We are pleased to introduce our new Employee Spotlight section where you have an opportunity to read from some of York House School’s newest additions.
Meet Jennifer Ford Sharpe, Junior School Program Coordinator for STEAM
What has impressed you most about the students at York House School?
Although I have only been at York House for a short time, I can quickly tell that we have a group of girls that think creatively, tackle complex problems and collaborate well with their peers. Whether creating a cardboard arcade, a fairy house, or designing a tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows, the girls rise to challenges with open minds and a desire to learn.
What inspires you most about the subject that you teach?
As the STEAM coordinator, I get to work with all of the Junior School teachers on projects that integrate science, technology, engineering, art and design, and math. By engaging in projects that bring in more than one discipline, students make connections, think critically, and see things in a new light.
What are you most looking forward to at York House in the coming months?
I am excited to learn more about our students’ interests and questions, and use this knowledge to plan project-based learning opportunities that are rooted in real life problems.
What is something that people might not know about you that you would like to share?
Prior to teaching, I worked in museum public programming at The National Portrait Gallery (UK), Peggy Guggenheim (Italy) and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection (Ontario). I ran family programs, lectures, camps, and studio programs.
What is your favourite book of all time and why?
I love The Dot and Ish by Peter H. Reynolds. Both books illustrate an approach to art education that encourages creativity and individual thought.