Hannah Assefa, PhD (she, her) is an elementary educator with broad teaching experience across early childhood, K–12, and adult education contexts. Her professional background also includes private instruction in traditional fiddle. Growing up in Northern Vermont as a biracial individual has deeply informed her understanding of identity, equity, and the complexity each learner brings to educational spaces. 

Dr. Assefa has taught in a variety of classroom contexts and is committed to cultivating learning communities in which students are supported, valued, and meaningfully engaged. Her approach emphasizes partnership, joy, and respect in the learning process, with a strong focus on honoring students’ cultural identities and lived experiences. 

Dr. Assefa teaches at The Barn School, an independent school in Northern Vermont grounded in child-honoring and “Vermontessori” approaches to learning. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education, a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Southern New Hampshire University (2016), and a Bachelor of Arts in Music & Elementary Education from Saint Michael’s College (2013). Her doctoral research examined the characteristics of formal learning experiences that support educators in developing culturally responsive and sustaining practices. 

Hannah Assefa has served on the Turrell Fund Board since 2024.