#MyCaedmonStory

Meredith Woodruff, Mixed-Age First & Second Grade Teacher

What was the path that led you to The Caedmon School?

Early one summer I had walked in off the street so it was serendipity!  

After having just moved to New York City from Atlanta, Georgia, I was searching the neighborhood for elementary schools with available teaching positions.  Ms. Pauline told me I was in luck and Carol Devine hired me to work in the first and second grade.  I’ve been happy ever since!  

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I have always wanted to be a teacher. I’ve always worked with children - babysitting, at summer camps, and at daycares.  I’ve always loved how children believe in magic and they just love life and giving their love to others.  

What is it about Caedmon that excites you to come to school each morning?

The children!  It’s like a party every day.  And if it isn’t a party, the children are ready to do the work that needs to get done to get to the party.  

My coworkers! 

Everyone at Caedmon is so supportive and helpful. 

It’s exciting to bounce ideas off of one another.  

What is your favorite Caedmon memory?

I have so many I can’t choose one!  Some of my favorite memories involve dancing and laughing with my students - they can just make me belly laugh!  The parties!  The surprise parties planned by my class families for milestone events - wedding, baby, and birthdays.  One of the most endearing memories was when the children, themselves, planned an all school teacher party.  They did everything on their own - decorations, food (a little help from their parents and the chefs), and they even created a song playlist.  They were so proud!

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania by two loving parents.  I’m the middle of five children with three sisters and one brother.  I live with my husband Pete and our 11-year-old daughter, Julia, who’s in Caedmon’s fifth grade.  I love learning something new, dancing, music, Pilates, yoga, surfing, diving, skiing, learning Spanish, and reading.  I love to travel and I love food!  

If your Caedmon Story had a title, what would it be?

Caedmon, my second home