SHAPA Elementary
SHAPA Elementary serves Oregon students in grades K-5. Our experienced elementary teachers work with families to guide curriculum choices, provide social and academic opportunities, and provide support to families.
Our elementary teachers offer a variety of specialized learning opportunities, including Ancient Greek Art/History, Computer Programming, Skill Building, and Conversational Spanish.
Meet our Elementary Team:
Position: 4-5 Mentor Teacher
Education: MAME – Elementary K-8 mathematics/ Elementary Education MA in English Language Learning
Mrs. Braun has been at SHAPA since the 2010-2011 school year. She joined SHAPA as a parent of a 3rd and 5th grader. Two years later she started working full time at SHAPA. She has seen many changes over the years at SHAPA. She enjoys learning and finds students are always teaching her new things. She lives with her husband, 2 boys, 2 dogs and 2 cats. She enjoys traveling, coin collecting, reading and camping. In her free time she can be found outside in her garden.
Position: K-1 Mentor Teacher
Education: BS in Business Administration, MS.Ed in Curriculum/Instruction, Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S)
Lyndsay brings years of experience in education, with a dedication to fostering positive, safe learning environments that are nurturing the whole child. She has worked with a wide range of grade levels and is passionate about supporting students and families throughout their educational journey. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time traveling and exploring with her two young boys and husband and cheering on the Oregon Ducks!
Position: Â Literacy Specialist K-2
Education:Â MS in Special Education, BS in Applied Behavioral Science
Most of Mrs. Finney’s teaching experience has been at the elementary school level in the area of special education. Before joining SHAPA, she was a Learning Specialist in the Lake Oswego School District and a Learning Specialist and Literacy Specialist for the Sherwood School District. She enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, running, reading for pleasure, and tending to her flower garden.
Position: K-5 Pod Mentor Teacher
Education: BA Art- Elementary Education
Allison is thrilled to be joining the team at SHAPA. Allison got her Bachelors in Bellingham, WA. She has been teaching since 2020. Allison is passionate about the arts, especially painting and photography, and loves bringing creativity into the classroom. Allison is married with two sons and three cats. In her free time, Allison enjoys outdoor adventures and exploring, reading, and playing games.
Position:Â 2-3 Elementary Mentor Teacher
Education: BA in Elementary Education; MS in Curriculum and Instruction
About: Mrs. Reed has been with SHAPA since 2022. She has worked as an online teacher for 6 years, and previously taught in a traditional school setting teaching 5th grade for over a decade. She and her husband have two young children and enjoy traveling, exploring, trips to the library, and crafting. Mrs. Reed thrives on supporting students to find their passions and strive to become the best versions of themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We offer $400/semester for pre-approved curriculum, $250/$200 (Semester 1/Semester 2) for enrichment, activities, and supplies. The total allocation is $1250 for the entire school year. More information can be found at the Curriculum Options page.
There are two components to attendance: check-ins and work completion. Each student (or parent) must check in with their mentor teacher twice a week. This has to be a two-way communication via phone, email, text, chat, or online meeting. Parents who are directing their own student’s learning must submit weekly updates about progress. This might include work samples or verbal updates.
That depends on the student. The younger the student is, the less time they should be online. The youngest students usually work exclusively out of books. Families can choose the right balance of online instruction vs. book instruction for their child.
Our elementary students have the opportunity to meet virtually through the week for class activities. In addition, we offer field trips and activities throughout the year.Â
