8th Grade

Richard Martin – 8th Grade

Richard is a certified Waldorf teacher with a California clear credential and over 15 years in the classroom—ten of those as a class teacher. He first taught at the Waldorf School of Orange County, where he took a class from third grade through eighth. Having joined the Journey School faculty in 2005, he then became the leader of a fifth grade in September, 2006. His class of 26 students graduated from eighth grade in June, 2010 and is now thriving in high school. (We look forward to featuring these alumni on the school website and during upcoming celebrations). After a rejuvenating partial sabbatical last school year, Richard is excited to be returning as this year’s eighth grade teacher.

Richard has a keen appreciation for the Journey School curriculum, and relishes the challenge of bringing education to life in his classroom. He also feels privileged to work with the talented and dedicated Journey School faculty and staff, and cherishes the opportunity to participate in Journey’s vibrant school community. Richard also serves as a trainer of Waldorf teachers in the Rudolph Steiner College Hybrid Master’s/Certification Program. He looks forward to seeing lots more “good things happen!”

Carrie Ferguson – Specialty Teacher

Journey School’s middle school program is thriving! Enrollment has never been stronger. Wait lists continue to grow. Students are happy to come to school, eager to learn, and proud of their accomplishments! A variety of student achievement results prove they are indeed experiencing success, including: main lesson books, classroom-based projects, and student achievement data from the STAR/California Standards Tests. But, we’re not satisfied.

In 2011-12, we’re taking another giant leap forward at the middle school level. Carrie Ferguson has been hired to specialize in English Language Arts and New Media Literacy. Carrie brings an abundance of qualifications to the table. Carrie has been an educator for nearly 20 years and is passionate about igniting a love for learning in adolescents. Carrie specializes in project-based learning, and has trained many teachers at UCI and other educational centers. She possesses a Master’s Degree in Education and Clear California Teaching Credential from UCLA. She also has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and has served as a school principal for 5 years. Carrie can’t wait to build strong connections with the 8th grade class, and has written a few words below….

“I am thrilled to join the Journey Community this year with the 8th grade class. I have a great passion for teaching and learning. This passion began when I was fortunate enough to attend a school in Hawaii called Hanahauoli, which means “joyous work”. School, for me, has always been a joyful, challenging, and exhilarating place. I have had the great fortune to work in very progressive environments for the last sixteen years teaching (and as the administrator for five years) at Santa Monica Alternative School House (a K-8 progressive school) and as an Educational Consultant with Big Picture Learning, a K-16 organization that believes in educating one child at a time.

Through all of my experiences, I have learned that my greatest joy comes from working directly with children. I have always seen learning as a journey, a winding path that guides and informs us as we develop our place in the world. I am excited that the path has led me to Journey School so I can share what I know with the 8th grade class and to learn from all of you as well. I look forward to getting to know all of you.”