Laura Czarniecki

Field-Based Consultant

Laura has worked in a variety of educational settings for the last twenty years. In every space, which include summer camps, environmental education centers, preschools and elementary schools she has been deeply inspired by the dedication, enthusiasm and brilliance of children, families, colleagues and mentors. Through the completion of a Master in Teaching at The Evergreen State College, a study tour to the early childhood schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy and countless workshops and trainings hosted by Rethinking Schools, Opal School and the Threads of Justice Collective she has enriched her understanding of what’s possible in early childhood and elementary classrooms. She feels profoundly indebted to mentors from each of these organizations for their generous sharing of stories, wisdom, questions and songs.

Laura was a preschool teacher and anti-bias curriculum coordinator at Tulip Tree Preschool for six years and a preK teacher at Shaver Elementary School for two years. She then transitioned to the role of Teacher Collaborator at KairosPDX, a public charter elementary school. She supported teachers with the integration of inquiry and studio arts into their teaching practices. She also co-led staff wide anti-racist education training throughout her time in this role. Currently, she has returned to the realm of early childhood–she teaches at a tiny outdoor preschool in the urban forest of Mt. Tabor Park. No matter the setting she centers her work around relationships and the values of trust, play and voice.