Gretchen Hovan Middle School Humanities Teacher

Gretchen has taught at FSM since 2005. She has BA in history from University of Dayton and an M.Ed in curriculum and teaching from Fordham University. Gretchen is a licensed Minnesota 5-12 social studies teacher. She has completed National Endowment for the Humanities workshops and institutes and the Minnesota Writing Project.

Gretchen serves on the advisory board for the Minnesota Writing Project. Previously, Gretchen taught at St. Peter’s Preparatory School in New Jersey and at schools in Ohio and Michigan. Gretchen has also worked for organizations that address the issues of hunger and homelessness.

Gretchen believes firmly in the principles of progressive education and reflects often on her work, as well as current research and practice, in her efforts to live out progressive education in the classroom.

“I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to work at Friends School. It is such a joy to work with other teachers who are striving to teach in a progressive manner and who think so carefully about the students in their classrooms. Their work shows in the students and the kinds of work we are able to do together. Middle school students are often bored with school, but here at FSM I am lucky enough to work with students who are curious, creative, and motivated to learn about their world.”