Early Grade Teachers
Kindergarten
Why I teach: I love seeing children grow spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. I enjoy mentoring children and helping them establish their self-esteem and leadership abilities.
Personality of my classroom: My classroom is a fun, safe, and positive community where we become a family. All students are treated with love and respect, and their unique gifts from God are celebrated.
Memorable teaching experience: The most memorable teaching experiences for me are the AH HA!!! moments. It brings my heart pure joy when a student makes a learning connection. The excitement on their faces is priceless and I treasure being a part of the process.
Why I chose Immanuel: I believe God always has the plan. He led me back to teaching in a Christian environment with a wonderful staff and a very welcoming church family. I am so thankful that God has brought me here.
Experience: I have been teaching since 1997 in a variety of classroom settings ranging from infants to third grade.
Education: I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University River Forest.
Outside of class: When I am not in my classroom, I enjoy hanging out with my husband and my family. I like to work out, take walks, go shopping, and go to craft fairs, and watch tv -- especially football!
Why I teach: I teach because I want to help empower students! I love watching my students grow their independence and belief in themselves.
Personality of my classroom: I strive to make my classroom a light hearted community while also holding high expectations. I want students to take ownership of our class family and will often take direction from them (when it’s feasible 🙂) to incorporate their interests and ideas in our learning.
Memorable teaching experience: 1-Anytime a student has an “aha” moment! When their faces light up as they grasp a concept and move forward with confidence, it is extremely rewarding!
2-Watching the kids come together as a community of learners and put each other’s needs ahead of their own.
Why I chose Immanuel: When my oldest was ready to begin pre-school I had heard great things about Immanuel. I toured the school and we decided to enroll him. He had a wonderful experience and we watched him thrive and grow! When the 2nd Grade position was posted, I decided to apply because I wanted the opportunity to be a part of a school that valued the kids as individuals and loved what they do!
Experience:
St. Charles CUSD 303 2015-2018, 2024-2025 (Grades 1-3)
Hawai’i DOE 2018-2022 Kindergarten
Education:
University of Iowa-Bachelors in Ancient History & Museum Studies
National Louis University- Masters in Education
Outside of class: I love to read, watch live music, and be in the sun and water!