Kiki's Classroom

I've taught third and fifth grade, but my heart is in third grade! I've always said that it's the age where they move from "learning to read" to "reading to learn", they're *just* independent enough, and they still hug their teacher at the end of the day!

I firmly believe that creating a classroom climate where kids feel safe, known, and loved sets the stage for learning throughout the year. I work hard to know my kids as learners and individuals, and to foster a cohesive group setting so that kids feel safe taking risks and come to school ready to learn each day. One of my most cherished letters came from a former student who wrote, "You didn't treat us like normal third graders, but like important third graders." I believe the classroom is where we explore, investigate, take risks, and laugh. I believe it is where we build relationships, construct knowledge, ask questions, and seek answers. Most importantly, it is where we learn to love learning.

Nominee, Kohl/McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Award; Nominee, Sigma Xi Science and Math Teacher of the Year Award; Nominee, ISBE "Those Who Excel" Award; Partners for Excellence in Education Mini-Grant Award; Contributor, Instructor Magazine

Northeastern Illinois University, North Park College, Loyola University

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