administrators
Christina Martin, J.D., Director of Curriculum and Instruction
B.A., Humanities, Yale College
J.D., University of Chicago
Email: cmartin@tcsconnect.org
“I love being around children. Most children like to be silly, but they’re very earnest about the things that are important to them. I’m the same way. I love learning and am curious about just about every topic. At the Children’s School I get to explore with the children. I never knew anything about mummification or Ancient Japan or hatching chicks until I studied them with my class as a teacher.”
Pamela Freese, Ph.D., Director of Administration
B.A., American Studies and German, Grinnell College
M.S., Public Services, De Paul University
Ph.D., Public Policy - University of Illinois at Chicago
Email: pfreese@tcsconnect.org
“It is such a privilege to work with and around bright, happy children. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and their smiles are always genuine. No two days at the Children’s School are ever alike. It’s exciting to try new approaches to projects, to investigate new ideas, and to work each and every day to make the school stronger.”
Daniel Ryan, Ed.D., Founder and Board Member Emeritus
B.A., Education, University of Michigan
M.Ed., Educational Administration, Harvard University
Ed.D., Educational Administration, Teachers College, Columbia University
Principal, Nursery -2nd Grade, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Chicago, ILEmail: admin@tcsconnect.org
"As the Founder of The Children's School, I am pleased that we have created a learning community that honors the voices of children. Through projects, academic discourse, and democratic processes, children are fully engaged in their own learning. Since our first year in 2004, children have built castles, covered wagons, organic gardens, and more. With expert guidance from teachers, these projects evolve from the ideas and interests of the children. Using progressive educational practices, The Children's School is a community of children, teachers, and parents that celebrate and nurture the unique learning needs of each child."
Our Staff
Steve Krzak, Office Clerk
Tracy Litsey, Communications Coordinator
B.A., Political Science, Wheaton College
Email: tlitsey@tcsconnect.org
"It's such a privilege to be part of a school community that fosters kind and compassionate future leaders. TCS provides an atmosphere that keeps kids engaged and excited about learning. I'm especially inspired by the social justice commitment of TCS, how it honors all voices, and how the values of equity, community service, and being the change we teach are so very real. There are so many great stories to tell about this school!"
