Teachers

Jean Hurst

Classroom Teacher

Until 1989, Jean Hurst was set to storm the world of international business, orchestrating corporate takeovers and generating huge profits. She was not, as one friend observed, "going to be caught cutting out little paper ducks and bunnies." And she still doesn't. Without the aid of paper animal figures, Jean combines two of her passions - literacy and young children - into the pursuit of helping her primary grade students learn to be strategic readers and writers.

After spending time in Argentina, Spain, and Mexico throughout her high school and college years, Jean received her BA degree in Spanish Studies from Fordham University. Teaching became her passion after working in the Migrant Education program at SUNY Geneseo upon graduation from Fordham. This led her to pursue an MS degree in Elementary and Bilingual Education from SUNY Brockport and later a certification in Reading Recovery. Jean began teaching in 1991 and has taught English as a Second Language, Preschool, Kindergarten, First, Second and Third Grades, at school #42 and The Children's School of Rochester. Her work with the Rochester City School District included writing, and delivering a variety of courses and workshops on Reading.

Since joining GCCS for its opening year, Jean has taught kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. She has also led workshops on literacy and expedition planning at the Expeditionary Learning National Conference.

In her free time, Jean enjoys spending time with her dog, Melody, and pursuing her latest passion - ballroom dancing.

Spero Michailidis

Classroom Teacher

Spero Michailidis grew up in Somerset, New Jersey, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from Lehigh University. After graduating in 1995 he spent a year abroad in Southeast Asia, working in a bookstore in Bangkok, traveling through Indonesia, and teaching English in Seoul, South Korea. After returning from Korea Spero came to Rochester, where he lived on staff at the Rochester Zen Center for three years.

Spero received his Masters Degree in Education from Nazareth College in 2001, and the following year he worked as a contract substitute teacher in West Irondequoit School District. This is his fifth year at GCCS, and he can’t imagine teaching anywhere else. He is grateful for the philosophy and practices of Expeditionary Learning, for the many professional development opportunities he has experienced, and for the rich school culture of which he is a part.

Michelle Ericson

Teaching Assistant

Michelle was born in Denver, Colorado, and moved to Rochester in 1981, where she began her career as a graphic designer in the Communications Office of the Rochester Museum & Science Center.  She left the museum in 1987 to raise her two daughters, and worked as a freelance designer from home.

Michelle earned the Child Development Associate Credential from the Council for Early Childhood Professional recognition in 1994.  She has fifteen years' experience working with elementary school children.  Since joining the Genesee Community Charter School in its inaugural year, Michelle has shared her enthusiasm and talents with the students and staff. 

Michelle enjoys spending time with her two daughters, traveling, golfing, boating, canoeing, photography, and art.