Kristen Stepanishen

Kristen Stepanishen joined Renbrook School in 2018 and serves as a Second Grade Teacher in the Lower School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Women’s Studies from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Arts in Anthropology and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her academic background reflects her deep interest in how culture, community, and research inform meaningful teaching and learning.

Before coming to Renbrook, Kristen taught preschool at the United Nations Child Center in Manhattan and kindergarten at Convent of the Sacred Heart in New York City. She also substitute taught at Friends Seminary while completing her master’s degree and later served as a long-term substitute in Farmington, Connecticut.

In her classroom, Kristen draws on a range of research-based programs and approaches, including Dimensions Math, Fundations, The Writing Revolution, Teachers College Reading Workshop, Responsive Classroom, and Social Studies. She is passionate about pedagogy and continually seeks new research and strategies to strengthen her practice. She especially enjoys developing interdisciplinary units of study and collaborating with colleagues to create dynamic learning experiences that connect subjects and spark curiosity.

Kristen believes that teaching and learning happen in community. She works to build strong relationships with her students, understanding each child as a whole person, including their social-emotional growth, learning preferences, and personal interests. Her goal is to be a teacher who truly knows and understands her students, helping them feel seen, supported, and challenged.

Beyond her classroom, Kristen developed and leads Renbrook’s New Teacher Mentor Program and facilitates the Nutmeg Book Club as part of Afternoon Adventure programming. She values professional collaboration and the innovative spirit of her colleagues.

An enthusiastic reader, Kristen has read more than 200 books in the past three years and especially loves literary fiction. Among her favorites is Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, running, and spending time with her husband and two daughters, who are proud Renbrook students.,