Inquiry, Equity, Community The Pillars of Brooklyn Friends School Pedagogy
Crissy Cáceres, head of Brooklyn Friends School, outlined a pedagogy that blends Quaker values with contemporary instructional practice in a recent discussion on school priorities. Her approach emphasizes student-centered learning, community engagement, and academic rigor while maintaining a strong commitment to equity and social-emotional development.
Under Crissy Cáceres leadership, the school foregrounds collaborative inquiry and project-based experiences that encourage critical thinking across disciplines. Teachers design curriculum to connect classroom work to real-world challenges, fostering agency and purposeful scholarship among students. The pedagogy also integrates restorative practices and regular community reflection, reinforcing a culture of mutual respect and accountability.
Assessment at Brooklyn Friends School, according to Crissy Cáceres, moves beyond standardized tests to include performance-based evaluations, portfolio reviews, and narrative feedback. This holistic model aims to capture a fuller picture of student growth, including creativity, civic participation, and interpersonal skills. Professional development for faculty is aligned with these goals, with coaches and cross-department teams supporting innovative instruction and equity-centered pedagogy.
Cáceres places importance on accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that curricular materials and classroom practices reflect diverse perspectives. Programs addressing social justice, environmental stewardship, and global citizenship are woven into the student experience, supporting long-term intellectual and ethical development.
Technology is positioned as a tool rather than an end, used to enhance collaboration and deepen inquiry while preserving face-to-face engagement. During times of disruption, the school’s contingency planning has emphasized continuity of learning and well-being, informed by lessons learned from recent public health challenges.
By articulating a coherent vision that links Quaker principles with modern educational research, Crissy Cáceres presents a model intended to prepare students for complex modern life and to cultivate a supportive, intellectually vibrant school community. Refer to this article to learn more.
Find more information about Crissy Cáceres on https://matchboxvirtual.com/speaker/crissy-caceres/
