Colleen Joncas

Colleen Joncas joined Renbrook in 2025 as an Upper School History Teacher. She holds a B.A. in History and Sociology from Bowdoin College and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Wesleyan University. At Renbrook, she teaches Grade 7 World History and Religion, Grade 8 U.S. History, and Honors U.S. History. Her courses emphasize critical thinking, historical analysis, and strong writing skills. Colleen believes history comes alive when students make meaningful connections between past and present and engage deeply with complex ideas. She also coaches Girls’ Lacrosse.

Before coming to Renbrook, Colleen spent twenty years at Westminster School, where she taught U.S. and World History and served as Lead Teacher for U.S. History. She developed curriculum, mentored new faculty, organized guest speakers, and supported a writing intensive program designed to strengthen analytical and communication skills. In recognition of her impact as an educator, she earned The C. Hiram Upson Chair for Master Teachers of Writing in 2023, an honor awarded every five years to a humanities faculty member who exemplifies excellence in teaching writing.

Her commitment to students has extended beyond the classroom. Colleen has served as Assistant Director of Athletics, Yearbook Advisor, academic advisor, disciplinary committee member, and corridor supervisor in residential life. She has coached varsity field hockey and girls’ lacrosse for many years and remains dedicated to mentorship in every setting. During the pandemic, she taught a semester long U.S. History course for formerly incarcerated adults through the Second Chance Educational Alliance, designing a college credit curriculum rooted in opportunity and growth.

Colleen works in education because she values the energy and curiosity students bring to learning. She believes that strong relationships are central to both academic and personal development. At Renbrook, she treasures the close-knit community and the opportunity to see students grow as scholars and leaders.

Outside of school, she enjoys skiing, running, hiking, camping, and traveling. She and her husband, who serves as Director of Athletics and hockey coach at Westminster School, have three daughters and two mischievous but lovable labradors. A former collegiate athlete, Colleen played four seasons of field hockey and lacrosse at Bowdoin, captaining both teams her senior year and earning All-American honors in lacrosse.