Charlotte studied languages (English, French, Spanish, Latin, and Greek) at the University of Berlin and the University of Paris. She also received sports training, and after receiving her diploma in 1927, she became a sports instructor at the University of Berlin. In 1931 she received a PhD in linguistics from the University of Berlin. Before coming to Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Charlotte taught at Lesslerschule in Berlin, Riverdale Country School in New York, Putney School in Vermont, and Helen Bush School in Washington.

The following recollections about Charlotte Jossman come from “CRMS, A school in the Making,” by Anne and John Holden, and from the CRMS publication, “The First Twenty-Five Years.”

And John Holden: Before we left Putney, Charlotte Jossman (Jossy) asked us if we might be interested in having her j oin us after we had been going a year. She was one of the strongest language teachers we had ever known; naturally we begged her to commit herself for the fall of 1954.

We had thought that our academic program was really rugged the year before, but Jossy and her quiet way, made us all raise our sights, demand more from our students, and get more enthusiastic response. She was first of all a language teacher, though her knowledge of literature made her suggestions to English teachers most pertinent. Her wide-ranging curiosity had led her into things mathematical, historical, and scientific. Jacques Barzun was her favorite teacher, and she often quoted him. She didn’t want any fancy titles but finally did let us call her “Director of Studies.” She was the Dean of the Faculty, and The Confidant of the students. We called her college advisor, but she was a great deal more than that. Her love of sports was just as strong as her love of intellectual things. She was a hiker, a skier, a gymnast, and she had been a champion discus thrower in Germany before Hitler made a business out of sport.

Paula Mechau: The students admired her fourth-rightness when she talked with them about whatever their problems were. They knew of her deep interest in their welfare. They responded in a remarkable way, even the most difficult of them.

Pat Fender: Jossy had a high standard of excellence for herself. She was willing to spend any amount of time and energy to bring anyone else up to the best that he or she could do.

Elizabeth Freund (Jossy’s sister): Charlotte was a hard worker. Her great ability in teaching, her intelligence and knowledge, and her warm feeling for people, young and old, caused her to win the love and appreciation of everyone with whom she came and close contact.