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Rachel Balkcom
Humanities Guide at Denver Montessori High School
Professional Background
Rachel Balkcom is a dedicated advocate for educational reform and systemic change, driven by her passion for empowering young people. With extensive experience in the field of education, she has held significant roles that reflect her commitment to creating a more just and regenerative world. As the co-founder and instructor of Humanities at Denver Montessori High School, Rachel plays a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and fostering a nurturing learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking and creativity.
Prior to her role at Denver Montessori High School, Rachel served as the High School Director, showcasing her leadership capabilities and her ability to inspire both educators and students alike. Her career also includes valuable experiences at City Year, where she held various positions such as Director of Program and Service, Education Director, and Senior Program Manager. Her tenure at City Year was marked by her innovative approaches to service learning and educational support, which have influenced countless students and teachers.
In addition to her leadership in K-12 education, Rachel has also contributed to higher education as an Adjunct Professor at Naropa University, where she taught Indigenous Environmental Issues. Her academic insights complement her practical experience and reinforce her holistic approach to education. Previously, she made her mark at RMSEL as an 11th and 12th grade Humanities Teacher and Crew Leader, further demonstrating her diverse teaching capabilities. Furthermore, as Director of School Programs at Earth Care International, she worked to integrate education with environmental responsibility, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious learners.
Rachel's unique blend of experiences allows her to create transformative educational experiences that not only support academic success but also nurture the values of equity and social responsibility.
Education and Achievements
Rachel Balkcom's educational journey has played a critical role in shaping her educational philosophy. She earned her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from St. John's College, Santa Fe campus, where she delved into interdisciplinary studies and honed her analytical skills. This comprehensive background laid the groundwork for her commitment to the liberal arts approach in education, emphasizing critical inquiry and holistic development.
Prior to her graduate studies, Rachel completed her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Sociology and Studio Art at Kenyon College. This multidisciplinary academic foundation has allowed her to explore the intersection between society, culture, and creativity, an important perspective that she brings to her teaching and educational leadership.
With a focus on systemic change in education, Rachel has consistently sought innovative solutions to empower young people. Her work is characterized by a collaborative spirit and a commitment to facilitating positive transformations in educational environments, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to realize their full potential. Her achievements have not gone unnoticed, earning her respect among educators and community leaders alike.
Notable Achievements
- Co-Founder and Instructor of Humanities: Established the innovative curriculum at Denver Montessori High School.
- Leadership Roles: Successfully served as High School Director at Denver Montessori High School, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and management capabilities.
- Impact at City Year: Developed and managed significant educational initiatives that supported student success and community engagement during her time as Director of Program and Service and Education Director.
- Contributions to Higher Education: Influenced the next generation of leaders by teaching Indigenous Environmental Issues at Naropa University, blending academic rigor with important social themes.
- Extensive Teaching Experience: Demonstrated versatility and commitment by teaching various grade levels, including 11th and 12th graders at RMSEL, inspiring students through a diverse Humanities curriculum.
Commitment to Education Reform
Rachel Balkcom is driven by a mission to support education systems change that empowers young people. She understands that education is not just about imparting knowledge but about fostering an environment where students can grow into informed, capable citizens. Her holistic approach focuses on nurturing the whole person – emotionally, socially, and intellectually – ensuring that students are not only prepared for academic challenges but are also equipped to contribute positively to their communities and the world at large.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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