Celebrate Your Educational Heroes!

As Director of the Gosselin Center for Teaching and Learning, Anne Peterson has transformed education at Kimball Union Academy by integrating neuroscience into classroom practice. She created the KUA Design Framework to connect brain-based research with teaching and professional growth. Under her leadership, faculty now apply neuroscience-informed strategies daily, use formative assessments effectively, and design classes that enhance engagement and retention. She launched the KUA Design Fellows Program, guiding teachers to conduct and publish research, and partnered with the CTTL to host an international training conference. Her ongoing initiatives—including a neuroscience course, student research projects, and an accessible textbook—continue to elevate teaching and ensure every KUA learner benefits from evidence-based education.

As an Upper School Music Teacher at Miami Country Day School, Kathryn (Kate) Joy Pelletier has transformed music education through her use of brain-based teaching strategies and a strong commitment to evidence-informed instruction. Drawing from her collaboration with the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, she integrates neuroscience research into her classroom to align teaching with how students learn best. Her approach centers on engagement, reflection, and curiosity, fostering creativity and confidence in every learner. Beyond her classroom, Kate serves as a mentor in curriculum design, contributes to institutional learning frameworks, and supports professional growth across the faculty. She also represents the Florida Music Education Association as a Private School Liaison and Emerging Leader, sharing her expertise to advance music education and elevate learning experiences statewide.

As a first-grade teacher at the Jewish Community Day School of Boston, Mikayla Fier has set a new standard for early literacy instruction through her data-driven, evidence-based approach. Her students consistently exceed grade-level expectations in reading and writing, achieving milestones well ahead of schedule. Mikayla's unified co-teaching model creates a classroom that is both joyful and structured, maximizing instructional time and engagement. Through thoughtfully designed literacy centers, real-time assessments, and personalized instruction, her students build strong phonics foundations, fluent reading skills, and advanced writing abilities. Her influence extends beyond her classroom, inspiring colleagues across JCDS to adopt her effective practices. By combining academic rigor with warmth, creativity, and joy, Mikayla has established a benchmark for excellence and is shaping a generation of confident readers and lifelong learners.