Sabin 5th Grade

Kristen Braia  (she/her)

Welcome to 5th grade!  I’m thrilled to have your child in my class this year.  I look forward to meeting you and working with you over the year to come to ensure that your child is thriving both academically and socially.  Here’s a bit about me and my classroom...

I have been teaching for 20+ years now in various placements.  Primarily, I have taught project-based learning in K-5 classrooms but have also worked in Special Education and middle-school Language Arts. Here in Portland, I have been at The Emerson School and Chief Joseph Elementary.  I love teaching;  it is one of the great joys and passions of my life.  I came to Sabin School eight years ago to work with the 4th grade team.  And I am thrilled to meet the challenge of 5th grade this year. 

My classroom is constructivist in nature.  Here’s what I mean by that: Students are active participants in their own learning and knowledge is seen as dynamic and ever changing. Learning is personal, includes a deep-dive and should be done in the pursuit of making meaning.  It is my job to provide tools, support, a conducive environment, and lots and lots of energy and love.  It is the students’ job to take responsibility for their learning and to give their best effort at all times.

My classroom is democratic and meant to promote the ideals of social justice.  The students participate in classroom meetings and Restorative Justice circles as a means of setting up and maintaining a classroom environment that allows all in the class to succeed.  The children learn to solve problems collectively and positively in the hopes that, as they grow, they will gain the skills to be productive members of our democracy and agents of social change.

All in all, I strive to create a classroom where every child is recognized and given the support they need to succeed.  I look forward to a wonderful year with you and your child.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.