Faculty and Staff Spotlight:
Claire Mrozek
February 12, 2026
For nearly four decades, Claire has been a guiding force at ESD, shaping generations of students as an Upper School History Teacher since 1986 and serving as a Junior Dean. Claire’s impact reaches far beyond content knowledge—she helps students understand the world, themselves, and their place within it.
Claire’s calling to teaching was shaped by the transformative power of education. Blessed with a strong educational foundation from kindergarten onward, a teacher during her senior year of high school helped her understand herself in a profound way. In that moment, Claire knew she wanted to offer students that same kind of meaningful, life-shaping experience. She remains inspired by students who want to think critically and learn with purpose, as well as by colleagues who, even in challenging times for education, work daily to affirm that learning, thinking, and growth truly matter.
Claire holds an Artium Baccalaureus (AB) from Dartmouth College and a Master of Arts (MA) from Boston College. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in openness and care: approaching each day with an open heart and an open mind, while asking herself and those around her to do their best.
Among many honors recognizing her excellence including the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award (2016, 2021), the ESD InSpirit Accolade (2016), and the UNC Morehead-Cain Impact Educator Award (2024), Claire was most recently named the 2025 Vroom Family Distinguished Teaching Award recipient. This endowed ESD award represents the highest recognition for teaching at the School, honoring exceptional commitment to the craft of teaching and celebrating educators who ignite lives of purpose through the development of an educated conscience.
At ESD, Claire treasures what she calls the “everyday magic”—the moments, both big and small, when joy, growth, and learning come together. ESD is honored to recognize Claire for her extraordinary dedication, her enduring belief in the power of education, and the lasting legacy she continues to build within our community.
