Teaching
School: Lynn G. Haskin School, Sandwich
Grades: Kindergarten
Subjects: All of them!
Number of years teaching: 29
Farm Bureau/Ag Literacy connection: I use many Ag Literacy resources in my classroom.
What is your favorite unit to teach? I love teaching the students in the Fall. There are so many things to focus on while encouraging exploration. The Corn Literacy Kit is one of the students’ favorites that we borrow from the DeKalb County Farm Bureau.
What do you enjoy most about teaching? Watching the students enjoy learning and get excited when they can overcome a skill that had previously been challenging. Their little faces just light up with pride!
What is something unique that you do in your schools? I use TONS of outside resources to create engaging learning opportunities for my students. I especially love Illinois Ag in the Classroom’s lesson booklets and National Ag in the Classroom’s Curriculum Matrix. If you are a teacher, check them out today!
Why is it important for students to learn about food and farming? I think it is important for students to know that the food they eat goes through a process before it gets put before them. By teaching them a little about how local crops like corn, apples, and pumpkins are harvested I think they develop an appreciation of the work that goes into the whole process.
Share one memorable teaching story: There are so many! However, the one that stands out the most is the one where I had an insecure student develop enough confidence through the school year that he was able to raise his hand in class to share his ideas and also talk with his peers during playtime. I was so proud of him!
Personal
Hometown: Malta
Family: Husband, Andy, son, Charles, daughter, Emily
College/Degree(s): Associate’s Degree from Kishwaukee College, Bachelor’s and Master’s from NIU
What did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher
Favorites
Quote: “Many hands make light work.” Unknown
Hobbies: Gardening, playing my clarinet
Book: “The Help” by Kathyrn Stockett
Music: Jazz and Classic Rock
Sports Team: Chicago Cubs
TV Show: “Love It or List It”
Travel Destination: Any place near water