher education and exploring the power and efficacy of mindfulness practices in the classroom. Aside from reading and writing, some current passions include attempting to play string instruments, practicing yoga and listening to the Hamilton soundtrack. This past summer she led back country trips for adolescents, hiking and kayaking in the North Cascades and the islands of British Columbia. She is very excited to have the opportunity to continue exploring experiential learning and education in a new environment as a PEL fellow.
