Bryce Sinnett
Speech Language Pathologist
- Favorite TPS Tradition: Halloween Parade
- Favorite Dining Room Meal: Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese
- Favorite Spot on Campus: The LJC
In her first year at Prairie, Bryce Sinnett, our Speech-Language Pathologist, has quickly become an integral part of the community. Through one-on-one and small group sessions, she works closely with students to build strong communication skills that support both academic success and personal confidence.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is when teachers notice a student’s speech and language progress in the classroom,” Bryce shares.
While she regularly sees student growth during speech sessions, she recognizes that carrying those skills into everyday classroom settings can be challenging.
“When teachers recognize the progress students are making it makes me proud they are applying what they have practiced. It also shows me that they are gaining confidence in their new communication skills.”
Bryce’s favorite Prairie memory in her short-but-impactful time on campus has been helping with Grandparents Day and witnessing the joy on the guests’ faces as they visited classrooms and celebrated their grandchildren’s work. She also enjoys the energy and excitement of the Halloween Parade, a tradition that highlights Prairie’s strong sense of community.
Above all, she has a profound appreciation for being part of the Prairie community. “I love working with staff members who are so committed to collaborating and doing everything they can to know, value, support, and challenge their students.”
Through her dedication and care, Bryce is helping students strengthen their voices while building the confidence to use them. We are grateful for the positive energy she brings to Prairie every day.
Click here to watch Bryce’s Prairie Voices video feature.
Mark Baker
MS French Teacher
- Favorite TPS Tradition: The Musicals
- Favorite Dining Room Meal: Black Bean Burger
- Favorite Spot on Campus: The New Wildflower Garden
For seven years, Middle School French teacher Mark Baker has inspired Prairie students to see the world through language, culture, and connection. Whether introducing new vocabulary or leading students on a field trip to a French café, his classroom is a place where curiosity thrives and confidence grows.
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing 8th graders move up to Upper School confident about their future studies in French,” Mark shares. “It’s also the close student/teacher relationships you build over one and a half years together, and the positive energy and support from colleagues who are so incredible in their craft.”
That sense of connection – with students and peers alike – is what makes his work so fulfilling. Over the course of his seven years, Mark has built countless memories in and out of the classroom. One of his favorite moments each year is the field trip to a French bakery and café in Milwaukee. “The students usually empty the bakery of all their products before we leave,” he recalls.
Beyond his love of teaching, Mark appreciates the many traditions and small joys that make Prairie special. “The musicals are always a highlight,” he says. “I never miss an opportunity to see them.” On a typical day, you might find him enjoying a black bean burger from the Dining Room or taking in the view of the new wildflower garden – his favorite spot on campus for a moment of calm and reflection.
Through his thoughtful teaching, humor, and enthusiasm, Mark helps his students discover not only the beauty of the French language but also the value of community and connection. Prairie is fortunate to have his warmth, dedication, and joie de vivre enriching our halls each and every day.
Click here to watch Mark’s Prairie Voices video feature.
Katie White
Grade 4 Teacher
- Favorite TPS Tradition: 12 Days Assembly
- Favorite Dining Room Meal: Hot Ham and Cheese on a Pretzel Bun
- Favorite Spot on Campus: Her Classroom Full of Students
For 13 years, Katie White has been a steady and inspiring presence on campus, creating classrooms filled with warmth, curiosity, and meaningful learning. For Katie, the most rewarding moments come when learning becomes active and alive.
“I love the ‘aha!’ moments in the classroom,” she shares, “when the learning process becomes dynamic.” Those moments of discovery are at the heart of her teaching and are what continue to energize her work year after year.
Some of Katie’s favorite memories extend beyond the classroom. One especially meaningful moment was seeing her daughters sit together at Upper School morning meeting every day, while one was a senior and the other a freshman. Another highlight was helping build the 4th Grade Courtyard, a lasting space that reflects Prairie’s spirit of collaboration and care.
Katie also cherishes Prairie traditions, naming the 12 Days assembly as a favorite. She enjoys simple Prairie pleasures, including a hot ham and cheese on a pretzel bun from the Dining Room and time spent in her favorite spot on campus: her classroom, surrounded by students while snow falls outside. “Nothing is cozier,” she says.
Through her dedication, thoughtfulness, and love of learning, Katie continues to shape meaningful experiences for her students and the community. We are grateful for the many ways she makes Prairie feel like home.
Click here to watch Katie’s Prairie Voices video feature.
Neal Johnson
Math & Computer Science Teacher
- Favorite TPS Tradition: 12 Days Assembly
- Favorite Dining Room Meal: Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry
- Favorite Spot on Campus: The JAC
In his fourth year at Prairie, Neal Johnson has become known for building meaningful relationships with students that extend well beyond the classroom. For Neal, teaching is about more than delivering content – it is about earning trust and helping students grow as learners and as people.
“The most rewarding part of my job is reaching students both inside and beyond the classroom,” he explains. While he values the moments when students seek clarification on course material, he finds the greatest fulfillment when they come to him for advice about college, athletics, art, or other personal interests. “When that trust is established, it becomes much easier to connect with them academically. They perform better in class, and in many cases, we build a meaningful relationship that carries on after they leave Prairie.”
Neal’s favorite Prairie tradition is the 12 Days Assembly, which closes out first semester. He also enjoys the everyday rhythms of campus life, especially time spent in his favorite place on campus: the JAC, where he loves the energy of student-athletes working to improve.
He deeply values Prairie’s Buddy Program. “Seeing a senior engaging with a third grader always brings a smile to my face,” he says. He also appreciates Prairie’s commitment to outdoor leadership experiences, noting how challenging, unfamiliar environments help students build skills, confidence, and lifelong memories.
Through his teaching, coaching, and mentorship, Neal continues to shape meaningful experiences for students across Prairie. We are grateful for the care, integrity, and dedication he brings to our community every day.
Click here to watch Neal’s Prairie Voices video feature.
