Our Educational Philosophy
“The renewal of classical education is not a nostalgic return to the past- it’s a recovery of those methods that have always created the future.” - Dr. Christopher Perrin
Here at Ulmus Academy our educational philosophy is the renewal of classical education. Our educators blend classical pedagogy with modern educational sciences in order to create a learning environment that is student focused. By using the ancient and medieval understanding of the three stages of the Trivium- Grammar Stage, Logic Stage, and Rhetoric- we are creating an academic career for each individual child that is based on their developing abilities in the appropriate timing. We are growing a strong knowledge base in the grammar stage and modeling for them how to use that knowledge as they grow in understanding during the Logic and Rhetoric stages. By moving slowly through the early elementary stages, we have naturally prepared them for critical thinking.
“Teach How to Think, Not What to Think”
Meet our Ulmus Educators
Katherine Cross Zanger
Curriculum Director & logic teacher
“If you want a child to know the truth, tell them the truth. If you want a child to love truth, tell them a story.”- Andrew Peterson
I have studied and trained in Classical Education for the last decade finding real passion in Schole` (Teaching from Rest). My education philosophy is really a mixed bag. I follow Montessori, Classical and Traditional methods forming my unique thinking of, “I don’t care where a good idea comes from.” Education is a wonderful place for me because I love the wonder of the young student, and the opportunity to blend as many of their subjects together. Everything clicks together and everything makes sense! Whole student classical education creates a balanced scholar ready to move forward in their goals.
In addition to working in Classical classrooms, tutoring writing online, and tutoring reading I homeschooled my five children until enrolling them in Ulmus Academy. Go Falcons!
Alexa McKenna
Pre-Grammar (Pre-K) Head Teacher
‘Ms. Alexa’ McKenna has 15 years of experience in early childhood roles, and has always wanted to create a safe place for kids to belong and grow. Prior to Ulmus Academy, she taught at the Bay Area Montessori Academy in Florida and Cuddle Bugs Daycare in Palmyra, MO. Ms. Alexa has been working with little ones her entire life and loves watching them grow and become independent. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see children slowly but surely learn to do tasks on their own,” said Alexa. “It also brings me a lot of joy when they get comfortable enough in the classroom to be themselves.” Ms. Alexa joined Ulmus Academy in 2022.
Kelli Lambert
Lower Grammar, K-2nd Head Teacher
Ms. Kelli (Lambert) has been working with children for 11 years and has 15 years of experience in clerical support and office management. Her areas of expertise are in elementary education, early childhood development, and project management. Prior to Ulmus Academy, she was head teacher, a teaching assistant, substitute teacher, homeschool parent, and director of a preschool and at-home tutoring business. “I enjoy classical education because it’s hands-on,” said Kelli. “Also, because of our mixed classroom model students are in a constant state of review as each grade learns the material. This really solidifies their foundation.” Kelli has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University. She joined Ulmus in the spring of 2023.
Liz Boyer
Upper grammar, 3rd-5th Head Teacher
‘Ms. Liz’ Boyer has 25 years of experience, 15 in bookkeeping and a decade in education. She has worked as a paraprofessional at QPS Early Childhood & Family Center, a special education aide for Belleville Area Special Services Cooperative, a homeschool parent, and in various roles within Ulmus Academy (K-2nd co-teacher, 3rd-5th TA and head teacher). “What I love about teaching is that I can be a force for good in a child’s life,” said Liz. “I can help them realize their worth, reach their full potential…and cheer them on as they grow into incredible humans!” Ms. Liz has a TA Certification from Southwestern Illinois Community College and is currently the Head Teacher in Upper Grammar at Ulmus Academy.
Vicki Hiland
Teaching Assistant, pre-Grammar & Lower grammar
‘Ms. Vicki’ Hiland has a decade of experience in early childhood roles, 11 years in healthcare and 15 years as a business owner in residential and commercial cleaning. Prior to Ulmus Academy, she ran her own in-home daycare and was a volunteer teacher. Ms. Vicki’s favorite part about working with children is their enthusiasm and excitement to learn. She joined Ulmus Academy in 2022 and is the Teaching Assistant for Pre-Grammar (Ms. Alexa) and Lower Grammar (Ms. Kelli).
Katie Wine
Rhetoric Teacher
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited but imagination circles the world. -Albert Einstein
This will be my 8th year teaching, and this quote has always had a huge impact on my teaching style and expectations. A student may know something, but if they cannot communicate or express that idea, then the knowledge is useless. I’ve never taught in a school quite like Ulmus, and I’ve never been happier! I started out teaching in Pittsfield for middle school science, and loved it! But I was always the odd one out. I wanted to grow, try new ideas, and make learning exciting! I had ideas, but was always told « we’ve always done it this way ». In other schools I’ve always felt those restraints, but here I’m encouraged to try, and connect lessons and topics. I sometimes feel as though I was always meant to be a classical teacher!
I enjoy classical education because of the connectivity of it all. One subject blends into another! The discussions my students are able to have are outstanding, bringing up topics from weeks and months ago. This type of education allows for this type of building and comprehension, allowing our students truly demonstrate mastery. There are many topics and ideas I have yet to learn or experience, but I am continuing to grow as an educator every day!