Susan Stevens Crummel: FWCD Upper School Math Teacher turned Children’s Author

I have not always loved reading. I have had a love-hate relationship with writing: It can be hard work. Both reading and writing, when compelled on a child by an adult, can seem a burden. Both of those assignments, when given to a student with certain learning differences, can be overwhelming. 

An exceptional guest author in the Lower School this month not only inspired reading, she also made all of us in her audience think we might have stories to tell. Susan Stevens Crummel was that children's book author, though many at FWCD know her as a former Upper School Math Teacher.

Overcoming aphasia from a 2020 medical event, Ms. Crummel shared incredible energy for storytelling: She had her audience act-out elements of her stories; she took us on the adventures that led to her many published books; and, she magically built our interest in a story, and then stopped just short of sharing the endings. We were told we had to read the book to know what happened. We all wanted to read more of Ms. Crummel’s stories … and we each could see how our lives have potential stories held in them. 

Our job at school is to expose students to all sorts of subjects and potential interests. Different students will be inspired by different classroom, assembly, gym or field exposure. Ms. Crummel inspired many, including plenty who might not already enjoy writing and reading.