Marissa Chin
Teacher
Marissa Schaljo-Chin earned her B.A. in History and Art History from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and her M.A. in History from Columbia University in New York City. Before joining Otto Specht School, she taught for 17 years in Brooklyn and Nyack public schools, where she observed a growing need for education that nurtures the whole child. Drawn to the Waldorf approach, Marissa found in Otto Specht a community that values creativity, individuality, and deeper human connection in learning. She has taught a wide range of students, from third grade to high school, and values the reciprocal nature of teaching and learning within each group. Outside the classroom, Marissa enjoys Tai Chi Chuan, wild basketry, kayaking, biking, and hiking. She brings to her teaching a balance of intellectual curiosity, mindfulness, and joy in hands-on experience.
Staff Q&A:
Current Title/Role at Otto Specht:
Teacher
When did you start working at OSS?
9/7/2011
What is your educational background?
B.A. History and Art History Macalester College St Paul Minnesota,
M.A. History, Columbia University, Ny, Ny
What roles or life experiences brought you to education or to Otto Specht? Include any previous work, career changes, or personal callings.
I taught for 17 years in in Brooklyn and in Nyack public schools before coming to Otto Specht School. The public school curriculum narrowed greatly while I was an public school educator. Increasingly, I felt a more whole child approach, such as in Waldorf education, met all children with much more success.
What have you taught or led here? Any specific grades, subjects, or programs? Any key milestones or contributions?
I have enjoyed teaching and learning from three different middle school groups, a third grade and two different high school groups.
What do you enjoy outside of school? Any hobbies, languages, family details, or connections to the Chestnut Ridge/Waldorf community you’d like to share?
I am involved in practicing Tai Chi Chuan, wild basketry, kayaking, biking and hiking.