When Jen Grahn joined Trinity-Pawling’s Center for Learning Achievement in 2020, she brought with her a compassionate, open-minded, and student-centered approach to teaching. “Every student is unique and should be embraced for who they are. The students are my focus and I always want them to see my classroom as a safe place,” she shared. “It is my job to ensure that every student is learning and to help them overcome any challenges they may face.”
Jen currently teaches Reading Comprehension and Executive Skills in the Center for Learning Achievement (CLA). As both an educator and a parent, she recognizes the importance of placing students at the center of the learning experience. Teaching in the CLA, she said, allows her to do just that. “The small class sizes allow me to get to know each and every student and build a trusting relationship. It is so rewarding to see them grow and flourish throughout the school year.”
The CLA at Trinity-Pawling gives students the strategic support and skills they need to thrive, both academically and personally. Jen and her colleagues — an all-star team of educators — go above and beyond to prepare their students for success in college and life after Trinity-Pawling. Now in her second full year of teaching, Jen is grateful to be surrounded by such a supportive and collaborative team as they propel the CLA’s signature programs forward. “The CLA is a special place that I have been so lucky to be part of. We all work so well together to help the boys in the program. It has been amazing to see the growth of the students and the collaboration of our team.”
In addition to being a teacher, Jen is also a current parent at Trinity-Pawling. When it comes to the educational experience for her son Aidan ’24, it’s the student-centered nature of the School that continues to make all the difference. “The campus community is a nurturing environment that allows all the students and faculty to connect in so many ways. I love how every child is seen as an individual and given so many opportunities,” Jen concluded. “As a parent, I am so happy that my son is surrounded by such kindness and always held to high standards. As an educator, I am inspired by the leadership that goes into every day and which always has the student’s best interest at heart.”
Outside of the classroom, Jen enjoys hiking, skiing, biking, going to the beach, and adventuring with her four children. She lives locally in Pawling.
On behalf of the entire Trinity-Pawling community, we extend a heartfelt thank you to Jen for her ongoing dedication to the Center for Learning Achievement and Trinity-Pawling as a whole!
by Emma Christiantelli