09 Sep Farewell Rachel Franz, Director of Education

Over the past three years, Tiny Trees has grown from a small team with big ideas to a big team with even bigger ideas. As we have continued to learn, grow, and develop, we recognize that our staff, teachers, donors, volunteers, and community are what make us strong. Today, we would like to recognize and thank Rachel Franz, a key leader in our community, as she turns to new adventures after 3 years on the Tiny Trees team.

Rachel started her journey with Tiny Trees as the first Lead Teacher at the Jefferson Park classroom. Drawing from her extensive background in early learning, Rachel not only set the model for what a Tiny Trees classroom looks like, but she also played a significant role in shaping the Tiny Trees education philosophy, eventually leading to her transition to the role of Curriculum Coach in her second year. In this role, Rachel set an example for meeting children and families where they are, always leading with empathy and heart as she supported teams of teachers in their classrooms.

Rachel’s commitment to transformative outdoor early learning experiences shined through her involvement with the Washington State Outdoor Preschool Licensing Pilot as a representative of Tiny Trees. In this capacity, she not only contributed significantly to the betterment of Tiny Trees and our classrooms, but to building a pathway for other programs to embrace the outdoors as a “third teacher” in the classroom and bring high quality outdoor preschool within reach to many families across the state. Her role in the early learning and outdoor learning community has been significant, as she has led many lectures and workshops focused on connecting children and families to nature with a focus on anti-bias curriculum and accessibility.

In her role as the Director of Education, Rachel excelled at providing support for teachers in classrooms, developing the Tiny Trees education, anti-bias, and nature philosophy, and furthering the field. It should not be taken lightly that much of where Tiny Trees is today is due to Rachel’s hard work, dedication, and innovation.

As she transitions out of her role as Director of Education, we recognize that Rachel will still be a strong part of our community. The strong foundation she has helped lay at Tiny Trees will allow us to continue to grow and bloom in new ways. Please join us in extending our gratitude to Rachel and the time, skills, and heart she has given to Tiny Trees and our community.