MIRANDA TRAEGER

Miranda's pathway within education has taken many traditional and nontraditional twists. After graduating from The University of Oregon with her Bachelor degree in Elementary Education, she went back to her roots and taught on an Indian Reservation in Montana in a public school setting. The calling of the lush Oregon forests drew her back and she discovered Waldorf Education in a private school setting. It was a joyful time for her, but a move to the Willamette valley opened up the possibility of making a difference in the public school setting. She taught for 6 years in St. Paul, Oregon for an amazing community.

After the birth of her two children, her passion for having the right educational model for them was intense. She became a founder to The Community Roots School and has moved from founder, to business manager, and now to the role of administrator. Miranda's passion for child development and purposeful education has found a home within the Montessori methodology. "I find so much peace from the teachings of Maria Montessori and her focus on the child," says Miranda.

Outside of her passion for education, she loves to be outside. Nature is a second home to her, and she hopes to offer many experiences to the students of Community Roots surrounding the concepts of being stewards of the Earth. She spends her free-time hiking and camping as much as possible. E-mail Miranda.

Jenny McCord

Before moving here, Jenny and her husband, Michael, lived in San Antonio, Texas. She graduated in 2002 with a BA in interdisciplinary studies with an early childhood endorsement from UT in San Antonio, Texas, and received her Master's in Education with an ESOL endorsement from Western Oregon University in 2006.

While Jenny studied different educational theories in her undergrad program, she became very intrigued with the Montessori method. She crafted her own teaching style after the Montessori method as much as possible within the frameworks of public education. She believes in allowing children choice in their education and knows that giving them opportunities strengthens their abilities, confidence and independence.

Jenny has taught in Woodburn as a kindergarten and first grade teacher in a dual-language program. In her third year, she received the Crystal Apple Award from the district for the work she put into the program and for her accomplishments implementing a strong literacy program.

Jenny then moved to Silverton where she taught in first grade and kindergarten at Eugene Field. She was the chair on Site Council and team leader for kindergarten. Shortly after she moved to Silverton, she began to collaborate with the other founding members to help create The Community Roots School.

In her spare time, she enjoys listening to good music and being outdoors with her family. Jennifer and Michael have one son.

From Jenny:
“Teaching is my passion! My classroom is very child centered, creative, rigorous and fun! I will provide engaging activities that are hands-on and that will deepen their understanding of what is being taught. My approach to teaching children is to create independent thinkers that explore learning with much excitement and anticipation. I hope to connect with your child on a level where we can create a strong bond here at school and beyond. It is very important to me that your child feels safe, happy and motivated to learn. I can’t wait to get this year started and I look forward to working with you in the future!” E-mail Jenny.

GARY GRENIER

Bio and picture coming soon. E-mail Gary.

Ginger Rogg

Ginger grew up in North Carolina. She received her B.A. in speech communications and Teaching Certificate from the University of North Carolina. After college, Ginger traveled extensively in South America and eventually taught a fourth grade class in Bolivia. It was there that Ginger met her husband, Helmuth, an entomologist. They have a son and daughter together.

Ginger has received over 200 hours of training in peer mediation, conflict resolution, language and counseling. Ginger has spent much of her career helping children and families and much of her life developing community and finding a common good.