Meet the Teacher

 My name is Gretchen Nordleaf-Nelson. For over 30 years I have enjoyed working and learning with students in suburban, urban and independent school settings in four different states. I joined the faculty of West Sound Academy, Poulsbo, Washington in 2013.

Currently at West Sound Academy I teach IB Theatre, IB Language and Literature, Theatre Exploration courses and I direct the after school theatre program.  I round out my day as the IB Coordinator and the CAS Coordinator.

Prior to my work with West Sound Academy I taught with George School, Newtown, Pennsylvania, the Central Kitsap School District, Olympic College, and the Bellingham Public School District. Over the course of my tenure I have taught English (9-12), IB Theatre, IB Language and Literature, Acting, Play Production, Theatre Studies, Media Design as an IB Visual Art, Journalism, ELL Literature and History, Religion, and Art History.  

I hold a B.A. in Secondary Education (Theatre, English and Secondary Education) from Western Washington University and a M.A. (Theatre) from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.  My Teacher Certification includes Washington, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.

I am an Individual Member of ISTA, a member of the US Theatre Advisory Board for Digital Theatre+, a member of the Educational Theatre Association,  and an Examiner for the International Baccalaureate Organization in Theatre.

When I'm not busy in my classroom or directing the after school play I enjoy gardening, planning my next world travel adventure, experiencing theatre as often as life permits, and being silly with my grandchildren who are absolutely amazing!

I can be reached at gnordleaf@westsoundacademy.org
or
nordleaf@gmail.com