Ask any successful adult, and they will most likely point to a teacher who helped inspire them to thrive. Educators play a critical role in a child’s development that should not be underestimated. “Teachers are a school’s greatest strength and resource,” notes Elizabeth Zurlinden, head of school of Rossman School. “When it comes to influence in students’ future well-being, they are second only to parents.” Rossman serves children in junior kindergarten through grade six on its 20-acre campus. The independent elementary school is committed to building an environment of excellence, and its faculty is an important cornerstone of that mission.
Rossman is dedicated to working with educators who align with the school’s hallmarks of excellence. These include demonstrating the school’s values of honesty, kindness, respect and responsibility as well as creating a safe environment for students and pursuing their own continued growth and development. “Our faculty embodies our school’s mission and is deeply committed to modeling our values,” Zurlinden says. “They are collaborative, possess positive attitudes and approach problem-solving as an opportunity. Their pedagogy is grounded in a student-centered approach that inspires kids to not only build knowledge but also develop leadership skills, be creative and take risks.”
To ensure that Rossman can attract, retain and develop the highest caliber of teachers, it recently established the Endowment for Faculty Excellence. “The purpose behind the endowment is to allow our school to continue to attract top-tier talent and sustainably offer competitive compensation into the future,” Zurlinden explains. “It allows us to honor and support our current faculty while also looking forward to the future educators who will share their passion and talent with our community. It’s a provision for the continuity of excellence.” The endowment was made possible thanks to a $6 million gift from anonymous donors.
By investing in its faculty, Rossman is ensuring that its students can learn and grow in a supportive and positive environment. While the school’s academic standards are rigorous, its teachers work to encourage students and inspire a lifelong love of learning. “Rossman plays an important role in the academic, social, physical and character development of our students,” Zurlinden says. “Our faculty genuinely know and care for each student and are deeply invested in their success. I recently asked a group of students if they had a teacher who believed in them before they believed in themselves. Every hand was raised. The support of a teacher is a powerful thing.”
The impact of Rossman’s faculty is evident. Music teacher Amira Fuller was a student at the school. She was encouraged by her own music teacher to pursue her love for the subject and then share her passion by becoming an educator herself. “Our students and families are inspired by her talent and nurtured by her care,” Zurlinden notes. Fuller adds, “I was blessed to start my education at Rossman surrounded by excellent teachers who shaped and inspired me to become a teacher myself. Now, I get to be a part of the Rossman legacy of excellence and share the same love and passion for learning that
I experienced as a student.”
Located on 20 acres in St. Louis County, Rossman School serves children in junior kindergarten through grade six. The independent elementary school offers a challenging curriculum in academics, arts and character growth. Pictured on the cover: Music teacher and alum Amira Fuller works with kindergarten students. For more information, call 314.434.5877 or visit rossmanschool.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
Pictured at top: Art teacher Erica Spangler creates with second grade students.
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
