Meet the new teachers at Grace!
For the 2024-2025 school year, we welcomed two new faculty members to our Grace Community, Kindergarten Teacher Ginger Brooker and Director of Learning Support Mekdie Soloman-Grob. Let’s learn more about them!
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Ms. Brooker: Born in NYC and raised in Connecticut, I'm a New Englander at heart! I thrive in cold weather and love the snow. In 2022, I moved to the DC area to pursue a teaching job and look into a future career in educational policy. After deciding to remain in the classroom and search for a school that aligns with the Reggio Emilia approach, I found Grace!
Mrs. Soloman-Grob: I was born and raised in Maryland, but my family is from the beautiful country of Ethiopia. I am going into my 18th year of teaching, and I could not be more excited to return to this vibrant community of educators as the Director of Learning Support. Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two-year-old son. My family and I are huge foodies, so we love exploring different cuisines from around the world.
Q: How long have you been teaching? Have you done anything else for work?
Ms. Brooker: This year is my 10th year of teaching. Half of my teaching career has been in Kindergarten, which is my favorite grade due to the tremendous growth that the students experience. In 2015, I spent one year teaching English to children ages 3 through 10 in the south of France. One of my favorite teaching experiences was looping up with a class from PreK to First Grade. I also spent seven summers working as a one-to-one for campers with special needs at an inclusive YMCA day camp.
Mrs. Soloman-Grob: Upon completing my master's degree in reading education, I began teaching students across various grade levels, from 2nd grade to middle and high school. I have served in a variety of independent schools as a homeroom teacher and a reading and learning specialist.
Q: Why do you do what you do professionally? What is your favorite thing about teaching?
Ms. Brooker: When I was a child, I would “play school” by creating lesson plans and teaching them to a class of stuffed animals. I became a teacher because I understand that a good education can change a person’s whole life trajectory. Education is power, so my goal is to support young children in reaching their potential and pursuing their dreams. I have enjoyed sharing my love of music with the children by bringing my songwriting into the classroom!
Mrs. Soloman-Grob: My passions are reading and writing, and I find immense joy in helping students unlock the power of literacy. Whether guiding students to read their first word or helping them connect personally with a character in a story, I love seeing students thrive through their learning journey.
Q: What are you most looking forward to at Grace this year?
Ms. Brooker: I have volunteered in gardens and farms over the years, so I am excited to plant and harvest vegetables with the kindergarteners in our community garden. I feel lucky to be a part of this caring community.
Mrs. Soloman-Grob: I eagerly look forward to this year, as it presents an opportunity to work closely with families. Together, we can strengthen the connection between home and school concepts, fostering a supportive and cohesive learning environment.