Our Educational Philosophy
“The renewal of classical education is not a nostalgic return to the past- it’s a recovery of those methods that have always created the future.” - Dr. Christopher Perrin
Here at Ulmus Academy our educational philosophy is the renewal of classical education. Our educators blend classical pedagogy with modern educational sciences in order to create a learning environment that is student focused. By using the ancient and medieval understanding of the three stages of the Trivium- Grammar Stage, Logic Stage, and Rhetoric- we are creating an academic career for each individual child that is based on their developing abilities in the appropriate timing. We are growing a strong knowledge base in the grammar stage and modeling for them how to use that knowledge as they grow in understanding during the Logic and Rhetoric stages. By moving slowly through the early elementary stages, we have naturally prepared them for critical thinking.
“Teach How to Think, Not What to Think”
Meet our Ulmus Educators
Katherine Cross Zanger
Academy Director, Curriculum Director & Rhetoric Teacher
“If you want a child to know the truth, tell them the truth. If you want a child to love truth, tell them a story.”- Andrew Peterson
I have studied and trained in Classical Education for the last decade finding real passion in Schole` (Teaching from Rest). My education philosophy is really a mixed bag. I follow Montessori, Classical and Traditional methods forming my unique thinking of, “I don’t care where a good idea comes from.” Education is a wonderful place for me because I love the wonder of the young student, and the opportunity to blend as many of their subjects together. Everything clicks together and everything makes sense! Whole student classical education creates a balanced scholar ready to move forward in their goals.
In addition to working in Classical classrooms, tutoring writing online, and tutoring reading I homeschooled my five children until enrolling them in Ulmus Academy. Go Falcons!
Alexa McKenna
Pre-Grammar (Pre-K) Head Teacher
I have 15 years of experience in early childhood education, and creating a safe, joyful place where children can truly belong and grow has always been my heart’s work. Before joining Ulmus Academy in 2022, I had the opportunity to teach at Bay Area Montessori Academy in Florida and Cuddle Bugs Daycare in Palmyra, MO—experiences that helped shape the teacher I am today.
I’ve been working with little ones my entire life, and I genuinely love watching them grow more confident and independent each day. There’s nothing better than seeing a child’s face light up when they realize, “I did it all by myself!” It’s incredibly rewarding to guide them as they learn new skills and discover what they’re capable of. I’m also so grateful for the sweet moments when they feel comfortable enough in the classroom to fully be themselves—those are the moments that mean the most to me.
Outside the classroom, I have a love for traveling and exploring new places. I enjoy bringing that same sense of curiosity and adventure into my classroom—because every day with preschoolers is a new adventure! I truly believe children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and surrounded by positivity—and I do my very best to create that environment for them every single day.
Kelli Lambert
Lower Grammar, K-2nd Head Teacher
I have been working with children for over eleven years, along with fifteen years of experience in clerical support and office management. Throughout my career, I’ve served as a head teacher, teaching assistant, substitute teacher, homeschool parent, and director of both a preschool and an at-home tutoring business. Each role has shaped the way I approach the classroom — with intention, structure, and a whole lot of heart.
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University, and I am passionate about early childhood development and building strong academic foundations. One of the things I love most about classical education is how hands-on it is. Our mixed classroom model keeps students in a constant state of review as each grade learns the material, which truly solidifies their understanding and strengthens their confidence.
In my classroom, I believe learning should be both meaningful and joyful. I am patient and intentional about making sure my students are mastering concepts before we move on. At the same time, I bring energy and fun into our days — whether that means dancing together during a brain break, getting the wiggles out between lessons, or celebrating those “aha!” moments when something finally clicks. I want my students to feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn.
I joined Ulmus in the spring of 2023, and it is a joy to partner with families in cultivating both strong minds and joyful hearts.
Liz Boyer
Upper grammar, 3rd-5th Head Teacher
I bring 25 years of professional experience to my work, including 15 years in bookkeeping and a decade in education. Over the years, I have served as a paraprofessional at QPS Early Childhood & Family Center, a special education aide for Belleville Area Special Services Cooperative, a homeschool parent, and in several roles here at Ulmus — including K–2 co-teacher, 3rd–5th teaching assistant, and head teacher. I am currently the Head Teacher in Upper Grammar at Ulmus Academy.
I hold a Teaching Assistant Certification from Southwestern Illinois College, and I am deeply passionate about walking alongside students during these formative years.
What I love most about teaching is that I get to be a force for good in a child’s life. I care deeply about the content I teach because I believe knowledge shapes not only strong minds, but strong character. I want my students to understand that what they are learning matters — that it equips them to grow into thoughtful, capable, and compassionate people.
In my classroom, I bring genuine energy and enthusiasm to every subject. Whether we’re exploring something brand new or strengthening a familiar skill, I am fully engaged — and I invite my students to be as well. I challenge them to give their very best, because I know they are capable of more than they sometimes realize. At the same time, I encourage them every step of the way, cheering them on as they stretch and grow.
You’ll often find me truly joining in with my students — playing a game during an extra recess, getting everyone moving after a focused morning of work, or taking the class on an afternoon walk when the weather is beautiful and we’ve earned it. I believe movement, joy, and connection are part of meaningful learning. When students feel supported, challenged, and genuinely cared for, they thrive.
It is a joy and privilege to walk alongside them as they grow.
Logan Wolf
Upper Grammar
“True education is a kind of never ending story — a matter of continual beginnings, of habitual fresh starts, of persistent newness.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
I first discovered Classical Education while working towards my master’s degree in teaching. Not because it was part of the instruction, but because I was desperately searching for a teaching philosophy that made sense to me, and, above all, one that aligned with my beliefs and values. As I became more intrigued with the “forbidden” pedagogy that is Classical Education, I found myself somewhat disillusioned. Should I continue down this path? I believed that, wherever I’d end up teaching, I could implement aspects of Classical Education in my classroom: strong communication skills, self-discipline, critical thinking, lifelong learning, an appreciation for great people and great books, and the pursuit of all that is true, good, and beautiful. How hard could it be? I’m not unfamiliar with adversity. In high school I worked on a dairy farm, and shortly after in a sheet metal factory. I even went to war! Nevertheless, two years of teaching middle school English was proof enough that the task was too great a challenge. It couldn’t be done.
After teaching at Ulmus Academy for a year I can proudly and confidently say that there is no better place to teach, and, for my students, no better place for them to learn. Each day is filled with new discoveries, and while this information comes rather quickly, through song and verse we joyously work to retain what was previously learned. It’s the perfect environment for cultivating the soil for young people to thrive in. They’ll grow into leaders, seekers of truth, and well-rounded lifelong learners. And I, too, will grow as they do.
Katie Wine
Logic Teacher
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited but imagination circles the world. -Albert Einstein
This will be my 8th year teaching, and this quote has always had a huge impact on my teaching style and expectations. A student may know something, but if they cannot communicate or express that idea, then the knowledge is useless. I’ve never taught in a school quite like Ulmus, and I’ve never been happier! I started out teaching in Pittsfield for middle school science, and loved it! But I was always the odd one out. I wanted to grow, try new ideas, and make learning exciting! I had ideas, but was always told « we’ve always done it this way ». In other schools I’ve always felt those restraints, but here I’m encouraged to try, and connect lessons and topics. I sometimes feel as though I was always meant to be a classical teacher!
I enjoy classical education because of the connectivity of it all. One subject blends into another! The discussions my students are able to have are outstanding, bringing up topics from weeks and months ago. This type of education allows for this type of building and comprehension, allowing our students truly demonstrate mastery. There are many topics and ideas I have yet to learn or experience, but I am continuing to grow as an educator every day!