Tara O’Connor, 1st Grade Class Teacher

Tara, originally from the East Coast, attended college in upstate New York where she earned her B.A. in Psychology and Education. She completed a Waldorf foundation course through the Micha-el Institute and has completed the coursework and student teaching through a teacher preparation program to receive her Oregon teaching license. Ten years ago, she moved to Oregon to work in the Medford School District. Not feeling fully connected to the traditional public-school model, she was drawn to the more holistic approach of Waldorf education. 

Over the past decade, Tara has worked with children of all ages in both educational and therapeutic settings. Some of her experience includes serving as an early childhood teacher, teaching first grade at Folk Soul Farm, substitute teaching in grades K–12, and working as a social-emotional specialist at the elementary level. Whether in the classroom, garden, or wilderness, Tara has found ways to weave together her love for teaching, growth, and nature. 

In her free time, Tara enjoys spending time with her family, getting lost in good novels, and exploring the forests and beaches of the Pacific Northwest. She is excited to continue learning and growing alongside the children and community of The Siskiyou School.