Bill came to Indian Creek after teaching economics, history and business law at Deerfield Academy, Tabor Academy, and The Sellinger School of Management at Loyola University of Maryland. Bill was also the Business Manager and Assistant Director at Camp Agawam, a non-profit residential boys camp in Maine.

Bill directs the school business office and is responsible for the non-academic, operational and financial resources of the school. Early in his career, Bill served as the Assistant General Counsel at Vail Resorts, Inc. in Colorado before he left law practice to return to the school teaching and camp work that he loved. Bill coaches the ice hockey team at the Upper School, referees high school and youth lacrosse. He and his wife Emily have two small children and an energetic Golden Retriever who keep themm busy at home. [hide]

Emily received an AB from Dartmouth College and an MS from Simmons College. Having attended independent schools for a number of years, she thought that this would be a great place to form her career and has since worked at boarding and day schools in New Hampshire and Baltimore before moving to Annapolis. Emily has been at ICS for four years and has really enjoyed building the collection in the Upper School library. She works with both students and faculty to support the curriculum (and pleasure reading, too!) with a combination of print and electronic resources. [hide]

Having lived in and taught in Europe, I find that children from all over the world want only the same things at school, a safe, loving environment where they know they are cared for, as learners and as human beings. Indian Creek takes pride in doing just that. As a teacher, I hold a tremendous responsibility in my hands, to help my students grow to reach their potential, whatever that may be, and to help them take hold and take the ownership of their learning, as well. I don't just speak of "learning" as academics but also the learning involved in being a decent human being who will contribute to the bigger world one day and leave the world better because this one person made it so. [hide]

Amy Benson grew up in AIMS network, attending Friends School of Baltimore from K-12th grade. Amy came to ICS to teach second grade, from 2001-2004. She then returned to graduate school and earned a M.Ed. in School Administration from Loyola College (2006) and an M.S. in Applied Developmental Psychology (2007) from U.M.B.C. She has conducted research on gender, ethnicity, and income differences in second graders' knowledge of math facts. Amy is now the Assistant Lower School Head and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology. She is writing her dissertation on the K-5th grade experiences of high-achieving fifth grade math students throughout the nation. [hide]

I graduated from Skidmore College with a B.S. degree. My areas of concentration were advanced drawing, painting, and printmaking. Upon graduation, I taught art in Atlanta, Georgia for five years and served as department chair.

My art career continued in Hilton Head, when I served as Director of Collette Studio (international printmaking artists). I was charged with overseeing the production printing and hand-watercoloring of original etchings, including a major etching edition for the Franklin Mint. I continued watercoloring the Collette etchings when I moved to Annapolis, Maryland.

Soon after my son became an Indian Creek student in 1990, I joined Indian Creek School as a part-time art specialist. In 1991, I began a different career. I became the lower and middle school computer specialist, teaching computer applicationss to pre-kindergarten - eighth grade. The role of computer specialist evolved into network administrator and technology coordinator for many years. Although it may seem strange that I ventured in the direction of technology, it seemed like a natural transition to me because of the design and graphic possibilities in the field of technology.

With the opening of the Upper School, I was able to return to my art roots. As Director of Fine Arts, I feel very privileged to be part of a growing and award-winning art department and to work with such talented and creative students. It is so exciting to see students develop self-confidence in their artistic abilities, to see them progress, and to see them rewarded with appreciation for their individual artistic talents. [hide]

My name is Amy Burkowske, and this is my fourth year at Indian Creek School. I have a bachelor's degree in psychology from Washington College and a master's degree in special education with a concentration in elementary education from The College of Notre Dame in Maryland. Prior to coming to Indian Creek School, I taught special education for six years.

Being at Indian Creek has been such a rewarding experience. I thoroughly enjoy teaching first grade. It is an extremely magical year filled with social and academic growth. I hope that each day will be a positive experience for the children in my class filled with growth both individually and as a class! [hide]

This is my fourth year at Indian Creek where I teach 7th and 8th grade U.S. history. Before arriving at ICS I taught middle and upper school students for four years in a small private school in Silver Spring, MD. Before that I taught middle school for 31 years in Prince George's County. I earned my undergraduate degree in U.S. History from Towson State University and my Master's in Secondary Administration from Bowie State University. I've never been happier teaching than I am here at Indian Creek. I also enjoy sponsoring the Chess Club and the Middle School Golf Club. [hide]

I followed my children Bobby (98) and Stephanie (00) to ICS following a 15 year career at Westinghouse doing financial, contracts and business management activities, often on a bilingual basis. I spent 13 years as the ICS business manager and was privileged to be part of the formation of the Upper School from vision to reality. Interspersed with my Westinghouse and ICS careers, I spent a number of years as instructor of accounting and business at Anne Arundel Community College and always had a long-term goal of spending full time in the classroom. And for the last 4 years I have been putting my professional and educational background (BA, Accounting and French -Grove City College: MBA, Finance - Loyola College) to use in the classroom teaching math and French. The learning process for these diverse disciplines is quite similar. There's the inevitable element of things that have to be committed to memory, coupled with the more important element of reasoning. My personal goal is to help each student develop these skills in his/her individual fashion, and achieve self-confidence and proficiency in the subject - while enjoying the learning process. [hide]

Amy Coleman is the Lower/Middle School Librarian at Indian Creek, which is the perfect job for someone who loves books and kids! She holds a BS from UMBC and a Masters from George Washington University. Amy is passionate about generating enthusiasm for books and reading. Her goal is to make the school library a welcoming and exciting place to be. The 2010-2011 school year will be Amy's ninth year as a librarian. [hide]

Kate Coleman teaches Earth Science in the Middle School. This is her second year teaching at Indian Creek School but she is not new to the ICS family. She is an alum of the Creek and has worked here over the years directing in the Summer Camp program. Kate attended Unity College in Unity, ME where she graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Science. Her emphasis was Traditional Forestry, and her minor was in Social Sciences. Following graduation, she lived and taught in Maine until the spring of 2009 when she moved back to Maryland with her beagle named Gus. She very excited to be back home at the Creek. [hide]

Susan Coleman has been part of the ICS family since 1974. She has an BS in Elementary Education from Bowie State University and a Master's equivalency from Loyola College in Early Childhood Education/Administration. She also has a Commercial Driver's License so you might see her driving a club outing or a first grade field trip! She has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, Pre-First, First and Second grade at Indian Creek. Her three children are all ICS alums. Susan loves the challenge of creating a classroom environment that values and nurtures all kinds of learners. She loves teaching first grade. It is a magical year filled with learning, fun, excitement, responsibility and growth. [hide]

Janet Collins has just completed her 10th year at ICS. Formerly a first grade teacher who was a stay-at-home mom until her children were young adults, she returned to teaching early childhood music. "Music is for life" - musicians can play when they're eight or 88. Her goal is to instill a love for music and a basic knowledge of composers and their works. [hide]

Anne Crossman (ICS '97) returned to ICS after working as a House Manager at CENTERSTAGE in Baltimore. She earned BA degrees in English literature and in Theater Performance from Salisbury University as well as her Master in Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University. Anne is inspired by the high level of performing arts talent at ICS - in all three divisions - and looks forward to working with young performers every year. Along with her performing arts colleagues, Anne works to bring professional-quality theatre expectations and training to the students at ICS. She also feels that writing is extremely important and aims to get her students to enjoy and take pride in their compositions, all while reading really great books! [hide]

I have been involved in middle school education for over 34 years, and this year is my 30th at Indian Creek School. My educational background includes a BS in Education from the University of Maryland, a MS from Loyola College in Psychology Counseling, and a CAS in Educational Leadership for Independent Schools through The Johns Hopkins University. I am so proud to share with you that both of my daughters are ICS graduates: Anne (ICS 1997) and Liz (ICS 2002). My wife, Patti, is a Professor of Music for the Community College of Baltimore County.

The joy for me in working with middle school students is being an "active witness" to the evolution that occurs with these adolescents as they emerge into young adults. As this "active witness," it is my greatest pleasure to provide experiences and opportunities that lead toward the development of connected, confident, empowered and capable individuals. [hide]

Robin came to Indian Creek Upper School in August 2008 from an independent school in Baltimore. With eleven years of previous experience (including Admissions, teaching English and coaching lacrosse) at three different independent schools on the east coast she finally feels that she has found a good home here at the Creek! She enjoys the challenge of growing the enrollment and most of all is very proud to be working with such a dedicated faculty and staff.

No stranger to independent schools, Robin was literally "born into" a family of teachers and raised on the campus of a New England boarding school. She is married and has two boys, AJ, 6 and Michael, 8. [hide]

I was a teacher for 30 years in Anne Arundel County Public Schools at a suburban high school of approximately 2200 students. During my tenure I served as instructor for Spanish I through AP Spanish, and I was On Site Coordinator for the AVID program.

In 1999 I became a National Pacesetter Trainer in Spanish and 2002-2005 served on the Pacesetter Spanish Committee writing the national assessment. I have facilitated workshops for teachers in Anne Arundel and Frederick counties. I have presented at the MICA conference of Maryland, the High Schools that Work conference in Louisville, Kentucky and to Leadership Anne Arundel as well as the AP National Conference in Houston in 2005. I served as Co-Manager for the federal grant for Smaller Learning Communities at Glen Burnie High School and helped initiate school improvement plans incorporating AP Potential and My Road and AP Central for Students.

In the summers of 2004-2006 I served as the co-coordinator of the Summer Academy for AP Students and the Acorn Academy for rising 8th grade. In August of 2004, I was trained as a College Board Consultant for Pre-AP Spanish and Vertical Teaming. I also served as a National Trainer for AVID Write Path for World and Classical Languages. I have been at Indian Creek for three years and currently teach Spanish 3, 4, 5/AP and Advanced Seminar in Spanish. In 2009 I started the first Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica here at Indian Creek. [hide]

I have been in the education field for over 28 years. Twenty of those years have been at Indian Creek School. I've taught sixth through tenth grades for Indian Creek in subjects ranging from math to world history. I currently serve as the Learning Specialist in the Upper School. My interest in how the brain functions and its implication for the student in the classroom have led me down this career path. In addition, I am a performer with Live Arts Maryland, non-profit board member, and a daughter. [hide]

Throughout my 13 years of teaching in the state of Maryland, I have committed myself to guiding students through their early stages of social and intellectual development. My goal is to excite children’s curiosity and enthusiasm about acquiring knowledge and skills necessary to live a productive and rewarding life. I believe in recognizing the individuality of each student, the wide variation in abilities to learn, as well as unique learning styles. I received my Bachelor's of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland and a Master's in Teaching and Leadership from the College of Notre Dame in Baltimore, Maryland. While there I completed an internship in School Administration, along with a concentration in Special Education and Differentiated Instruction. [hide]

Jonathan Freeman-Coppadge received in B.A. in Liberal Arts from St. John's College in Annapolis. After graduation, he spent a year teaching English in Troyes, France, and several summers at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., where he taught classes on Philosophy, Creative Writing, and French. He joined ICS in 2008, glad for the opportunity to join the small, supportive community of learning, where he splits his time between the Humanities and Foreign Language Departments. Mr. Coppadge is also involved in the ICS drama program and teaches extra-curricular Yoga classes. He currently spends his summers in Middlebury, Vermont, where he is earning his M.A. in English at the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. [hide]

After receiving my degree in elementary education from Marymount University in VA, I taught first and third grades for five years in Prince Georges County. I came to The Creek in 1984 with my two pre-school children, Jeff '93 and Jennifer '95, to teach physical education and coach field hockey, basketball and lacrosse. I attended the University of Maryland to become certified in sports management and physical education and taught pre-kindergarten through eighth grade PE for the next seventeen years. My position slowly evolved into Athletic Director, Summer Camp Director and finally Alumni Director. My position now revolves around keeping in touch with our thirty-eight years of alumni and searching for ways for them to stay in touch with ICS and with each other as well as support Indian Creek. To stay connected to our current students and families I act as Senior Class Advisor and School Store Co-coordinator and other "special projects" as they evolve. [hide]

I have been an educator all my life. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Education from Shippensburg University and completed a Master of Education in reading from Loyola College.

Indian Creek is my second home; I started my professional career here, and before becoming Head of the Lower School I taught both first and second grade for almost thirty years. Both of my children were "Creekers" and have benefited from the excellent education they received here. As a classroom teacher, I measured success each time a child's face lit up when he/she made a connection, a student accomplished a task independently, a child made a thoughtful choice to a problem, or a class asked questions after being presented a new concept. As the Lower School Head I now have the privilege to help all the students have these successes and build a strong foundation for future learning. [hide]

Chuck is a graduate of Georgetown University where he studied philosophy and art history because that's what he found interesting. After college, he went to the University of Virginia School of Law and practiced law for over 16 years, primarily as a civil litigation attorney. When the insurance company he worked for went bankrupt, Chuck used the occasion as an opportunity to pursue a lifelong interest in education, applying to the Masters in Teaching program at Towson University from which he graduated in May 2007. Chuck joined the faculty at Indian Creek Upper School in August 2007. He currently teaches U.S. History, AP U.S. Government & Politics, Government, and Law, and also coaches Baseball and Girls' Soccer. [hide]

In 2001 I decided to bring to a close a long-term technical and management career in the high technology, software field and to seek a new career direction - one that would emphasize people over profit and learning over labor. Over the years, I've talked with many young people and adults who have had bad experiences with math in school. They were turned off to the subject, usually because early on they were either told, or concluded on their own, that they were not good at math. What a waste, because math can be fun, relevant, and accessible to all young people. With the right approach, all students can succeed in math.

"It's not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It's because we dare not venture that things are difficult."

"Whatever you can do or dream, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

These quotes from Seneca and Goethe capture several aspects of my life experience and personal philosophy - namely, that most of us believe we are capable of much less than we actually are, and that it takes boldness to overcome these limiting beliefs. What I find most exciting and fulfilling in my work as a teacher is helping students discover and manifest their full potential.

I have a BA in Math Education and an MS in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, and an MS in Counseling from Loyola. I live in Columbia with my wife, Jean, who is a therapist and pastoral counselor. We have three children and seven grandchildren, all of whom love math. [hide]

This is my thirteenth year teaching at Indian Creek and my fifteenth year teaching. I think that time flies when you are passionate about what you do and where you do it. I absolutely love working in the Middle School and teaching seventh grade math.

I completed my undergraduate work at Mount Saint Mary's University in 1996, and my graduate work at Johns Hopkins University in 2002. I spent my first two years of teaching in Baltimore County as a fifth grade teacher. During my thirteen years at Indian Creek, I have taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grade, English, math and Spanish.

This year like last, I'll be teaching two math classes and spending the rest of my time in the front office assisting Mr. Crossman as the Assistant Head of the Middle School. [hide]

I have been a member of the ICS faculty since 1989. My three children are proud ICS graduates. After 17 years as a first grade teacher, I became the Lower School Learning Specialist/ AKOM Coordinator in 2006. As Lower School Learning Specialist, I work with classroom teachers and specialists to enhance and supplement the learning in their classrooms. Whether it's reading with groups of students, working with individual students on writing assignments, or providing resources for teachers, my job varies from day-to-day. As AKOM Coordinator, I work with students, parents, and faculty across all three divisions of Indian Creek. Demystifying students, parents, and teachers about a student's learning profile is an important part of my job. Once we know and understand a student's specific profile, I work with teachers and students to develop the strategies, accommodations, and interventions that will help strengthen the student's learning strengths while supporting weaknesses.

I have a B.A. in English Literature and a M.A.Ed. in Instructional Leadership. I am a certified AKOM/Schools Attuned facilitator and member of the All Kinds of Mind national faculty. In addition to training teachers around the country in AKOM, I lead AKOM training for our teachers and administrators on campus and conduct professional development programs that help us keep current on AKOM practices, protocols, and tools. [hide]

Eileen Mattingly majored in International Affairs at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and holds master's degrees from St. John's University and the Johns Hopkins University. She has over 30 years of teaching experience in public and private schools. She has served as Director of World Wise Schools for the Peace Corps and as a curriculum consultant and author for the Center for Learning, Journeys in Film, and PBS. She was the first principal of Indian Creek Upper School, and now that the school is firmly established, she has returned to classroom teaching in the humanities department at the Upper School. She has seen ICS from the perspectives of a parent, a board member, an administrator, and a teacher, and has loved every bit of it. [hide]

Like all McCormicks (four of us) at ICS, I'm from Pittsburgh and am bound to its sports teams, but also to the family that remains there. When asked when we'll be coming "home," I can only reply to them that Indian Creek is a family member too. Every day I am surrounded by students I love and co-workers I admire. In my ten years here, I've taught English and literature to 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, and 12th graders; I've coached middle school and varsity soccer; I've directed and built sets for fifteen plays and musicals; and I'll have earned my Masters in Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins (2011). [hide]

I am happy to have joined the ICS community in 2008. I currently teach literature and English in the Middle School. I love teaching in a place where the energy is positive and free-flowing.

My educational background includes a B.A. in Elementary Education from American University and a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in Reading from Hood College. Prior to ICS, I had opportunities to teach in both Calvert and Montgomery counties in Maryland.

I love sharing books with students and helping them find books they love themselves. Helping students develop a love of reading is a particular passion of mine. Nothing brings me more joy than to have a student say, "Mrs. Meadows, I want to tell you about this book I'm reading..."

I am currently on a mission to read all of the Newbery Award winning books that have been written between 1922 and the present; talk about a lot of excellent literature to recommend to students! [hide]

I am a graduate of the University of Maryland (Fear the Turtle!) and have been teaching for over 30 years, 29 of which have been at Indian Creek. I taught special needs students in Prince George's County before I came to Indian Creek and taught math and, for a few years, science.

I love teaching math, and especially algebra, because it is challenging for students at first. Once they meet that challenge and succeed, they feel so good because they know that they have really accomplished something. They learn a lot of life lessons through math class. I like to make some of my presentations goofy, because the goofier it is, the better Middle School students learn it. We have a slope dance for learning about the slope of a line, the mailman property to teach the distributive property, and several vocabulary words that only make sense to Indian Creek students. It's the way the Middle School mind works, but in the end, they know their math.

I am the one who always seems to find the injured or orphaned animal or it finds me. I love nature, wildlife, tracking, and gardening. You might have noticed the water lilies that I put in the pond at school. [hide]

I graduated from Syracuse University in 1982 with a degree in music. I performed and traveled with various singing groups extensively throughout the U.S. from 1982-1992. I taught private lessons for 10 years, both piano and voice and was music director of the Chesapeake Music Hall Dinner Theatre in Annapolis from 1996-2005. I have recorded two CD's and entertain often for various groups and private functions. I love working with children and teach a theatre camp through the Kids in College program at AACC and work with the Children's Theatre of Annapolis whenever I can. Music has always been the driving force in my live and I hope I can bring my love and enthusiasm for music to Indian Creek School and inspire the students to appreciate music as much as I do. [hide]

I have a BS from West Chester University, formerly West Chester State College, and a MA equivalency from Loyola College of Maryland, with a concentration in the teaching of writing. I began my career at ICS many years ago and have recently had the pleasure of teaching a few children of former students. Middle school students' creative energy, enthusiasm, and questioning minds make them both a challenge and a joy to teach. They have taught me a great deal in return. [hide]

I had the pleasure of joining the Indian Creek School "family" in 2008 as a middle school Spanish teacher. I love teaching the great students at ICS and working with an amazing group of teachers and staff. I love learning languages and hope to provide a strong foreign language foundation while encouraging a love for languages in the ICS students as well.

I graduated in 2004 from Northern Arizona University with a B.S.B.A in Marketing and a B.A. in Spanish, in which I participated in an exchange program to Mazatlan, Mexico. I completed a M.A. in Secondary Education at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi in 2007. [hide]

I began teaching in the Anne Arundel County Public School system. I taught first grade and second grades for two years. I started teaching at Indian Creek School in 1997. For two years, I taught library skills to Pre K through second grade and keyboarding skills to third through fifth grades, as well as assisting in the management of the library. In 1999, Indian Creek created a separate computer lab for the Lower School. I have been teaching technology skills in this computer lab ever since it was created. I have developed the technology curriculum for the Lower School. Our objective is to have the children learn computer skills through activities that enhance their regular classroom curriculum. The program is designed to be age appropriate, enjoyable, and successful for each child. My mission is to empower students as independent, innovative, and ethical users of technology in support of lifelong learning. [hide]

Seven years of teaching at the United States Naval Academy plus seven years as an ICS parent to Heather and Michael were factors in Señora Maureen Sullivan's decision to drop anchor and teach at ICS. As she embarks on her 14th year of teaching Spanish to approximately 130 Early Childhood and Lower School Creekers, she never tires of creating new curriculum that is experiential, multisensory, and highly engaging.

A native of Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, she truly values the need for a multi-cultural education especially after moving over 30 times throughout her naval career and childhood. She shares her magical classroom with "Jorge" (a cousin to Curious George), and together they enchant our youngest learners with Spanish dialogues, games, songs, poems and cultural arts, crafts and food. "The journey of a 1,000 miles begins with the first step" and there's no doubt that ICS students are off to a great start in Spanish when they enter room 27. [hide]

I have been fixing pcs and networks for about 10 years. I live in Annapolis with my wife and daughter. I really like what I call "trailing edge" systems... the pc that gets the most use in my house came from the landfill. I also like teaching and coaching so I was really excited to do IT in the Indian Creek environment. I graduated from Haverford College in 1982 and did a lot of sailboat racing for the next 15 years. I am an assistant to Coach Goetz on the girls' varsity soccer team. [hide]

Hola! This is my fifth year teaching Spanish at Indian Creek School and working with an amazing group of children. I was born and raised in Mexico, where I was a language teacher for over ten years before moving to Maryland. I graduated from a TESOL program and transferred my love of teaching to teaching my own language and Hispanic culture. I strive to expose learners to different opportunities to work with the language and give each one of them an opportunity to shine and be confident, in a constant effort to develop fluency and appreciation of different languages and cultures. [hide]

My name is Amy Watson and this is my first year teaching at Indian Creek as the K-1 teacher. I am thrilled to be a part of the Indian Creek family! My husband and I are fairly new to Maryland. (I am from New York where I attended SUNY Geneseo where I majored in psychology and minored in environmental studies and biology.)

I spent this last year as a teacher's assistant and early reading interventionist in kindergarten at Georgetown East in Annapolis after moving here in December of 2008. During this time, I took courses and earned my Maryland Teaching Certificate in June. I did get certified to teach in New York after receiving my masters in education from Bank Street Graduate College of Education.

I taught for seven years in schools as well as at various zoos and aquariums, including Sea World. It was during my time as the Director of Education at The Water Front Center that I met my husband and took a three year sabbatical from teaching to work, live, and travel aboard yachts; my husband is a yacht captain from South Africa. We sailed all over the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Adriatic, and the US East Coast before making Annapolis our home.

I would like to have all of my K-1 students to feel happy and successful everyday; to give them positive, meaningful learning experiences where they can grow as individuals and as a group. [hide]

I joined ICS in 1994 after teaching in a Baltimore County middle school and a high school. My nephew was in third grade, and my sister told me that ICS was looking for a middle school history/English teacher. After meeting Bruce Crossman and Anne Chambers and getting a tour of the Evergreen Campus and classrooms I knew it was the place for me -- love at first sight.

I have taught social studies/history, English, and literature, founded the ICS Players Shakespeare group, the ICS Times student newspaper, - have directed musical theatre, coached soccer, and taken students overseas on summer trips. I was one of the founding administrators of the Upper School and served as the first Admissions Director growing from sixteen to 172 students. The opportunity to teach my favorite subject to my favorite grades came up and here I am teaching history again in middle school - my true calling - Priceless! [hide]

My BS in Art Education (K-12) was earned at Southern CT State College (now a University) in New Haven, CT. Knowing that I was going for a teaching certificate, I took "one of everything" I could in Art while there but concentrated in metal working and jewelry creating. I have been a salesperson, assistant manager, waitress, assistant to another jeweler, gold and silversmith, and now, owner of my own jewelry/fused/stained glass business in my copious free time after teaching days at Indian Creek! As we work in paint, clay, pastels, glass, metals and other media, I wouldn't give up seeing the "Ah, Ha!" moments of my students for anything! The great pride they have in creating something wonderful is "priceless." [hide]