Ellen Boyle

4th-5th Grade Teacher

“… the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting — no more — and then it motivates one towards originality and instills the desire for truth.”  –Plutarch

Ellen Boyle has two grown sons, Tyler and Grady, and lives in Fairview with her husband, Steve, and her loyal companion, Pearl (a terrier mix). She loves the natural beauty, outdoor activities and cultural diversity of the region.

Ellen has experience teaching students ranging from preschool through high school. The majority of her experience has been in a charter school where they used constructivist theory as well as multiple intelligence theory based on the work of Howard Gardner, typically in multi-age classrooms. Ellen believes that children are inherently curious and natural learners and her primary role as a teacher is to guide and support students in learning about themselves and the world around them. She has found that this helps create healthy and authentic relationships within the classroom culture which encourages cooperation and mutual respect. She is also committed to helping students experience the success and excitement of learning through hands-on activities, group projects and classroom discussions.

In her classroom, Ellen is most excited about facilitating student-driven service learning projects, establishing ongoing correspondence with international pen pals, and attending performances at the Diana Wortham Theatre. She is especially excited to have the opportunity to share some of her personal passions with her students such as reading, gardening, cooking, meditating, yoga, and arts & crafts.