Miss Kujawa
Miss Kujawa is currently serving as Ridgeview's first Academic Dean. Miss Kujawa is originally from California but spent much of youth on the road as her father worked in the defense industry; Fort Collins was her favorite of the many places she lived. She studied History at Christendom College, a small liberal arts institution in Virginia, where she specialized in Early Modern Europe. Her senior thesis was the first in the school's history to be awarded the Warren G. Carroll Prize for Excellence in History.
After graduation, Miss Kujawa took the opportunity to move back to Fort Collins and joined Ridgeview as a third-grade homeroom teacher. After four years teaching Elementary, Miss Kujawa moved into the upper school to teach in the History and Literature departments. Since then, she has taught Core History 7, Core History 8, Classical Literature, Western Civilization II, American Government, and various electives. Currently, she teaches American Government, the Junior and Senior capstones, and regularly substitutes in Moral Philosophy I.
During her time at Ridgeview, Miss Kujawa earned her master's degree in Government through Harvard University, with concentrations in International Relations and domestic educational policy. She has also furthered her historical and literary studies through professional programs at Collumcille Institute (Ireland), and Oxbridge Teaching Programs (Oxford).
Q & A with Miss Kujawa
Where were you born and where have you lived?
I was born near Los Angeles, California (although I left I as soon as I could!), and have also lived in Georgia, Florida, Virginia, and Rome, Italy. I spent several years in Fort Collins as a child and eagerly moved back here immediately after graduating college.
Where did you attend university or college?
I completed my undergraduate degree in History at Christendom College, a liberal arts college nestled in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley. I specialized in Early Modern Britain and my thesis, Henry VII: The Forgotten Tudor, was awarded the college's first History thesis prize; I also minored in Sacred Music and had the privilege of singing at the Vatican in 2011. I recently completed a master's degree in Government through Harvard Extension, a division of Harvard University, with emphases in domestic educational policy and theories of international relations.
What kind of reading do you most enjoy?
I've rarely met a book I couldn't gain some enjoyment from, but I particularly love British literature and historical fiction.
What are the small essentials that make life more enjoyable?
I always seem to be in need of bags to carry around my every-growing pile of books, note pads for endless to-do lists, and pens - the finer tip, the better!
What are your favorite snacks?
Besides the cups of Lady Grey tea that I have taken to just carrying around with me constantly, I love oatmeal cookies and anything smothered in white chocolate.
What do you do to unwind?
Aside from reading, I enjoy needlepoint or crocheting while watching classic movies.
