Name: Ryan Ritchie

Pronouns: he/him

Education: Christopher Newport University, B.A. English Literature; Middlebury College, M.A. English Literature

How I Got Into Education: I was working as a “Test Electrician” at a shipyard in Virginia in February 2007, checking work and helping fix mistakes. One of the electricians I was working with told me I should teach. I started taking college classes that summer.

Hobbies: Running, hiking, backpacking, skiing

Email Address: rlritchie@seattleschools.org

Name: Julie Seltzer

Pronouns:  She/Her

Education: Indiana University, Bachelor of Social Work, Loyola University of Chicago, Master of Social Work

How I Got Into Education: My first practicum as a social work student was in a school. I really enjoyed being part of a school team and having a larger picture of the students that I was working with.

Hobbies:  Walking, reading, movies and reality television

Email Address: julie.a.seltzer@kp.org

Name: Martha Stevens

Pronouns: she/her

Education: Boston University, BA; George Washington University, MEd; Seattle University, MLL certification

How I Got Into Education: I have always enjoyed working with kids and love the energy they bring to school.  During college, I interned with a program called Peace Games and taught conflict resolution classes to elementary school students.    Later, after working as a job coach for adults with developmental disabilities, I knew I wanted to work with this population at a younger stage in their education.  These two experiences led me to my career as a Special Education Teacher.

Hobbies: Running, Reading, Crafting

Email Address: mlstevens@seattleschools.org

Name: Joseph To (陶子滔)

Pronouns: He/Him

Education: Bachelor of Music (Music Education), University of Washington; M.A. (Music, Conducting), Washington State University

How I Got Into Education: My music teacher taught me conducting when I was in elementary when she saw my potential. I want to be her to discover students’ potential.

Hobbies: Dancing, Cooking, DJing

Email Address: tsto1@seattleschools.org

Personal Message

EI am privileged as a West Virginia steeltown boy to work at the best school in the state of Washington.  I am further humbled as I have the unique and challenging task of working with kids from all over the world from about 30 countries.  I am grateful for my wonderful staff and administration who are compassionate, dedicated, groundbreaking leaders of public education and social justice.

Pronouns: she/her

Education: Whitman College, B.A. Political Science; Syracuse University, Master of Public Administration; University of Washington, Masters in Teaching

How I Got Into Education: I was leading a non-profit and did not feel in sync with the mission. We had hosted 2 recent high school graduates as interns and, in mentoring them, I realized that I enjoyed helping them learn about our work. This combination of factors pointed me in the direction of teaching.

Hobbies: Reading, Hiking, Watching sports, Travel