Bullis Voices

Lower School Librarian Sarah Walsh believes that libraries are about much more than books. In this episode, she discusses how the Bullis Lower School Library helps students become curious readers, thoughtful researchers, and confident seekers of information in an increasingly complex world. The conversation explores the evolving role of school libraries, fostering a love of reading, teaching infor...

Upper School history teacher and Director of Global Studies Steve Chester explores how studying the past helps students better understand the present. From AP World History discussions about current events and civil discourse to transformative travel experiences in places like Japan, Germany, and Iceland, Steve shares how curiosity, critical thinking, and firsthand experience help students become...

Tenth-Grade Dean Dr. Amanda Ross shares how she helps sophomores build confidence, belonging, empathy, and independence during a pivotal year of high school. She discusses her “invisible crown” philosophy, the importance of relationships, service learning, Model UN, leadership, and the whole-child approach that helps Bullis students grow into the best versions of themselves. Bullis Voices is produ...

Ninth-Grade Dean and Upper School English teacher Christin Felt sits at the center of one of the most important transitions in a student’s Bullis journey. In this episode, she shares what makes the move from Middle School to Upper School uniquely challenging—and what students actually need to succeed. The conversation explores habits, self-advocacy, and the social and emotional shifts that define...

Beloved Bullis teacher Dr. Duruhan Badraslioglu shares how he creates science classes that students remember long after they leave. From hands-on experiments to real-world connections, his classroom is a place where curiosity drives learning. In this episode, Dr. B reflects on what makes science exciting, how he continually reinvents his courses, and what students gain when they’re encouraged to t...

Dance and movement teacher Kashi Barrett brings joy, creativity, and deep care to her work with Lower and Middle School students at Bullis. In this episode, she talks about how movement helps young people build confidence, express themselves, and work together as a team. The conversation explores her journey in the performing arts and education, the philosophy behind her classroom, and how discipl...

Upper School Math Department Chair and 12th-Grade Dean Caitlin Zolet brings humor, empathy, and high expectations to everything she does at Bullis. She shares what it takes to make math feel approachable—and even fun—while building a classroom culture where students feel capable of taking risks and working through hard problems. Caitlin also reflects on how years of coaching field hockey have shap...

Head of Upper School Dr. Celeste McDaniels, Ph. D.  joins Bullis Voices to explore how the Portrait of a Graduate comes to life each day in the Upper School. A former chemistry teacher, Dr. McDaniels shares how clear thinking, perseverance, and strong communication shape classrooms, labs, studios, and communities. The conversation touches on joyful lifelong learning, global citizenship, embracing...

Title Dr. Joe Weinstein-Sears: Culture, Curiosity, and Challenge in Middle School Description Head of Middle School Dr. Joe Weinstein-Sears talks about the culture he’s building at Bullis—where students feel known, traditions bind grades together, and meaningful challenge is part of every day. He shares how interdisciplinary inquiry makes learning feel real, how feedback and productive struggle wo...

Upper School English Department Chair Amanda Lombardo—a Bullis teacher for nearly two decades—shares what a great “normal” day looks like when high expectations and genuine fun live side by side. She discusses helping students find an authentic voice and truly listen across differences, the relationships that change lives, and what matters most as communication keeps evolving. Amanda also offers a...

Lower & Middle School Theatre teacher and Middle School Arts Department Coordinator Chelsie King shares how she builds ensembles where students feel seen, safe to take risks, and grow as artists—and as people. She talks teaching philosophy, influences, her journey in theatre and education, the craft behind notes and rehearsal, how she fits at Bullis, and what students learned performing at the...

Lower School leader Dr. Katy Smullen joins host Mark Riffee to unpack how Bullis students transform mistakes into growth. They dig into Responsive Classroom routines that create psychological safety, how inquiry-based learning invites try–fail–try-again cycles, and the language teachers use in the moment—plus how Bullis partners with families so the “why” is clear at home. A practical, heart-forwa...