That Tall Teacher Mrs Zelic

I will be beginning my sixth year of teaching this upcoming school year. Wow! Where does the time go? Though I did my student teaching in Oklahoma in 2nd grade, I have taught all five years in Colorado. The two schools I have taught at were both in the Cherry Creek School District, one of the biggest districts in the state. I have loved every bit of it (even when I didn't). You're a teacher. You get it, right? The first few years you are trying to stay afloat and the years following just get better every year. Fake it until you make it-- am I right? Don't worry. I am not faking it anymore ;).

My teaching style in a few words: Energetic. Crazy. Loving. Extra. Bright. Colorful. Engaging. Inclusive. Consistency, yet Flexible. Relationships. Relationships. RELATIONSHIPS. I pride myself in my work ethic, but ultimately in my ability to connect and make relationships with my students. Building relationships is my main source of classroom management. I am by no way, perfect. FAR FROM IT. I continually show my students that even adults make mistakes; however, that means we are trying and our brain is growing. Every student is special and unique in their own way. My students will learn academically, but I strive for them to leave my classroom a better person with more confidence and love for themselves.

Though I have only taught a short amount of time, I have been blessed to receive a few small awards. My "You Go Girl Folder" is constantly growing with emails and cards from past parents, coworkers, kids (of course), and principals. I feel extremely honored to receive the Denver Nuggets Most Valuable Teacher award in January of 2023. I was nominated by one of my sweet student's and based on his kind words, they picked me! WOW! What an honor! HUGE Nuggets fan, too. I was also nominated for Teacher of the Year through my district, the biggest district in Colorado, the first year at my new school. Though it is not why I teach, a distant dream of mine will one day to become the Teacher of the Year, pushing all my students to be the best they can be.

I was always the student who wanted to learn, get better, and make my teacher proud. Dare I say.... teachers pet??? Yikes. I guess I was. I loved school! However, my siblings weren't always that way or shared the same love. My family is the definition of differentiation. I was able to see firsthand at a young age that every student learns, acts, speaks, fails, and succeeds differently. Based on my family's different education experiences, I strive to be the teacher that meets each student where they are. I will not make all students fit in mold, but embrace their differences and uniqueness. Differences are a blessing! I had a teacher growing up that made me want to be a teacher and be the best I could be. She encouraged me, loved me, pushed me, and remembered things about me. I strive to be that teacher who makes a difference in a student's life. If I get just one student to grow as a person and see their greatness and potential, I have truly won as a teacher.

As you can see from my materials and content, I am a bit over the top. I like things organized, bright, colorful, fun, engaging, and easily understandable for all. Once it's time to explicitly teach, I want to have everything I need! I've created and recreated materials since I started teaching, but I am finally being brave enough to share what I have. If you have any questions about me, my content, or anything I don't have on here, please ask! I truly believe teachers are superheroes and we are all in this together. I want to see you succeed, along with you kiddos! Though I am just a 4th grade teacher, some of material works for all grade levels. I have classroom decor, growth mindset, and more that can be used at any level. Look around, stay awhile. You'll never know what you find!