Hi! I currently teach the 4th and 5th grades at James Baldwin Elementary. I started teaching 4th grade at Northgate Elementary (now James Baldwin Elementary) in 2013. Each year since then, I have either taught the 4th grade or a 4th/5th-grade split. Before moving to Seattle in 2013, I was a special-education teacher in Broward County, Florida at the middle school level. There, I taught the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Even before that, I was an attorney practicing, among other things, employment and discrimination law for nine years.
I believe that all students bring valuable experiences, insights, and talents to our classroom and school communities!
There are so many things I love about James Baldwin that I cannot possibly write them all here. Here are some of them: We have an amazingly diverse group of students, families, and staff. I also love being part of a classroom and school community which focuses on inclusivity to make sure everyone is learning and is being respected.
When I am not teaching (or preparing to teach), I love spending time at home with my husband and our two dogs. My husband and I are both very adventurous with seeking out and trying new cuisines. We also both enjoy exercising at the gym, paddle boarding, camping, and traveling.
We have 24 students in our class this year. They are a really great group of students who work hard and support each other.
We have been writing personal narratives in writing.
We love to read and are learning about story elements in reading.
We are studying American history.
I am grateful to begin my 6 th year as the Visual Arts Educator for our Eagles community. 2023-24 is my 10th year overall in public art education. I love facilitating the connections, ideas, and meaning students bring to the art making process.
In my own art practice, I like to quilt, knit, crochet, paint, and build paper mache structures. I love going to the wonderful array of art events and exhibitions Seattle offers—it keeps me inspired to bring new experiences to the students. I believe that art is for everyone and is made by everyone, and that students can be successful with inquiry centered around diverse art exposure across cultures, place, and time.
I'm excited to join the North Beach community as your new principal! I completed my administrative internship at North Beach Elementary during the 2016-17 school year after serving as the librarian/technology teacher there since 2010. Prior to coming to North Beach I was an elementary school librarian for 10 years in the Bellevue School District and also worked as a high school Social Studies teacher for the Orcas Island and Shoreline School Districts. When I'm not at school I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and watching or playing soccer. You can reach me at kemclane@seattleschools.org.
Hello! I am so excited to be apart of the Blaine team as a fifth grade teacher. I previously taught fifth grade in the Kent School District for two years before making the transition to Seattle Public Schools. I grew up in Spokane, Washington and recently moved to the area a few years ago. I graduated from Washington State University with a bachelors degree in education. GO COUGS! Within the next few years I hope to continue my education and get my Masters. I am looking forward to a fun-filled year getting to know the community and making connections with students and parents.
