The fifth grade teachers introduced themselves to one another in their forum, and I'd like to get to know all of you better, also. Some of you know me already, but there are also many I don't know. My name is Victoria- I am 27 years old and entering my 6th year of teaching fourth grade in Florida (at the same school). I teach all subjects, and I don't necessarily have a favorite- I love teaching all subjects. Every year, my students take a Saturday trip to America's Oldest City, St. Augustine, and they put on a play about the explorers and Indians at school in the evening for their parents. Outside of school, I love scrapbooking, reading, writing, photography, traveling, shopping and music. I also am involved in art quite a bit. Something I want to still improve is my singing voice- I may want to take lessons at some point and time- or learn how to play an instrument besides the keyboard. Eventually I hope to travel to Italy and Hawaii as well.
This is a great idea, Ms J! I just realized I've used all the grade levels from about K on up here at atoz! I'm Becky, I'm 44, and I've been homeschooling my daughter, Jeannie, since '05. I also teach all the subjects except art, gym, and her piano and guitar lessons. I hope to find a music class for Jeannie this year, as we haven't had any luck on that yet. Besides school, I'll be a Girl Scout leader this year, which terrifies me now. I really want to do a great job, but worry I won't. Other than that, I like to read when I can, and catch up the housework.
Hi. I'm Pam. I just turned 38! I'm married and have 2 daughters. One just graduated and the younger one will be a sophmore. I will start my thirteenth year of teching. I have taught everything from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. I have become an expert at moving classrooms, since this is my 8th or 9th time. In my spare time, I like to scrapbook, garden, plant flowers, float in the pool, and sleep in. My favorite subjects are Math, Writing, and Reading. My least favorite subjects are Science and Social Studies. I never liked them very much when I was in school. Someday I would like to go to Hawaii. (Maybe for my 25th anniversary in 7 years!)
Hi~I'm Sharon. I will be 49 in October. This will be my 3rd year teaching 4th grade. I took a 21 year break from teaching and was in the advertising field. I came back 4 years ago and I'm loving it. I teach all subjects, but my favorite is science. I've presented at the GSTA (Georgia Science Teacher Association) for the last 2 years. I was voted the Georgia Elementary Science Teacher of Promise by GSTA in 2008. I don't teach math, reading or writing quite as well, but I'm getting there. My oldest daughter will be a college freshman this year and my youngest will be in 7th grade. I celebrated my 26th anniversary in June. I started my master's cohort this summer...just finished the 1st semester. By this time next summer I will be finished. I love to read and watch my daughters play tennis and soccer. Hopefully I will have time do to both this year, but between teaching and taking classes, I'm not sure I will. I play tennis too, although not very well. While in advertising, I got to travel to Europe several times. I've been to London, Spain, and Italy. I also got to go to Bermuda once. I miss it sometimes, but like I said, I really am glad I'm back teaching.
I really like reading these! Becky, it's funny- I say it every year- I cannot believe Jeannie is ___ years old now. Now it's fourth grade! The time has come...!
I am an occasional poster, more consistent at this time of year, but I recognize many of your names, when I see your posts. Even if I am not posting, I am reading and stealing your ideas! I am entering my sixth year of teaching fourth grade and I am 38. My previous career was in restaurant management...the hours were atrocious, the money was worse, and my clothes smelled unbelievably bad. I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher but didn't think that I could afford college or would be able to go to school and still hold a job. I was wrong, thank goodness. I still have those moments where I have to remind myself that I have a job, doing something that I love. I have been married for 10 years, no kids. I have a dog and cat that are best buddies. I love to read, enjoy music, and spend a lot of time with my family. I teach Social Studies, Science, and Math. All three are my preferred topics, so I am lucky. Science is definitely my area that I get the most enjoyment out of. I like hands-on, inquiry-based instructional methods and have been dabbling with differentiated instruction, though definitely have much room to grow in this area. It is nice to get to know a little about you all!
I am Melissa (Missy was my nickname growing up), and I am way older than all of you! I am not afraid to admit that I am 51, but I definitely don't feel it! I am starting my tenth year of teaching. When I first went to college back in the 70's I knew I wanted to teach, but the field was glutted and they told us to do something else. Foolishly, I listened. I majored in History (loved that!), and then went to law school. I mostly worked in the Prosecutor's Office, and really disliked the atmosphere. I was lucky enough to take time off to raise my daughters while we moved around the country with my Air Force husband. My girls are now in college. My oldest will graduate in December and begin looking for a teaching job (high school)! When I went back to get certified to teach I earned an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. I love teaching, and my favorites are math and social studies. Unfortunately my principal loves departmentalization, so I am stuck with that. This year I will teach reading, writing, and math only. My new challenge for the next two years is being Association President for my district. With nearly 600 teachers, I am sure I will stay busy! In my spare time I love to read, walk, sew, cross-stitch, hang out with my husband and friends (and daughters when they are in town), and play with our two puppies. Nice to meet you all!
Hey all, I'm Becky. I teach all the grade levels so I figure I get to introduce myself on every grade level. When I taught regular ed I taught 4th grade for several years. Right now I'm teaching ESE K-5 but I still have a soft spot for the 4th grade curriculum. I love teaching about Florida, and we also take our students to St. A. I received my degree in the 70's and things certainly have changed since my first classroom! I have raised 3 children and was lucky enough to be a SAHM for 13 years.(Potatoes were a staple in our household...I learned a zillion ways to make them!) Many of you know that we tragically lost one of our children about two years ago and my teaching family was a huge support for us. We will be married 26 years this year and now we are looking forward to retiring in 5 years and traveling. My favorite hobby is geocaching. I also love to read and cook. I spend waaaaay to much time at A to Z, so I guess that's a hobby, too. Hope you all have a restful end of summer vacation!
Girlfriend will be 9 in September! When asked her age, she says '8..and a half.' I chuckle everytime I hear her say that.
Hello Everyone, (Hey Goopp My name is Mary and I will be 45 tomorrow!!! (Even though I feel like I am 30 maybe?? I have been teaching for 16 years and before that I was in grocery retail management for Kroger and National Foods for 9 years. I have taught Title I class, 1st grade, 7th grade English, and now I'm in my third year of 4th grade. I LOVE 4th grade; it is a blast! In my free time I like to ride my motorcycles and go riding with my husband on our Harley Davidson. Yes, I am a motorcycle Momma. It is funny when my students realize I love motorcycles. I have 3 daughters ages 20, 13, 11. In my free time I love working in my flower garden and mowing our large lawn. Have a good school year!
Way cool! Where do you teach in Florida? I am about forty-five minutes north of Tampa in Brooksville. Teaching about Florida is extremely exciting- and the kids definitely love the trop to St. Augustine. I graduated from Flagler College, so I know a lot about the city. Geocaching is great, also. It's so nice to learn more about all of you!
Hi everyone! I am 33 years old and I teach in Missouri. This will be my second year teaching fourth grade- going back to it after 3 years in different levels and I am really excited about it! I teach at a very small school and I am the only fourth grade teacher, so I teach all subjects - but science is my favorite! I love to be able to do the hands on experiments and our school uses science kits rather than textbooks, so that is perfect! I have one daughter who will be in sixth grade this year and I have been married for 14 years (in November). In my spare time I enjoy scrapbooking, reading, and playing games with my family. I am really glad to meet everyone on here!
What part of Missouri? Just wondering, if you don't mind me asking? What part are you from? I am from Central Missouri.
Hello, I'm a new teacher. I am 24. I'm a first year 4th grade teacher. Last year I taught k-5 science. My favorite subjects to teach are math, science, and writing. I teach at a title 1/empowerment/EMO school in PA.
My name is Dana and this will be my seventh year teaching (all of it in fourth grade). I teach all subjects, but science and social studies are my favorite to teach. I feel my weakest areas in teaching are reading and writing. I love incorporating technology into my lessons with scavenger hunts and webquests. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 13 years this August 3rd. We met in high school my junior year when he was an English teacher. Though it was a big secret, it never turned into a big scandal. Everyone was rooting for us. We don't have any human children, but we do have three furry, cat children. We also have two dogs and two turtles. I love reading, especially series. I am finishing up the last book in the Outlander series now. I'm a big Dan Brown and James Rollins fan, as well. I love going to movies, too. It's good to get to know more about you all!
Hi, I'm Missy (my nickname given to me by my son & his friend. I complained to them after they squirted toothpaste on my ceiling and told them I was not their maid. My son's friend said "Yes, you are, you're Missy Maid!" The nickname stuck. The funny thing is, my husband, son and I all call each other "Miss." You should see the looks we get!!!) I will be 54 in October, am married to a man 17 years my junior, and my son will turn 26 in August. We live a few miles from downtown Houston, and I teach in a small school district on Galveston Bay, about 25 miles away. So, I get to enjoy big-city living and also get to see seagulls flying over the parking lot and horses in the pasture behind my classroom every day! I was a bartender and "professional academic" for more than 25 years, and came to teaching after my dying mom told me that is what I was meant to do. This will be my second year teaching, and I LOVE IT! My mom was right
Ms. J. I'm over in the panhandle. Years ago I had a teacher friend in Brooksville, but that would have been before your time. Nice little town.
Hello from California! Like others, I don't post often, but get many great ideas here! I'm Debbie, am married with two daughters (senior in HS and 7th) living in the San Jose, CA area. I will be turning 40 (am I really aging this fast?) later this year. I am about to begin my 3rd year of teaching (all 4th at same school). Prior to teaching I worked with non-profits doing program development, fundraising, and grant writing, all skills that come in handy as a teacher. Happily, I teach at my neighborhood school where my husband and daughters attended. In August I will begin my Masters in Ed Leadership. Between kids, husband, and work I have little time for hobbies, though I do make it a practice to read non-work books before bed each night! I can't wait to find time to travel more...so far Maui is tops on my favs list places I've been.
I grew up in Hernando County, so maybe I know of the person if he or she taught at a school I attended.
Bumble - It's nice to know I'm not the only "youngin' here. I'm a month shy of 25 and entering my 4th year of teaching. I jumped into the profession with both feet and haven't looked back! Deb4kids - I'm up in Sonoma County. What part of the bay are you in? Now....to everyone else.... My name is Kelly. I taught 3rd last year. Before that I taught 2nd and Kinder. As of now I'll be doing a 3/4 combo in the fall, but nothing's been confirmed. I enjoy scrapbooking, reading (especially during the summer) as well as spending time on AtoZ while watching TV. Teaching has made me a habitual double-tasker!
I think we have a great range in ages in the fourth grade teachers' forum! It seems like we have a lot of really intelligent, intuitive, creative people who are willing to share & learn!
Hi everyone! I'm Colleen. I am 30 years old. I have taught 4th graders for the past 8 years. I started as a small group tutor (k-5), then into a special ed resource room (3rd and 4th), and now 2 years as a "regular" 4th grade teacher. I enjoy reading, playing with my cats, watching TV, and of course, getting terrific ideas from the people here at AtoZ!
Hello everyone (I use to be teach_each1 but then something wonky happened to my profile so I had to restart). I'm Nicole and I'm 30. I am in my 3rd year of 4th grade but prior to 4th I taught 8 yrs in preschool. I started a cohort for my masters last month and if i don't go crazy in 18 months then I will have my degree. This year I really took a jump into the technology world. My district started a technology design team which I volunteered to represent our school. I also won (?) a technology grant opportunity and will receive a smartboard and mp3 players this year. My principal is outfitting each of our rooms with a projector and an Airliner. I am married (8 years this August) and we have 2 beautiful boys. "Dash" is 6 and will be starting 1st grade this year and "Bug" is 3 and will be going to preschool. I love to spend time with my family-we often go to the zoo or the park. I love to bake and do so semi-professionally on the side. One of my goals is to get better at cooking (we don't starve by any stretch of the word-I'd just like to get better at technique.)
Hello, I'm Tami and this will be my second year teaching and I will be teaching fourth again. I'm 41 and I'm a career changer. I worked in Insurance and then took some time off to stay home with my kids..While I was a SAHM I went back to school and got my degree in elementary education. I did not want to go back to insurance. I live in the Phoenix area with my hubby, two kids (9 & 6), two dogs, two cats and two tortoises...Yes, we're just like Noah's Ark!! When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, cake decorating and playing on the internet.
HI all... I'm Rob - I just finished my my 15th year teaching - I have taught 3, 5 and now for the last 5 years I have taught grade 4. Along with teaching, I am also the Asst. Principal of my school...so I get to wear two hats, of course teaching is my favorite....We have 3 fourth grades - each teach a different main subject - I teach Science and Social Studies to the 3 classes along with Reading/Langauge Arts to my homeroom. One of the other teacher teaches Math to the 3 classes and Reading/L.A. to her class --while the third teacher teaches Writing to the 3 classes and Reading/L.A to his class. We switch the first 3 hours of the day for hour blocks for our main subject -- this makes for an interesting morning. Depending on the week I either teach 3 days of Science and 3 Social Studies or 3 days of Social Studies and 2 of Science. We use the Houghton Mifflin Trophies Series for Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies--- what series do others use??
Hello All! My name is Jessica ( I am 27) and I will be teaching 4th grade for the first time this school year. This will be my 6th year teaching, I have taught 2nd & 3rd in the past. This year will also be interesting because I will have the gifted and inclusion class, this is something new my district is trying. I am a mother of two wild boys ages 2.5 and 10 months. I am also a military wife and I will be starting my masters in admin this fall.
Rob (teacherfourth) and others: My series are: Reading-McGraw Hill Math-Investigations (Scott Foresman) Sci-Scott Foresman S.S.-none
Hello, my name is Chris and I am nearly 47 years old. I have been teaching for 12 years. All but 3 of those years have been in 4th grade. I love to learn and I spend wayyyyyyy tooooooo much time looking at the internet for cool new ideas. I am married and have 3 boys (ages 10-28). We have lived in the Charlotte, NC area for 1 year. I love to teach math, but I am struggling with the best way to teach reading/language arts. I am reading the Daily 5 this summer and hopefully will be able to use this in my classroom. I enjoy reading, walking, swimming and watching reality tv shows (I know...I am hooked though). I love to come to A to Z for new ideas or to incorporate some you your great ideas with what I am already doing. You all are very creative and are a great resource. Thank you!
Greetings! My name is Ellen and I'm almost 27. This will be my 5th year of teaching in LA and Kansas. I have changed grades or classrooms EVERY YEAR!! Ahh!! All due to my family moving, grade level reductions etc. I have taught 2, 3, 4, and 5th before and am excited yet nervous to go back to 4th after 2nd last year. I have been married for 4 years and have a 2 year old named Lucy. I went to Kansas State University, hence the profile image...so you will probably recognize my posts! I found this site to be super helpful on many occastions so I am excited about knowing the people who help me a little better!
HI! My name is Judy, and alas I am the oldest here, 58... if you HAVE to count 2 birthdays in international waters... I've taught 19 years - couldn't decide what I wanted to be when I grew up! I love my job and school - the people are fantastic! It's a Title I school (75% free and reduced lunches) and holds many challenges. I've found that most parents just want to help their kids though - and that's great! My first year of teaching I was hired 1/2 day first grade, then in a few weeks we had enough students for me to teach 1st Grade All Day! Then I went to 2nd for about 8 years, 3rd for about 10 years, and now 4th! Fourth is a challenge with THE TEST, but the kids are super!!! I love this forum and do get so many ideas! Some of you amaze me- I don't think I have enough energy to keep up!
Greetings! My name is Terry and I am 40 years old (going on 20). I have been married for 19 years and have a daughter who'll be a sophomore at the University of Kansas and a son who'll be a junior in high school. I have been teaching 4th grade for 2 years and previously taught 3rd grade. I've been in the field for 10 years, 9 of those in Topeka. I teach all subjects except S.studies ~my colleague teaches that while I teach science for both classes. In my spare time I enjoy shopping,reading, wine tasting, and going to the movies. I especially enjoy watching movies that were originally children's books but I'm not looking forward to "Cloudy, with a chance of meatballs" as much as I am "Where the wild things are" and "The fantastic Mr. Fox".
I'm Dana and this will be my 21st year teaching 4th grade at the same private school and my 26th year teaching overall. I'm almost 50 years old. I live on a farm and commute 50 miles each way to school in the city. We live with 13 barn cats (one just had kittens!!!), raccoons, wild turkeys, skunks, and a herd of cattle in the back pasture. During the summer I have an extensive garden and just picked 25 pounds of tomatoes, so I'll be canning within the next few days. My favorite subject to teach is California Social Studies. I love history and geography, and there are so many great novels to go along with our studies. Math comes a close second. During the summer I plan my lessons, scrapbook, work in the garden, and just enjoy being home. I can't wait for school to start to get into my new classroom (we're remodeling this summer) and meet my new class.
I love your self-descriptions, everyone! Terry- I see myself being at my school for quite some time, too. I'm going on my sixth year, and it's the only school I've been at...
Hey everyone! I'm Tiffany and I'm 28 yrs old. This will be my 3rd year teaching 4th. My first year I taught only Math and Science, but last year and this I teach it all. I work at a charter school in Rocky Mount, NC and absolutely love it. I've been married for 3yrs (on the 29th) and have a beautiful 8 year old who's going into the 3rd grade this year. In my spare time, I love to lay by the pool, read, and spend time with my family. I've been coming on AtoZ for all the great ideas since I was in college, I've borrowed many ideas from all of the great teachers on here!
Hi everyone! So, my name is Kerry, I am 32, and have taught 4th grade special education for 7 years (I taught K-6 SpEd first year, and 6-8 SpEd second). I have been married 7 years, and have a stepson who is 16, a stepdaughter who will be 15 in October, a son who is 5 and starting K this fall, a daughter who is 18 months, and expecting another daughter on my 33rd birthday in October. That means that I am always slightly crazy & sometimes more than a little grumpy I teach language arts and math for our LD/CD kids. I love what I do, but sometimes it gets a little stressful. I wouldn't change it though. I drive 40 miles one way to get to my school...but the pay & the fact I only have one grade level makes it worthwhile. My son will be coming with me so we have the same schedule. He's very excited about Kindergarten. I love to read and watch movies. My favorite day is Sunday when I go to my mom's for dinner. The whole family is there, so its wild, crazy, and so much fun. I don't post much here on this forum, but I do post regularly on the sp ed forum. I love to get ideas from everyone. I spend way too much time on here, and lately I've spent the entire day reading posts, without doing any housework...in a word, I'm lazy. I'm currently re reading the Harry Potter series (I always do when there's a new movie out), but I also love to read historical fiction, romances, mysteries, and inspirational stories. My favorite authors are Jean M Auel, and Jeffrey Deaver. It's great to see everyone's interests beyond teaching...we all have that in common, or we wouldn't live on A to Z!!
Let's say hello to one another OK Bummer! I am the oldest! So please keep sharing ideas for me!!!:thumb:
Hi all! My name is Penny and I'll be 25 on Aug 14. This will be my 3rd year teaching.. and I'm still loving 4th grade. I teach math, science, and social studies.. and my partner teaches reading, writing/la, and fine arts. I'm not married and don't have any kids.. but I do have a 7 month old.. almost 8.. Saint Bernard named Bella. -- She's a huge lazy (sometimes hyper) puppy, and I love her to death.
Hi! My name is Kristen. I am 25 and live in the Chicagoland suburbs. I am engaged to be married in less than four months! My fiance is getting his masters in Secondary Education-Chemistry! This will be my third year teaching-and my second year in fourth grade. It's nice to meet you!
