Friends School of Charlotte proudly introduces our founding Head of School, David Kern. David comes to us directly from Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, PA, where he was principal of the middle school. He held this position for thirteen years and was the founding principal of the middle school within this 162-year-old Friends School. David brings many gifts and skills to FSC including Friends School administration, leadership, program development, vision, enthusiasm, team-building, focus, and follow-through.

Prior to coming to GFS, David delivered a variety of youth and family services in Westchester County, New York. Those services included running youth programs in peer counseling, drug and alcohol prevention, as well as creating and operating a passage rite style wilderness canoe program in northern Ontario, Canada. He was also the Director of the Lower and Middle Schools of the Main Line Day School located outside Philadelphia. Main Line Day was a school for children with learning and emotional challenges.

David currently serves on the Board of Fair Hill Burial Ground, a Quaker burial ground in Philadelphia. He also serves on the Board of Summerbridge of Greater Philadelphia, a program that helps public middle school students gain access to more competitive high schools. In addition to involvement with these organizations, David has been involved as a volunteer for the past four years with the African Great Lakes Initiative (AGLI). AGLI is a U.S.-based Quaker organization which partners with African Quakers to help provide peace and reconciliation services in East Africa. David, along with his wife Karen and son Derek, are helping to build a vocational school and help provide support for 200 youth in Bududa, Uganda.

David grew up in Bucks County, PA, where he attended Pennridge High School. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Psychology and a minor in History. He later attended Columbia University's Teachers College and is ABD toward an EdD in Counseling Psychology.

David is very excited and highly honored to help lead the growth and development of the Friends School of Charlotte.

Michelle Freeman Anderson, Lead Teacher, Grades K-1

Michelle Freeman Anderson is a native of Wilmington, Delaware, and a third-generation educator. She gained early experience with Friends education as an elementary student at Wilmington Friends School.

Michelle has a degree in Dance Pedagogy from Butler University and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Teaching (Elementary Education) Program at Queens University. Following her undergraduate work, Michelle served in Americorps with the Peace Learning Center in Indianapolis, Indiana where she taught conflict resolution and mediation techniques in the Indianapolis Public Schools. She has taught for four years in Charlotte; the last three of which were at Charlotte Country Day School. Of her new role at FSC, Michelle says, "I am drawn to teach at Friends School of Charlotte because of the opportunity to help create a learning community dedicated to simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and service. I look forward to meeting my new students and learning about their unique gifts and interests."

Geoerge Fox, Lead Teacher, Grades 2-4

George has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University and an MS and PhD in Physics from the University of South Carolina. He has taught Middle and Upper School math at Asheville Country Day School and has taught math and science at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School. He was a Math and Science Fellow with the Coalition of Essential Schools and has been a lab and classroom instructor at the University of South Carolina. George has also been a student advisor as well as coached football, soccer, and cross country track. Of his new role at FSC George says, "I think Charlotte has a real need for what Friends schools have to offer. I am excited to be part of filling this need as I work with my students to create a kind, caring educational community."

Barbara Bonner, Music, Grades K-3

Barbara is teaching music at FSC one day per week. She has a BA in Art form Converse College and is currently enrolled in the Music Education Program at UNC Charlotte. She is a certified Orff teacher and she has taught music at Trinity Episcopal and in the St. John's Summer Program.

As of February 2008, our Assistant Teacher position has been filled. As of June 3, our Lead Teacher position has also been filled. Please contact the school if you would like to be considered for future opportunities.

Lead Teacher, Lower School (Grades 2-4)

FSC seeks a lead teacher responsible for the implementation of the School's Quaker philosophy in the daily life of the classroom and school. The teacher will work with a teaching assistant to develop and implement a meaningful and developmentally appropriate classroom curriculum for approximately 15 children. Other duties include:

• Implementing conflict resolution skills for students
• Implementing a service-learning program in the classroom
• Implementing a Quaker education component into the classroom
• Communicating regularly with classroom parents

We are especially interested in teachers who have experience in working on educational teams and who seek the opportunity to help develop a new Friends school. We seek candidates who value helping to create a loving, diverse learning environment. Candidates should have at least 3-5 years of relevant classroom experience, have worked in multi-aged classrooms or settings, and have a minimum of a BA degree. Applicants should supply a cover letter, resume, names and contact information for 3 references. Applications must be received by Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Assistant Teacher (filled)

Friends School of Charlotte has an opening for an assistant teacher beginning January 2008. The Assistant Teacher will work with the Lead Teacher to develop and implement a meaningful and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children in grades K-3. We are interested in individuals who are planning or pursuing a career in teaching.

Part time: 15-20 hours per week.

Term: January-June 2008

The Assistant Teacher assists the Lead Teacher in all aspects of daily learning. This may include but is not limited to: copying and correcting papers, supervising students at recess and lunch, and teaching. In addition, the Assistant Teacher may:

• Help implement community involvement projects
• Help students develop conflict resolution skills
• Communicate regularly with faculty and parents

The Assistant Teacher reports to the Head of School.

Please contact the school for more information. Applications can be sent to the School, c/o David Kern. Applicants should supply a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references.