Picking up where we left off before Spring Break with our Staff Spotlight series. This week, we feature one member of our art teacher tandem--Gretchen Proctor!

How long have you been teaching art?

This is my 19th year teaching, a dozen of which have been here at Haycock.

What do you love about Haycock?

The Haycock community is a really special place. I have always loved seeing the creativity of our students!

What makes you smile or brings you calm?

The laughter in the hallways. Being around happy, kind kids restores my faith in the world. Haycock has many great families and a passion for the arts, which makes my job a lot of fun! 

What books are you currently reading?

I'm currently reading Never Enough by Jennifer Breheny Wallace. It's about raising and teaching children in a world that has changed so much over the last two decades. 

Usually, I read historical fiction. I love books that align with history, but also have a creative plot line. I just finished The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang. It's set in San Francisco in the early 1900s. 

What other media entertains you?

I love a good series. I have an affinity for national parks and history, so I try to watch things with beautiful scenery and interesting stories!

What fills your time outside of school?

Traveling: I have a goal to visit 50 National Parks by the time I am 50 years old. 

Hiking: Every year, we try to do some interesting or challenging hike. Sometimes it's with our kids, and sometimes it's just my husband and I. We try to visit somewhere new every year! 

Exercise: I teach fitness classes as a side job, and truly love helping people get stronger and meet goals. 

Our students love "fun facts" about people and topics. What's a fun fact about you?

I lived and worked on a tall ship for a few months after high school before starting college.