This month’s Choice Champion recognizes Alyssa Fielder, a proud 3rd-grade teacher at Kingsbury Country Day School. Alyssa is in her ninth year at Kingsbury and is a familiar face across our campus, in the classroom, in the gym, and on the trails.
Since joining Kingsbury, Alyssa has taught third grade exclusively and has become a foundational leader in the athletics program. Now in her seventh year coaching volleyball, she has helped build a thriving after-school program that includes fall teams, a boys’ spring volleyball club, and a 2nd-4th-grade skills clinic. Her passion for the sport stems from her own time playing in high school and college leagues.
Alyssa pours her passions into her work every day, sharing, “Everyone truly enjoys working here, and we all love the outdoors. The shared love of nature is reflected in everything we do. From daily outdoor learning experiences to long-standing campus traditions, the outdoors isn’t an add-on at Kingsbury, it’s part of our identity.”
Fielder adds that one of her favorite parts of working at Kingsbury is being among a supportive staff that feel like family. “Whether it’s checking in on one another, jumping in to help, or planning collaborative activities, teamwork is part of the culture.” She loves seeing this integrated into student experiences too, sharing that JK and 3rd-grade students each have a buddy, where students connect across grade levels and build relationships throughout the year.
Over the years, Alyssa has seen students grow in confidence, curiosity, and resilience, especially as they learn to push beyond their comfort zones outdoors. She notes, “We build where their needs are and pour into them.” She credits her nine years at Kingsbury with helping her understand each child more deeply and form meaningful, lasting connections.
Alyssa’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. One of her colleagues shared, “She is a full-time teacher who delivers dynamic instruction, often using our outdoor spaces as part of her classroom. Beyond teaching, Alyssa coaches volleyball, organizes clinics and summer camps, runs fundraisers, and supports both students and staff throughout the school. She also leads a fall workshop for women. Her demeanor is inspiring. She is always smiling, passionate, and a true advocate for her students.”
One of Alyssa’s most cherished school traditions is Kingsbury’s beloved Earth Walk.
This five-mile community walk through campus brings together staff, families, and students for a morning of movement, fresh air, and togetherness. “It’s a highlight of the year, and a perfect reflection of Kingsbury’s values.”
As a former summer camp leader, she brings “camp life” energy into her classroom every day. Her lessons often blend fitness, hands-on activities, and games that align with curriculum standards while keeping students active and engaged. Each year, her class participates in the 1,000 Hours Outside initiative, where current students compete against previous years to beat their hours of outdoor learning. “Last year’s high score was 570 hours, and as of mid-November, our students have already logged 200 hours outdoors this school year!”
Above all, what keeps her motivated is the joy students bring each day. Alyssa shares, “Being a teacher at Kingsbury is so special. Every day, you find your purpose here. The kids want to come to school; they don’t want to miss a day.”
Thank you, Ms. Fielder, for your devotion to your students and community every day. You resemble exactly what it means to be a Choice champion!
