Jen Lehman

Woodworking Teacher and Librarian

Jen Lehman brings a diverse background rooted in nature, books, and hands-on creation to her roles as Prairie Hill’s Woodworking Teacher and Librarian.

Jen’s early life was defined by the outdoors—building forts, exploring nature, and gaining hands-on experience through her family’s carpentry business. This foundation led her to a love for creative teaching, cultivated through years of nannying, running youth programs, and coaching high school track and field. After earning her B.A. in English from UW–Madison, Jen’s professional path solidified her dedication to holistic education.

Her connection to Prairie Hill deepened after attending a playgroup as a nanny, resonating deeply with the Waldorf philosophy. Since joining the school in 2017, Jen has served in various capacities, including assistant roles in Kindergarten and Wondergarden, before embracing her current work. The 2025–2026 school year marks her fifth year as Woodworking Teacher and fourth as Librarian.

Jen is proud to have used her background to redesign and enhance the school’s library, creating a more inviting and functional space. In both the library and woodworking shop, she focuses on finding the balance between challenging students and making meaningful connections to the curriculum.

A lifelong athlete, Jen is also a key figure in Prairie Hill sports, coaching track and field and volleyball. She is a dedicated advocate of Positive Coaching, believing that athletics are crucial for developing essential life skills, such as perseverance, goal-setting, and teamwork.