About Us

As part of its mission, every student at EMS plays a strings instrument, an ambition only realized through the creative talents of our faculty. Mary Anne has been with Emerald since 2006, and she has a distinct knack for inspiring the passions and refining the abilities of her students, from beginners to budding virtuosos. She states, “The process of learning an instrument reaches in and touches the curious scientist in all of us, the rational mathematician finding simultaneous order and chaos, the mystery and puzzle lover, the artist. At EMS, every student chooses to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass when they enter the school. The process of their discovery — wherein they realize that they each have the capability to bring themselves and others joy through the music they create — is life-changing.” Mary Anne blends her curriculum to involve classical and contemporary works, and students share with her the ever-growing list of songs they want to play. She adds, “It’s wonderful hearing class pieces being sung and hummed in the halls, the spontaneous ‘I LOVE Telemann!,’ or having the same student who asked to play Call Me Maybe tell me that Bach’s Bist du bei mir is now her favorite song.” EMS students perform in a number of ensemble and orchestra arrangements throughout the year, both on campus and at venues across Steamboat. Likewise, they enjoy several opportunities to work with Ernest Richardson and the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra.

Mary Anne earned her Bachelor of Music Education from The State University of New York at Fredonia in 1982. Her education includes a strong emphasis in Suzuki pedagogy. She performs locally with the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra and the Steamboat String Quartet and has performed with the Erie Philharmonic, the Midland/Odessa Symphony and the Louisiana Philharmonic.

Gabriela Rodriguez joined the Emerald Mountain School community in 2020 as an Associate Science Teacher. She leads our primary students in their scientific pursuits, supports middle school science and 3/4 Math, and co-leads Fridays in the Field curriculum and implementation. She is originally from Bogota, Colombia, but has lived in North Routt at the base of Hahn’s Peak since 2015. She adds, “even though I am Colombian and my native tongue is Spanish, I now think, dream, and prefer communicating in English.”

Gaby graduated from Colorado College with an Environmental Science Major in 2015. Her passions combine environmental science and education, which led her to become a Certified Environmental Educator by the Colorado Alliance of Environmental Education in 2018. Gaby is also a certified Early Childhood Professional Level III with PDIS in the state of Colorado and has several years of experience leading preschool through college-aged students in nature-based learning pursuits. Most recently she designed a K-12 Water Education Program with Yampatika and is excited to implement parts of this hands-on, experiential, outdoor education program within the EMS community. Gaby is certified by the Colorado Department of Education as an Alternative Licensed Teacher and is currently enrolled in an Alternative Licensure Program through Northwest BOCES. Outside of the classroom, she loves trail running, backpacking, salsa dancing, country swing, and reggaeton.

Mary has over eighteen years experience working as the administrative assistant at Emerald Mountain School. She wears many hats throughout the course of the school day, and states, “I love working in the front office. I get to see everybody: parents, teachers, and all of the students. It’s nice to have Bode (the dog) here, too, since he always lends a calming influence, no matter what is going on.”

Mary holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Eastern Illinois University and, prior to her arrival in Steamboat, she taught third grade for three years in the suburbs of Chicago.

Mary and her husband moved to Steamboat Springs in 1989. Their son, Drew, is a 2012 alumnus of Emerald Mountain School, and he attends Colby College. She enjoys spending her free time cycling, reading, skiing and making pizza on the grill with her family.

Dave ran a local restaurant during his first ten years in The Boat. Although he found the work intriguing and it helped him to refine the collaborative skills he now thinks of as essential for his current teaching, he wasn’t fulfilled by the endeavor. His parents and grandparents were all involved in education in some capacity; as happens with many educators, although he didn’t initially choose the profession as a calling, teaching eventually found him. He states, “I arrived to Steamboat eager to define my professional track, and Emerald believed in both my ambition and my potential. I became myself at this school.” Now, after ten years in the classroom, he has come to realize and appreciate what his forebears understood: that the day-to-day enjoyment of collegiality and effective collaboration are the best rewards for the hard work involved in good teaching. He adds, “What I appreciate most about Emerald Mountain School is the emphasis on educating the whole child. As I look back on these past ten years, I most often reflect on how our graduates have grown into adults who value the importance of work hard and respect.”

Dave graduated from Colorado State University in 1996 with a BA in English and an emphasis in history. He received his Post-Bacc in Elementary Ed from Western Governors University in 2009.

Job Title: Upper School Dean of Students
Department: Administration
Reports to: Head of School

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and collaborative full-time Upper School Dean of Students for the 2021-22 school year. The US Dean of Students will report to the Head of School and work with administrators, faculty, and staff to build community, sustain the school’s ethical culture, and support student well-being and growth. The Dean of Students oversees community expectations, student life, student discipline, residential life, and student activities. This position is expected to live on the upper school campus.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage social policies, protocols, and practices that serve to support student development, learning, health, and safety.
• Oversee student leadership development and work closely with student leaders.
• Promote high expectations, personal integrity, and community responsibility.
• Maintain and support a system of discipline and restorative practices, including reinforcing accountability, school culture, values, and participation.
• Address disciplinary issues and communicate the details of these cases to parents, faculty, and students where appropriate.
• Work closely with health services to support student health, safety, and well-being.
• Ensure the health and safety of students on campus as well as in residential programs.
• Serve on the hiring committee to interview prospective faculty.
• Coordinate and lead student orientation programs.
• Coordinate and schedule special programs and events for attendance by the student body such as assemblies relevant to discipline, health and wellness, and safety initiatives.
• Develop and implement the Family Handbook.
• Coordinate and plan out a slate of dynamic weekend activities over the course of the school year.
• Provide training, leadership, and support for faculty on residential responsibilities and maintaining professional boundaries in a residential setting.
• Teach 1-2 classes.
• Keep the head of school informed regarding student issues and campus life.
• Perform other duties as assigned by and in support of the Head of School.

Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Ability to approach work with compassion while maintaining high expectations
• Demonstrated experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Sense of humor, optimism, and possess a growth-mindset
• Knowledge of social emotional learning and adolescent development
• The ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, make decisions, think critically and problem-solve

Compensation and Benefits:

Steamboat Mountain School offers a rich and comprehensive benefits package.

• Salary range, $40,000 – $50,000
• Medical including short term disability
• Dental
• Vision
• Retirement contribution match after one year of service
• Tuition remission benefits after two years of service
• Three weeks summer vacation as well as the majority of school vacations
• On Campus housing
• Meals provided during the academic year

In order to apply, email your resume and cover letter to: careers@steamboatmountainschool.org.
No phone calls. Steamboat Mountain School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Title: 6-12 Spanish Teacher
Department: Faculty
Reports to: Head of School

Job Summary:

We are seeking a skilled and experienced full-time Spanish teacher for the 2021-22 school year. The ideal candidate will possess native or near-fluency in Spanish, an exemplary pedagogical repertoire for second-language learning, a passion for teaching, and experience in designing curriculum. Further, successful candidates will also have excellent classroom management skills, experience working with both middle and upper school students, and the desire to work closely with colleagues. Language courses develop students’ skills in all core areas with an emphasis on speaking and listening. All classes should be taught in the target language and familiarity with comprehensible input is ideal. Throughout the curriculum, students explore and reflect on cultural practices and global perspectives to develop cultural competence and understanding.

Responsibilities:

• Teach five sections of Spanish
• Serve as an academic advisor to a small group of students
• Flexibility and willingness to perform non-teaching roles vital to building community
• Lead outdoor education trips
• Perform additional duties as needed
• Participate in school-wide professional development

Qualification Requirements:

• Experience teaching Spanish in middle school and/or upper school.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree is preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in student-centered, collaborative and inquiry-based teaching methodologies
• The flexibility to teach multiple ages, experience with curriculum development, and an active interest in teaching with project-based and technology-based learning is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• The desire to work closely with colleagues

Compensation and Benefits:

Steamboat Mountain School offers a rich and comprehensive benefits package.

• Salary range, $25,000 – $42,000
• Medical including short term disability
• Dental
• Vision
• Retirement contribution match after one year of service
• Tuition remission benefits after two years of service
• Approximately eight weeks of summer vacation and all school vacations
• On-campus housing may be provided

 

In order to apply, email your resume and cover letter to careers@steamboatmountainschool.org.
No phone calls. Steamboat Mountain School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.