Teaching:
School: Kingston Elementary School
Grade: 1st Grade
Subjects: All
Number of years teaching: 4
Farm Bureau/Ag Literacy connection: I have taught Ag in the Classroom at Kingston Elementary School (KES), attended the Summer Ag Institute at Farm Bureau, and I am the Ag Literacy Ambassador for KES.
What is your favorite unit to teach? I absolutely love teaching science units about plants. My favorite is discussing the different types of corn because my 1st and 4th graders always thought that they could eat field corn straight from the field.
What is something unique that you do in your classroom? My first graders write Friday Letters every week and then their families respond back to them. I turn all the letters into a book and give them to my students at the end of the year!
Why is it important for students to learn about food and farming? It’s crucial for students to understand how their food is grown and the concept of “farm to table.” I’m currently in the process of writing my first agriculture children’s book because there’s a need for agricultural books.
Words of advice for students? I have many famous sayings in my classroom such as: “Don’t stop until you’re proud,” “Mistakes are how we learn,” and “Press your Turbo Button!”
Personal:
Hometown: Genoa
Family: I grew up in a family of four on a grain farm.
College/Degree(s): Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from NIU and an ESL (English as a Second Language) Endorsement
Favorites:
Quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” -Gandhi
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, helping with cattle chores, making crafts with my Cricut machine, writing, gardening, and flower arranging.
Book: “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
Music: KLOVE radio and Brett Eldredge
Sports teams: Chicago Cubs and Genoa-Kingston Cogs
Travel destinations: Maui, HI; Sarasota, FL; Washington D.C.; Grand Canyon