Falling in Love with Words: A Journey Through Language and Literature with Leana Phipps
On October 24, Friends Seminary celebrated the art and craft of teaching at the 16th Annual Teri Hassid Art of Teaching Lecture, presented by Middle School English teacher Leana Phipps. Her lecture, titled “We Are the Storytellers: The Power and Beauty of Language,” was both a reflection on her 20 years at Friends Seminary and a celebration of the English language as a tool for deep thinking, empathy, and personal expression. Phipps shared insights into her own love of reading, a passion that she has been cultivating since childhood—charmingly depicted through family photos and memories, including the affectionate nickname “Duckus Bookus.”
Leana brings a rich background in English education to her role at Friends Seminary. She holds an M.S. in Teaching Adolescent English from Fordham University (2005) and a B.A. in English from Wesleyan University (2000). Prior to joining Friends, she taught English for three years at a public high school in the Bronx. Since arriving at Friends, she has been instrumental in curriculum development, co-authoring a Grade 5 advisory curriculum in 2015, and she actively engages in professional development.
In her Grade 5 and 6 classes, Phipps guides her students on a journey through language, helping them become not only better readers and writers but also better thinkers and empathetic individuals. The fifth grade curriculum, for example, focuses on the pillars of literacy—reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Here, she introduces her students to analytic writing, empowering them to express their ideas with clarity and purpose. A key part of this journey is the exploration of ancient texts, like Gilgamesh, which ties directly into their World History studies, keeping history alive and connected to the present. This interdisciplinary approach enhances students' comprehension of historical contexts, cultivating a sense of continuity across time and cultures. Click here to read more.
Click here to watch her presentation.
Author and Illustrator K-Fai Steele Brings Stories to Life in an Inspiring Visit to Friends
On October 11, the Lower School was honored to welcome acclaimed author and illustrator K-Fai Steele for a day of inspiration and artistic exploration. Known for her beautifully crafted children’s books, including “A Normal Pig” and the 2021 Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year "All Eyes on Ozzy!” Her dynamic artwork brings to life stories that encourage readers to embrace creativity, curiosity, and diversity. K-Fai’s professional journey includes prestigious fellowships, such as the James Marshall Fellowship at the University of Connecticut, the Brown Handler Writer in Residence at the San Francisco Public Library, and the Ezra Jack Keats/Kerlan Memorial Fellowship at the University of Minnesota.
The author’s LS assembly focused on her illustrations for Noodlephant by Jacob Kramer, a story about an elephant and her friends who band together to overthrow the kangaroos that run their town. The book explores a community’s response to injustice and who makes the rules, and who must break them. It’s about noodles and revolution, laws and lasagna. Lower School students eagerly brought their paper and pencils to the Community Period, where K-Fai demonstrated how to draw the beloved character, Noodlephant.
In addition to her engaging sessions with Lower School students, K-Fai took time to meet with Upper School students during a special lunch hosted by Morgan in Studio 1. This unique opportunity allowed older students to gain insight into K-Fai’s artistic process as she shared a behind-the-scenes look at her studio and creative workflow. The students were treated to a presentation that delved into the intricacies of illustration and storytelling, followed by a hands-on workshop where they had the opportunity to explore their own artistic expression under her expert guidance.
K-Fai Steele’s visit left a lasting impression on students, sparking thoughtful conversations around identity, creativity, and the power of storytelling. Her ability to connect with students across age groups speaks to the universal themes present in her work, making this day an enriching and unforgettable experience for all involved.
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