Samae Chlebowski, Raven Class Teacher, 6th Grade

Samae Horner-Chlebowski grew up in North Hollywood deeply influenced visually by the Southern California dramatic landscapes and the abundance of rich cultural diversity. At 17, she moved to Sedona, Arizona, to attend boarding school at Verde Valley School, where she discovered her passion for creativity, community service, and collaboration. Reflecting on those formative years, Samae believes they deeply influenced her approach to teaching and her desire to contribute meaningfully to the world.

Samae earned a degree in Photography from Southern Oregon State College (now SOU) and later pursued her calling as a teacher by obtaining a Master of Art Education from Lewis and Clark College. For the next decade, she taught darkroom photography, drawing, painting, digital photography, dance, and yoga at Renaissance Arts Academy in Portland, Oregon, inspiring students with her creative energy and dedication.

When Samae and her family moved back to Ashland to embrace a simpler life, she continued her teaching journey, which now spans over 21 years. She has worked with students across all academic levels, including those with IEPs, ELL/ESL, TAG, and AP, in various educational settings such as small schools, K-12 comprehensive schools, and Waldorf schools. She has also served as a mentor teacher for graduate students at Lewis and Clark College.

Samae is passionate about designing creative and inspiring curriculum that challenges students to think critically, and she is known for building strong relationships with both students and parents. Her unwavering support has left a lasting impact on many of her students, who credit her with helping them navigate the world beyond school.

When Samae and her family sought the right educational environment for their son Cedar, they discovered Little Gnomes, a Waldorf preschool in Ashland. This experience, along with her time teaching American Sign Language at Folk Soul Farm, deepened her appreciation for Waldorf education and its philosophical tenets. Samae is thrilled to take on the role of 6th-grade Main Lesson teacher, bringing her wealth of experience and passion to the Raven class.