| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Beth Stefanik
Assistant Director of Communications & Marketing
434.296.5106 (o)
434.282.4371 (c)
bstefanik@stab.org
www.stab.org Laura Robertson Named an
NAIS "Teacher of the Future"
Charlottesville, Va. - Laura Robertson, an Upper School teacher at St. Anne's-Belfield School, has been selected by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) as part of its annual Teachers of the Future Program.
The 2014-2015 NAIS Teachers of the Future were selected from a large pool of nominees who exemplify creativity and innovation in the classroom, inspire academic excellence in students, and who serve as opinion leaders among their colleagues and peers. One of 35 teachers nationwide chosen for the program, Robertson will participate in a variety of initiatives to strengthen learning and teaching at independent schools as well as hone her personal leadership capacities. Now in her 12th year at St. Anne’s-Belfield School, Robertson has directed the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program, taught Upper School English, and developed a team-taught, interdisciplinary American Studies course. This year, she will assume a new role as chair of the grades 7-12 Humanities Department, which integrates English, History, and Religion. Robertson has collaborated with educators Peter Gow and Chris Thinnes in the creation of #PubPriBridge (www.pubpribridge.net), which nurtures conversations between independent and public school teachers interested in improving pedagogical practices and sharing experiences. The group hosts bi-weekly Twitter chats on a variety of educational topics. In her spare time, Robertson uses Twitter (as @mamarobertson4) and her blog whatteachersmakeblog.com to reflect upon trends, innovations, and technology within the context of education. NAIS President John Chubb notes, “Teachers nurture our children’s growth and development. These exceptional Teachers of the Future are not only preparing children to succeed in life; they are moving the profession forward by modeling innovative practices and leadership among their peers.” The National Association of Independent Schools provides services to more than 1,700 schools and associations of schools in the United States and abroad, including 1,500 nonprofit, private K-12 schools in the U.S. that are self-determining in mission and program and are governed by independent boards. NAIS works to empower independent schools and the students they serve. For more information, visit www.nais.org
More about St. Anne's-Belfield School Small class size, a talented and nurturing faculty, and challenging academics characterize the traditional college preparatory curriculum. St. Anne’s-Belfield School serves boys and girls in grades Pre-School through Grade 12. Five-day and seven-day boarding options are available in grades 9-12. A weekly chapel service, a competitive sports program, and fine and performing arts opportunities complement the academic experience. | 
