Our Staff
Meet the incredible staff of educators at Pioneer School. All of our teachers hold current teaching credentials in the State of Washington.
Betty Burley-Wolf - Founder
Betty Burley-Wolf, founding director, Betty started Pioneer school in 1980 to challenge bright students and let them move at their own pace. Betty has a masters degree in gifted education from Whitworth. She has taught kindergarten, first and second grade. She currently serves as director. She has 2 grown daughters who attended Pioneer. Rebecca teaches middle school science in Bozeman Montana and Margaret has her PHD in hydrology and works for University of Idaho. Her husband Gary is a retired chemistry college instructor. Betty enjoys snow skiing, paddle boarding and most of all spending time with her grandsons!
Tina Davis - Kindergarten Teacher
Welcome! I joined the Pioneer staff in 2001. I have taught in a variety of capacities in grades ranging K-6 including Curriculum Director, Reading Specialist, Summer School, and Classroom teacher. However, I really started my career when I was in pony-tails and my Kindergarten teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. As I counted to 100 while licking my tootsie roll lollipop, I quickly replied "A Kindergarten Teacher!"
I have a Master of Curriculum and Development from the University of Idaho. I also hold an Idaho State Computer Competency Certificate from Boise State University. I have a great love for teaching and for children.
What I enjoy most about teaching is looking at the smiles, hearing the laughter, and watching the "Aha!" moments on the student's faces. Each day is filled with excitement and wonder, is ever changing, and never boring.
In my spare time I enjoy writing, photography, and watching my bird chase my dog around the house. I am also an artist and a member of the F.R.S.A., which is the Fellowship of the Royal Society for Arts.
Jennifer Henry - 1st Grade Teacher
Jennifer Stiritz is our first grade teacher, she has taught here for 5 years and previously taught PE while her son attended here. She has her masters degree in teaching with an emphasis on elementary math. Jennifer enjoys pickleball and hiking with her dogs when she's not busy at school.
Angelica (Annie) Ginelli - 2nd Grade Teacher
Angelica (Annie) Williams is our second grade teacher. Annie has been here 6 years, she has a masters in teaching with a science emphasis. When not busy at school she enjoys pickleball, kayaking, and yoga. Annie is a talented artist and plays the violin. She is building a house at Twin Lakes, Id with her husband Wesley.
Amy Wartinger - 3rd Grade Teacher
I earned my teaching degree from the University of Idaho with an emphasis on biology and
English. My journey at Pioneer School began when three of my own kids attended. After they
graduated from here, I was thrilled to stay on and become a teacher. Over the past 7 years, I’ve
had the joy of teaching 2nd Grade classes through 5 th Grade classes. When I’m not in the
classroom, I love spending time in nature, hiking, traveling, attending concerts, reading, and
learning - especially about plants, animals, and insects.
As a parent and an educator, I hold a deep appreciation for the wonder of childhood. It is a time
of immense growth and discovery, and I believe it should be treated with the utmost care and
respect. Fostering a love of learning during this time is fundamental. When children are inspired
and encouraged to be curious and excited about the world around them, they’re empowered to
keep learning long after they leave the classroom.
One of the many reasons I love teaching at Pioneer School is the opportunity to help students
discover and grow in a nurturing environment, while also helping build their confidence to rise to
challenges. I’m grateful to be able to encourage learning beyond the classroom as well, with
hands-on experiences that spark curiosity. This blend of classroom instruction and real-world
exploration is what makes teaching and learning here so dynamic and meaningful.
Every day, I come to school excited to continue learning alongside my students and to help them
grow into curious, thoughtful, and confident individuals!
Arliss Rothwell - 4th Grade Teacher
Arliss Rothwell, originally from Glasgow, Mont., moved to Spokane in 1977 where she raised 3 children who were in the gifted program in the East Valley School dist. Ms. Arliss has 25 years teaching experience. Among her favorite subjects to teach are: Literature, cursive, phonics, conflict resolution, History/Herstory, math, gardening, and Shakespeare plays for kids! Ms. Arliss retired to care for her aging parents and found she missed teaching so she is delighted to be back at Pioneer doing what she loves. Ms. Arliss believes every child and every story matters
Nicole Bronson - 5th Grade Teacher
I began teaching at Pioneer School in 2006. It has been an exciting and joyful learning environment to work in! I love the small class-size, the community of families and the spirit of creativity that Pioneer embodies. We work very hard and get the most out of everything we do. Our school is truly a place that promotes the ideal of a scholar and nourishment of the whole child.
I came to teaching after a decade as a park ranger and environmental educator. I love the outdoors and natural sciences. At Pioneer, I have been able to continue getting kids out in nature on learning expeditions, and bringing the wild kingdoms back into our classroom as
well. We use art as a vehicle to study every topic, and I enjoy bringing the artist out in my students. My bachelor’s degree is in biology (botany and ecology) from The Evergreen State College. I earned my Masters in Teaching from Whitworth.
I have a daughter and son that both grew up and graduated from Pioneer School. I am grateful that my own children have had the unique and enriching opportunity to be Pioneer students for the first ten years of their lives. Ms. Betty and I have taken my 4th/5th grade classes on many multi-day, adventurous, and immersive learning excursions over the years to bring our topic studies to life. We have ventured to Mt. Saint Helens, the Washington coast, the State Capitol, Hell’s Gate, Mt. Rainier National Park, Ginkgo Petrified Forest, the Washington State History Museum, Point Defiance Zoo, and Yellowstone National Park. And believe it or not, that’s the short list! Pioneer School is an unmatched learning environment that sparks and nurtures curiosity and life-long learning in the young student!
Support Staff
Leah Kliment
Teaching Assistant
Nidhi Sharma
Teaching Assistant