Welcome!
This is my first year at St. John's, teaching third grade. I am very pleased to be part of this welcoming and loving community! My husband and I live in New Brighton with our two children (Henry, 16 and Tessa, 9) and our amazing pug Judy (6). In my spare time you can find me cheering on my daughter on the basketball court or at one of the many church choir and theater productions she is involved with. We are beginning the college selection process with our son and have much to look forward to in the next few years as he follows his dreams! I also love gardening, trivia, traveling, and spending time with my toddler nephews and other extended family.
Professional Background:
I graduated with an BA in Communications from the University of MN several years ago and worked primarily in the healthcare industry before having our daughter and staying home for a few years. I began spending a lot of time volunteering at my son's elementary school and soon decided to try substitute teaching. I subbed steadily through the next few years as I worked on getting my teaching license through Hamline University. I am in the process of finishing my masters in K-6 teaching at Hamline.
Education Philosophy:
I spend a lot of time getting to my students for who they are and celebrating all their successes. I love knowing their interests, letting them have the time to talk about their families, what is exciting in their lives, and letting them be exactly the wonderful children that they are. I enjoy attending students' sporting, acting, dance, etc events and usually bring my daughter along- she also loves getting to know my students! I believe every student can succeed in every part of school with the right encouragement, support, and differentiated instruction. My classroom is a place of love and kindness, encouragement, posititivy, and sometimes we can get noisy and silly- but all with the idea of making learning fun! I have very high expectations for my students and believe in each and every one of them.