Class of 2033: Welcome Ms. Hibbard!
We are happy to introduce our Grade 1 teacher for next year's class of 2033, Ms. Johanna Hibbard! Johanna completed her Waldorf teacher training at Antioch University in New England. She holds a B.A. in Romance Languages from the University of Oregon, an M.A. in Media Studies and Film Studies from The New School at Parsons School of Design in New York City, and an M.F.A. in Film from the University of Iowa.
Johanna most recently completed three years of class teaching here at PWS. Johanna returns to our faculty after taking a one-year leave due to family responsibilities during the pandemic. Johanna has been a valued colleague here at PWS. She served as chair of the DEI committee, co-chair of the grades section and member of the College of Teachers. We are thrilled to welcome her back and Ms. Hibbard is eager to get to work with her new class.
We asked Ms. Hibbard five questions, so you can get to know her a little more. We are sure you’ll agree that she is a fantastic asset to our community.
Q: What are your interests/passions outside of school/work?
Johanna: There are so many things to love about being a human! Here are the things I try to do most every day:
Running, my husband and I run 28 miles a week together around Mt. Tabor.
Reading, I try to keep up a steady literary diet, my most recently read books are Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, The Quiet American by Graham Greene and Killing Commendatore by Murakami.
Viewing, my first career was as a professor of media arts so I'm still passionate about good film and television. Some favorite recent shows are ‘I May Destroy You’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’.
Cooking, I have 3 teenagers and now that we are all home all of the time, the eating is serious! My favorite cookbooks of 2020 are Snacking Cakes and I Can Cook Vegan.
Art, I try to write, sing, draw or paint every day.
Reiki, my daily Reiki practice keeps me glowing and connected.
The West coast, I was born in San Diego, lived all over California up until I was 10, then moved to Eugene. I am deeply rooted to this place and this landscape. I go for a walk with a dear friend and our pack of dogs in Forest Park every week.
My 3 kids, of course! They keep me up to date on music, politics, art, anime, culture, fashion, and compassion. We live in the Hawthorne neighborhood, so spend lots of time walking to all the fun stuff around us, like bubble tea, thrift stores (I'm always on the lookout for vintage Heath pottery), and ice cream.
Q: What is something that our community might not know about you?
Johanna: In the early ‘90s I lived with a punk band in New York City.
Q: What inspires you about Waldorf education?
Johanna: Waldorf education is one of the ways that we are striving to make the world a better place. It is an honor to be a part of an endeavor that earnestly tries to understand and nurture each child in our care, to witness them grow to be their best selves in partnership with their parents. It is unique in its attention to and interweaving of human development, the arts, the natural world and movement. My colleagues inspire me with their deep commitment to the children and to one another.
Q: How did you find your way to teach in Waldorf over other educational pursuits?
Johanna: When I found Waldorf for my kids, I wanted to learn more about it so I signed up for the Foundation Lectures at the Micha-el Institute. Although I had had a successful academic career, I didn't feel like I was contributing to making the world a better place. Steiner says that if a person doesn't make a significant life change at age 42, they are heading for a mid-life crisis. So, at age 42, I knew that becoming a Waldorf teacher was the way that I would create meaningful change for myself. Teacher training at Antioch was intense, actual teaching was even more intense! But, nearly a decade on from that decision, I am such a radically changed and radically happier and healthier person, I have never looked back.
Q: What do you most look forward to coming back to PWS next school year?
Johanna: So many things! I am probably most excited for morning jump rope with children. I look forward to laughing and playing and connecting with friends, old and new. I look forward to getting coffee in the school store and saying hi to Yvonne, to seeing Crystal and Dionne and Brendan everyday in the faculty room, to greeting ALL of my colleagues in person from early childhood through high school! And the Michaelmas play. And a thousand other tiny details, that come from the joy of sharing experiences.
We are so happy to have you back, Ms. Hibbard!