Audry Bellis

I have an MAT from the University of Cumberlands in Elementary Education and a BS in Communication from the University of Louisville. I taught fourth-grade reading and was the yearbook coordinator at a private school for two years. I learned of Chance School in search of an opportunity to combine my passion for education and outdoor exploration. 

I love that our school fosters intrinsic motivation and encourages children to think critically and consciously when making decisions and interacting with their community. They can express their needs, learn through creativity and curiosity, and build a sense of purpose and responsibility. 

My goal as an educator is to help children learn to trust and use their talents and voices, and I believe that a nature-based learning environment allows children to discover those. Children are encouraged to explore, question, observe, and communicate through direct experiences in the outdoors. This contributes to the whole child and allows them to learn and solve problems through hands-on experiences. 

Encouraging children to be immersed in nature allows them to ponder about the world around them and learn to take care of it. Children discover the importance of care and compassion for those in their environment. Opportunities for inquiry are endless at Chance, and I feel fortunate to be a part of this community. 

Outside of teaching, I typically spend time with my husband, our cat, and our families. We enjoy cooking, hiking, and kayaking together. We often spend weekends at a family gathering, festivals, or markets.