About Ms. Rieser

As a child, Katie Rieser thought she might want to be an archaeologist. As she grew older, she thought she might try writing, but that all changed when as a sophomore at Harvard University, she began reading articles about education reform.

“I really like working with kids, and this job makes me feel like I’m doing something meaningful with my life,” says Ms. Rieser. “I also like thinking about education reform, and solving problems with curriculum, reading books, and being active.  All of these fit really well with the teaching profession.  Plus, I got so much out of school and some of my own teachers that I want to give kids a good experience.”

Now in her fourth year of teaching, Ms. Rieser says she can’t imagine doing anything else.

“There are so many things I love about teaching.  I love being able to help build a different classroom community with each group.  I love hanging out with kids outside of school.  I love being able to clearly explain something for the first time.  I love the ‘lightbulb’ moment for kids when they understand something difficult. I love the sense of urgency at our school, and the feeling that every day really matters for students and families and communities. 

“Most of all, I love watching students ‘do their thing’ well, whether it’s playing music, or working on a test, or playing a sport.  I love it when a teenager is comfortable enough in his or her own skin to confidently display talent and intellect.  These kinds of displays almost always make me cry with happiness.”