![Cassi Lanie]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1663688025/mcgillisschoolorg/sxmsjvkoqkhr433c0l6o/LanieC.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1663688025/mcgillisschoolorg/sxmsjvkoqkhr433c0l6o/LanieC.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1663688025/mcgillisschoolorg/sxmsjvkoqkhr433c0l6o/LanieC.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1663688025/mcgillisschoolorg/sxmsjvkoqkhr433c0l6o/LanieC.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1663688025/mcgillisschoolorg/sxmsjvkoqkhr433c0l6o/LanieC.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1663688025/mcgillisschoolorg/sxmsjvkoqkhr433c0l6o/LanieC.jpg","width":2048}])
5th Grade Teacher
At McGillis since 2008
Contact Cassi Lanie: clanie@mcgillisschool.org
Education:
B.F.A., Therapeutic Recreation, University of Utah
Elementary Education Certification, University of Utah
Bio:
When I am not in the classroom, I can be found trail-running on the Bonneville Shoreline, tripping over the familiar rocks and roots with our yellow dog, Finch. My family and I spend a fair amount of time exploring, mountain biking, camping, and being immersed in a rich life together. We also enjoy pouring love and sweat into our sweet little mid-century rambler! I love to read and at any time have 3-5 books stacked on my bedside table waiting patiently in line to be the next one. Come early spring, I am daydreaming about digging into my garden. It is so gratifying to watch a tiny seed turn into a gorgeous zinnia or ripe tomato. I continue to be inspired by people who are makers, creators, and artists of all kinds. And mostly I am grateful to spend my days at McGillis, under the same roof with my husband, Matt Schrier, and our son, Emmit.
Favorite McGillis lunch:
I have never met a lunch I didn't like, but to narrow it down, I would go with vegetable curry, meatless meatball subs, chickpea gyros, and the Mexican Street Corn is to die for..
I am learning to:
Currently trying to perfect the sourdough loaf and to be a more patient gardener.
I am currently reading:
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Favorite McGillis tradition:
My favorite McGillis traditions are going on fifth-grade camping trips in Southern Utah and taking middle schoolers to the Tetons and Great Basin National Park during the summer. Hiking to Catherine's Pass every fall with fifth-graders is also a strong contender. And who doesn't love Fall Leaf Haul? "Hunt the Pumpkin" is a little something I do around Halloween, which involves hiding a pumpkin on campus and turning fifth-graders loose to find it. Whoever finds the pumpkin gets to take it home!
Which value do you most appreciate?
Tikkun Olam. We have a long road ahead of us to repair the world. It begins in our homes and in our community. We have to take the time to connect, to listen, to understand, and to act. It can be as simple as exchanging a smile, sharing a meal, picking up litter, writing a letter/email to a state representative, etc.
The defining moment that led to your career in education:
I can't recall an exact moment or time when I knew I wanted to be a teacher, but I do know that I have always been drawn to working with children. From the early days of babysitting to implementing recreational opportunities for children with physical disabilities to taking kids camping in the desert for their first time, my life has been enriched by pursuing a career in education. Children are at the heart of all that is good and right in this world, and there is no better way to spend my days than to be a teacher at The McGillis School.