Ann Dornfeld
Reporter
About
Ann is a reporter on KUOW's Investigations team. Previously, she covered education stories for KUOW for a decade, with a focus on investigations into racial and socioeconomic inequities.
Her ongoing series exposing Seattle Public Schools’ lenient discipline of staff who abused students has won investigative reporting awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Radio Television Digital News Association, and the Education Writers Association. She was also lauded for her years of work covering disparities in the amount of recess and P.E. time students received in low-income schools.
Previously, Ann worked at Alaska Public Radio Network in Anchorage, and KLCC in Eugene, Oregon. Her freelance work, focusing on science and environmental issues, has appeared on national outlets including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Marketplace and The World.
Ann’s marine and underwater photography has appeared in the American Museum of Natural History and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.
She lives with her husband and two children in South Seattle.
Location: Seattle
Languages Spoken: English
Pronouns: she/her
Professional Affiliations: Member, Investigative Reporters and Editors
Stories
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School investigating additional allegations against Seattle teacher following KUOW report
Following KUOW's investigations into teachers who kept their jobs after documented abusive behavior, students at one Seattle school attempted to report even more complaints.
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Kent teacher tweeted racist, bigoted messages and was allowed to stay in the district
Things did not feel right in teacher Rafaela Kayryakoff’s first-grade classroom at Meridian Elementary School in Kent.
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Footnotes to 'Seattle Schools knew these teachers abused kids — but let them keep teaching'
These footnotes are an addendum to a KUOW investigation about teacher misconduct and lenient discipline in Seattle schools.
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Seattle Schools knew these teachers abused kids — and let them keep teaching
On a rainy morning two years ago, James Johnson, a Seattle teacher, punched an eighth grader in the jaw.
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Seattle Schools to turn away nearly 1,000 students missing vaccine records
Seattle Public Schools plans to turn away students who have not met vaccination requirements today.
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Seattle scrambles to vaccinate kids: 2,200 told not to come back without shots
Seattle is one of the districts now enforcing a longstanding state law that says students must be barred from school if they lack required vaccinations or exemptions.
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2,600 Seattle students lack permanent housing
The Seattle Public School district estimates more than 2,600 students lack permanent housing. The YWCA is starting a new program to help these families find a stable place to stay.
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Too white? A criticism of Seattle Public Schools gifted programs for decades
The disproportionate percentage of white students in gifted programs has become a hot topic in Seattle – and around the country – in recent years. But historical documents in the school district archives illustrate that this debate dates back generations in Seattle.
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Bad grades? Can’t dance at Mercer Middle School in Seattle
A dance at a Seattle middle school has drawn criticism for excluding some students. And it raises questions about approaches to school discipline.
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Affirmative action trails, but supporters still see positives
The affirmative action measure on Tuesday’s ballot was divisive in Asian-American communities. But some say the heated debate had a positive side.