Meg Anderson-Johnston is the new assistant director of Upper School and an Upper School Spanish teacher. Her exceptional talent is evident in her background as a coach, advisor, grade level dean, and facilitator of the UPrep SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) Project cohort. This fall, she begins her ninth year at UPrep and 13th year in education. She shows care for the whole child, puts students first, and is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging practices.

Why did you become an educator?

I did not plan to become an educator. In fact, I rebelled against it because my family is full of teachers and administrators. I thought I would go into social work, but I started tutoring neighbors after I finished my Spanish degree. I realized that I love figuring out how to teach people and how to make learning interesting and relevant to them. So, I applied and was accepted at the UW teaching program, and the rest is history. I love learning and one of the things I value most about working in education is the opportunity to be in a community of learners each day.

What do you love about teaching Spanish?

I am a big word nerd. I love grammar and linguistics, thinking about why language works the way it does, and how it continues to evolve. The opportunity to learn about each other and create community is built into the course. We talk about our lives, our likes and our dislikes, and our opinions in the target language. Language is personal: it’s how we share our stories and who we are. We make connections to the self and to the greater world each day in class. I’m excited to be teaching the Latinx en los Estados Unidos class this year. In this class, we learn about the impact the Latinx community has had on the US, the Pacific Northwest, and Seattle, and look at history from that perspective, while also connecting it to the students’ identities and histories.

What do you love about the UPrep Community?

Whether you are a student or work at UPrep, you have the opportunity to explore a wide range of interests. In my twelve years, I have been a teacher, advisor, and grade level dean; a participant and facilitator of SEED; and a participant and facilitator of the White Antiracists Educators group. I’ve also coached the field events for track and field, lead a trip to Samoa with Global Link, and participated in music and drama productions. Students, faculty, and staff all get to try new things and be involved in creating our community.

Tell me about your new role as Assistant Director of Upper School.

Collectively, Joel [Sohn] and I steer the Upper School ship. I oversee the non-athletic co-curricular program, which includes clubs, advisories, and assemblies. I oversee grade level deans and advisors. I am also part of the discipline trajectory. When students violate our community expectations, sometimes they come see me to talk through what’s gone wrong for them. There is so much I am excited about. I’m really looking forward to connecting with students in person, after this past year and half mostly off campus. A big part of my job is working with ASB executives as they learn to lead and represent the student body and shape the UPrep student experience. I will also be working closely with grade level deans and advisors and am excited to make our advisory program even stronger. I am looking forward to supporting every UPrep Upper Schooler in the way that works for them, whether we are talking through a violation of community expectations, or I am giving support to someone dealing with a difficult situation, or listening to ideas students have to make their UPrep experience even better.

What do you think it is important for prospective families to know about UPrep?

We strive to make sure every student has an adult on campus with whom they connect, whether that is through our advisory program, athletics, music, theater, or a favorite class. One of the most valuable things a child can have in Middle and Upper School is an adult they connect with who really sees them and supports their learning journey.

What do you do to unwind?

I read a ton, mostly fiction. My favorite book ever is Troubling a Star by Madeline L’Engle. I first read it in 7th or 8th grade. The main character was who I wanted to be: a young poet and scientist who travels to Antarctica. I still haven’t been to Antarctica, but I hope to travel there some day. I started doing cross stitch during the pandemic to get a break from screens. I go on long walks and urban hikes with my partner and kids. Being on water is my happy place, so I do a lot of paddleboarding on Lake Washington.  

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

Not many people know I am twin. I have a twin brother, Tyler, who lives in West Seattle. My mom did not know she was having twins until I was born five minutes after Tyler; I was a complete surprise!

Read more Leaders to Learn From articles.