SDAMLE OMLE
South Dakota Association for Middle Level Education Outstanding Middle Level Educator
I was born and raised on a ranch, east of Pierre and attended K-12 in the Pierre school district. Education has always been important to me and my family. I come from a long line of educators, with both of my grandparents being teachers as well as aunts and uncles. I knew very early on that I wanted to be a teacher. I would spend hours in my grandma’s 3rd grade classroom, writing notes to her students on the chalkboard and helping grade papers. I loved all of it! I went onto BHSU in the fall of 2002, on course for Elementary Education. I changed course and ended up getting my degree in Applied Sciences and Agriculture Resources.
Once I had children of my own and staying home with them, I decided to go to school with them, as an aide at an elementary school in Pierre. I rekindled my love for being in a classroom. I started online education classes through BHSU, with some of my Method classes taking place on campus. I graduated in December of 2018 with my Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in History. Going back to school was one of the hardest things I have done, but so rewarding. Even though I took the LONG route to my first career choice, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I now teach 6th grader Social Studies at Georgia Morse Middle School, in Pierre. My classroom happens to be my old 7th grade Social Studies classroom, when I was a student here! I never call coming to school, “work”. I love it that much and find joy coming into my classroom and greeting my students every day. My students and I have so much fun, every day in this room, learning and exploring Ancient Civilizations. It is my pleasure to have each and every one of these students come and spend 50 minutes with me a day.
I have been married to my husband Aaron for 17 years. We have twins Jet and Lainee who are 14 and Colt who is 12. I am very fortunate to have Aaron and our kids’ support with school. They are always willing to help with my classroom set up and being my guinea pigs on new projects. We stay very busy with our children’s sporting events and raising rodeo bulls. We live on a place, 40 miles west of Pierre. The kids and I drive in every day for school.
My colleagues are the true rockstars. They deserve a huge shout out for all their never-ending work. I am grateful for their partnership and friendship.
Thank you so much for this recognition. I means the world to me!
Once I had children of my own and staying home with them, I decided to go to school with them, as an aide at an elementary school in Pierre. I rekindled my love for being in a classroom. I started online education classes through BHSU, with some of my Method classes taking place on campus. I graduated in December of 2018 with my Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in History. Going back to school was one of the hardest things I have done, but so rewarding. Even though I took the LONG route to my first career choice, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I now teach 6th grader Social Studies at Georgia Morse Middle School, in Pierre. My classroom happens to be my old 7th grade Social Studies classroom, when I was a student here! I never call coming to school, “work”. I love it that much and find joy coming into my classroom and greeting my students every day. My students and I have so much fun, every day in this room, learning and exploring Ancient Civilizations. It is my pleasure to have each and every one of these students come and spend 50 minutes with me a day.
I have been married to my husband Aaron for 17 years. We have twins Jet and Lainee who are 14 and Colt who is 12. I am very fortunate to have Aaron and our kids’ support with school. They are always willing to help with my classroom set up and being my guinea pigs on new projects. We stay very busy with our children’s sporting events and raising rodeo bulls. We live on a place, 40 miles west of Pierre. The kids and I drive in every day for school.
My colleagues are the true rockstars. They deserve a huge shout out for all their never-ending work. I am grateful for their partnership and friendship.
Thank you so much for this recognition. I means the world to me!