Faculty Highlight: Kelly Kristoff, First Grade Homeroom Teacher, Lower School Math Coordinator

For more than 230 years, Friends School’s educational journey has equally emphasized the mastery of content with the mastery of essential skills required to succeed in the world - skills like critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and empathy - to name a few. Meet some of our outstanding faculty who guide our students through this journey each and every day.

Kelly Kristoff, First Grade Homeroom Teacher, Lower School Math Coordinator

B.A., Randolph-Macon College

At Friends School since 2018

Q. Why did you choose Friends and/or what do you love about teaching at Friends?
A. A good friend and past colleague, Lisa Meagher P’12 ’16, worked at Friends and she encouraged me to take a look and apply to work at Friends. Once I stepped on campus, I realized that Friends is a special place. I absolutely love Meeting for Worship every morning. We learn about the SPICES (simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship) and habits of mind. We have a query and sit in silence to ready ourselves for the day. We love visiting the Meetinghouse on Fridays. There too we talk about the SPICES and spend time listening to stories about the Quakers.  

Q. What do you love about teaching your subjects in particular?
A. I love the freedom to explore subjects of particular interest to the students. When the students are engaged in an activity or lesson, they can research, discover, and learn more about a topic. Math in particular is a favorite subject of mine. I am lucky to have the opportunity to serve as the math coordinator for Lower School. Several times a year the math coordinators from the different divisions meet to discuss the curriculum to be sure that we are meeting the needs of students on all levels.  

Q. How do the Lower School curriculum and teaching at Friends School prepare students to be successful?
A. The curriculum at Friends aims to meet the needs of all students. When students enter first grade they are at various levels. The curriculum allows us to meet students where they are. We love collaborating with teachers and students in other grade levels and other divisions. We travel to the Middle and Upper Schools to allow our students to see where they are headed in their school careers.  

Q. Something fun about you - a motto or hobby, perhaps?
A. I love to read. During the school year, I constantly listen to audiobooks while walking the dogs, driving to work, making meals, or exercising. On break, you will find me tucked into a corner reading a book.