Introducing New Faculty and Staff - Rachel Blum-Jose!

From Megan: Rachel Blum-Jose is our new Stage III Head teacher who will be working closely with Ciaran McQuiston.  Rachel comes to us with experience teaching in Montessori schools, understanding the foundational elements of progressive education.  Rachel's inquisitive nature and curiosity are what attracted her to Roeper. Rachel shares, "I believe we are all lifelong learners and that my students teach me the most important lessons. We all learn from one another as we build relationships. Faculty, staff, students, families, community members, and other stakeholders are all connected at Roeper, and I envision us all lifting one another up in support." We are so fortunate to have Rachel join our team!

Rachel's answers to our questions:

What is your new position at Roeper - details like what courses you will be teaching, are you working with other faculty, who is your Roeper mentor (if you have one yet)?

I will be working with Ciaran in Stage III, teaching 2nd and 3rd graders. I have already been welcomed via group chat by the Stage III team, and I consider all of them to be my mentors, as well as Meghan Stott! I'm excited to learn from them as well as from my students.

What were one or two highlights of your life?

One major highlight of my life is music. I often reminisce about my days in high school and college doing musical theater, choir, and a capella. Music is very important to me. It helped me form an identity. I was once told that I "always have a song in my heart." I have pretty bad stage fright when performing by myself, but I love performing with a group. My stepdad also sings and plays the drums, and my daughter is taking voice lessons now.

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be and why? 

I want to visit the Arctic Circle -- I would love to see the Northern Lights! I would do a tour of Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden. Reading so much about the school system in Finland has me intrigued -- a school visit there would be a must! I would also like to visit the birthplace of my ancestors in Eastern Europe. I just read a book that took place in Alaska, and now I want to go there and experience the beauty of the landscape. The cold does not bother me at all! I would rather be cold than hot.

What are some things you'd like to share about yourself, your family and birthplace?

I feel very fortunate to have grown up in one of the most exciting, diverse and artistic areas in the world -- New York City! I grew up in Brooklyn and came back to the city after college graduation. I was always an independent child and teenager and loved taking public transportation by myself. I come from a family of educators. My dad taught Middle School Social Studies, and my mom worked for the Board of Education's budget department. My husband's family is also in education. His aunt is a principal, his uncles are teachers, his mom was a school librarian, and his sister works for Rochester Community Schools.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? 

I love to read, watch movies and shows, sing, play piano, and discover new things about Michigan. I enjoy trying new restaurants and love a good independent bookstore. I love spending time with my family too! I have three children aged 11, 10, and 6. We go up north to Walloon Lake whenever we can. I love being near water. It is calming to me.

What is a topic or skill that you love to teach or share and why?

I love teaching math! I enjoy using handheld materials to illustrate and reinforce concepts. I believe there are many ways to solve problems, and I like to give children different options. Some love to use mental math and explain solutions. Some like pencil and paper. Some like to work with peers. It's best when they come up with methods on their own without prompting. I also loved using technology to teach virtually during the 2020-2021 school year. There are so many cool tools online now! I like using Screencastify or another screen recording tool to create a short how-to video for students, for example.

What is it that appealed to you about Roeper when you took the job?

Everything! The campus is beautiful. I felt so at home during my first visit. In addition, the staff and faculty I met on that first interview day and beyond have been incredible! I feel like a valued member of the Roeper community already. I know my individualism and creativity will be embraced here, and that will allow me to be the best teacher I can for my students.