Happy Sunny Summer Day---First of all, I am so excited to begin this educational and collaborative journey with each of you---yay!
My name is Jenna Buswell and I am a Speech Therapist turned Special Education Teacher. I am entering my 7th year with Puyallup School District and have worked in multiple buildings and with various age groups. I began as a Speech Language Pathologist in 2007 where I worked for 2 years at Puyallup High School, Ballou, and Edgemont Jr. Highs. Once I received my Masters in Teaching with an emphasis in Special Education,I began teaching a Support Center classroom at Kalles Jr. High followed by Ridgecrest Elementary. I recently took a position to be the Resource Specialist at Brouillet Elementary---I am excited to gain some hands on experience with all of the curriculums we utilize here in Puyallup for grades K-6. I love working with children who come from all backgrounds and walks of life. I feel so blessed that I am given the opportunity each day to make a difference in a kiddos life.
On a personal note: I have been married to my supportive and loving husband for 8 years. We have two beautiful children, Cora who is 5 years old and Casen who is 2. Cora will begin Kindergarten at Brouillet this year (her classroom is right next door to mine, yay!) and Casen is lucky enough to spend his days getting spoiled by his grandma. We also have 3 fur babies: Morris our 6 year old yellow lab and 2 cats: Smokey and Tom. We own a home in the Sunrise Community on the South Hill in Puyallup, we are blessed with a crazy, fun, loving, and loud household. Did I mention Loud?---hahahaha.
I am excited to begin this educational and collaborative journey with each of you.
My name is Lori Cottle. I am thrilled to begin this new adventure and excited to move forward in my educational journey.
A little bit about me . . .My husband and I have been married for 19 years. I am the proud Mama of two daughters; Hannah age 16 and Emma age 15 who are students at Sumner High School. Our family has one dachshund; his name is Spencer Dwight Schrute Louie Cottle. He has a very long name to go with his very long body. I enjoy camping, reading novels, running, swimming, yoga, bike riding and spending time with family. I earned my Bachelors and Masters Degree from Central Washington University. ..GO WILDCATS! I am also proud to share I am a National Board Certificated teacher in the area of Early Childhood Education.
I have worked in the Puyallup School District at Maplewood Elementary for the past seven years as the Kindergarten teacher. I will continue my work with Maplewood Kindergarten students again this year in a Full Day Kindergarten program. I am excited about the possibilities/opportunities Full Day Kindergarten has to offer to Maplewood’s Kindergarten learners. Each day I am truly excited to go to work and see the amazing learning which takes place in the classroom. I love what I do and I feel fortunate to work with a supportive staff and eager/enthusiastic learners.
I see myself as a lifelong learner and believe this opportunity to work on an Administrative Credential is a great way to move forward with my learning.
Hello 2014 Cohort! My name is Nathan Webb and I look forward to meeting and working with everyone! The next two years will change the rest of our lives! My smoking hot wife (Jill Webb) and I have been married for 6 blissful years. She will be teaching at Carson Elementary school this year and is excited about the change. We have two amazing children. Easton is 2 and a half and Jensen is 7 months! Let’s just say we have our hands full! We are a very active family, between co-ed softball, soccer, and dodge ball we managed to run a marathon together, hike all over the cascades, and climb to base camp on Mt. Rainier this summer. Not to mention finding every splash pad in a 100 mile radius. I currently work at Emerald Ridge High School as a Resource Special Education teacher. I am very passionate about my position and work tirelessly to provide all students with an educational experience that empowers them. Additionally I coach on the wrestling team at ER and girls soccer at Stahl. I am worried about how everything will work this year! :/ Again, I look forward to the next step in our professional careers!
Hello fellow cohort! I too am excited to begin this journey with you! My name is Melissa Ferris and my husband Joe and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary this year. We have 3 kids; 2 boys 5 and 7, and a 3 yr old daughter. Our 7 year old will be a 2nd grader this year! Yes we have our hands full! We enjoy skiing, camping and traveling together. I love to run and am beginning to get into road bike racing. My husband is in the army, which has afforded us the opportunity to travel. His home town is Valentine, Nebraska (GO BIG RED!) and we visit as often as we can. I am beginning my 4th year as the LAP teacher at Edgerton Elementary. Prior to that I taught 2nd and 3rd grades in Colorado, and subbed in DoD Schools while we were stationed in Germany. I have a M.Ed in Literacy, and am proud to announce I recently completed National Board Certification! While I miss having my own classroom, I enjoy working with multiple grades, and seeing the tremendous growth our most significant learners make when provided specific, individualized instruction. I look forward to getting to know each of you as we navigate this new territory in education! GO COUGS!
This will be a shortened version of what I just typed and lost. I had to make an google account and lost everything that I wrote the first time. UGH! Well, here goes nothing.
My name is Kristin Hillius, I'm a teacher in the Franklin Pierce School District. This is my 18th year of teaching which has been all at the elementary level. I've taught second through fourth (5 years), been a learning specialist (Title One teacher) for four years, and the last eight years I've been an Instructional Coach. All but my first year of teaching has been at Christensen Elementary. I love Christensen...the kids, staff, and community. We are a Kids At Hope School, which is the belief that all KIDS can SUCCEED, no EXCEPTIONS. This cultural belief has fostered my passion in teaching (again) and leadership development that I hope to bring on this educational journey.
My husband, Denis, and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary this summer. Although exciting, we would like to count the additional seven years that we dated. We have two boys, Tanner (15) and Cameron (13) who attend school in FPSD. Love having the same schedule! Tanner will be a sophomore this year at Franklin Pierce HS and Cameron will be attending his last year at Ford MS. We love camping! We just got back from a week in Bend, OR. We are also a soccer family...GO SOUNDERS! Cameron plays, Dad coaches (two teams), and I cheer and manage two teams. It's our life for sure! Tanner used to play, but his interests have changed over the years. He's our outdoor guy...hunting, fishing, camping, etc. His passion is archery which he competes throughout the year. Love the fact, that both of my boys are different and their own person.
Can't wait to meet all of you! Enjoy your last few days of summer- Kristin
I’m Tawana Bens currently in my 10th year of teaching. I’m one of the 8th grade English teachers and the yearbook and journalism teacher at Ferrucci. I’ve spent time in Bethel and Renton school districts prior to teaching at Ferrucci. Prior to teaching, I was a secretary at Emerald Ridge (a member of the very first crew to open the building way back when). My only child just started her first year at WSU and unlike some of the other freshman, she isn’t homesick. Ha!!!! I like to think I’m an interesting person, but apparently not because I’m struggling to come up with something exciting to say for this introduction. I also hate the selfie I included, but whatever. I guess I will tell you that I can be pretty random, but overall a good person. I am really nervous about starting this process but I think once it becomes a routine, I will enjoy the work. I’m excited to meet each of you and hope we will all be lifelong friends.
Hello cohort!!! So excited to get started this started with you all!!
Professional: This will be my sixth year teaching and my second year in Puyallup. (I loooooove Puyallup!!!)
Personal: Most of you already know from our class on Tuesday but I got married this summer to the man of my dreams. Ask me and I'll show you pictures. I love showing pictures. We live in North Tacoma with our sweet puppy in the house we bought together almost two years ago. We race sailboats in our spare time and just really have a great life together.
Plenty more than I'm looking forward to sharing with you as we get to know each other. This is going to rock!!
Hello Cohort! I am eager to being our work together. This will be my 4.5 year teaching :). I have taught Middle School Spanish in Tacoma, Intervention in Puyallup, 2nd grade, and now my favorite role 3rd grade at Zeiger Elementary.
Some more personal information, I am also in the Masters program so I have had the privilege of working with Alyssa and Nate the Great over the summer courses. The program so far has been wonderful, very supportive and valid to where we are all going with our careers. I have a furbaby named Shelby and I am currently attempting to sell my house and move into a larger house as my sister and boyfriend now share my tiny one bathroom, two bedroom house... eek. I love to be outside, to run and be active, and paint.
Hi everyone! I am excited for the next two years and look forward to learning and growing with all of you.
This will be my 17th year of teaching in the Puyallup School District. I began my career teaching kindergarten and have spent the last few years in 3rd grade. I am part of a wonderful teaching team at Zeiger Elementary. Although I enjoy classroom teaching, I am ready for the next step in my professional career. I want to continue to help prepare students for their future - administration simply allows me to do that on a much larger scale.
I received my undergrad degree and teaching certification from Western Washington University and my masters degree from Lesley University.
I was born and raised in Puyallup and have chosen to raise my children here as well. My daughter, Meggie, is 12 and will be at Kalles Junior High this year as a 7th grader. She will be busy juggling her club volleyball, honors classes and friends. My son, Brady, is 10 and will be starting the Quest (highly capable) program at his home school, Meeker Elementary, as a 5th grader. He will also have to learn how to balance his sports (football, basketball and baseball) as he takes on a higher level of academic rigor this year. I am extremely proud of my kids and the choices they have made thus far in their lives. They work hard in sports and school and have chosen wonderful friends. My husband of 14 years is an assistant principal at Bethel High School. He does an amazing job of staying dedicated to his profession (including attending many late night events), yet still manages to coach our son and attend volleyball tournaments.
When there is not an athletic event to attend or shuttle a child to, we find time to participate in some 5k runs, vacations and movie nights. Our family time is important. They are my rock. I couldn't ask for a better support group than the one I have waiting for me at home.
The next two years will be an adjustment and a journey full of wonderful learning experiences. I can't wait to start!
I am excited for this new journey of learning and I am confident this is the right program, time and cohort. It is great to go home after class and have your cheeks hurt from giggling and your brain hurt from learning. Great signs!!!
About me….I am a proud mom of a sassy and independent 16-going-on-17-year-old. She has two older sisters who I was blessed to help raise during their formative years and who helped prepare me for parenthood. I have a fabulous boyfriend, who began as my BFF and he and his son have added much joy to my small family of girls. We most recently added a kitty named Augustus (Yes, “A Fault in our Stars” reference) and he also helps even out the gender balance.
I am all about traveling. I have had the opportunity to travel throughout South Korea, Guatemala and Belize to name a few and I have often worked several extra jobs just to afford a trip to somewhere, anywhere…. I LOVE learning about new places, traditions and history.
Besides traveling, I love reading and cooking and trying new adventures. In fact, we are currently trying to figure out an adventure for this weekend. Hiking at Mt. Rainer? Biking the Trail in Woodinville? Wine tasting? I know whatever we choose to do; this weekend will also include a lot of READING.
As for this passion called education….. I have been a GLAD coach, literacy coach, preschool, K, 3rd and 4th grade teacher as well as a looping and multi-age teacher. I have consulted and facilitated many adult learning communities and even taught pre-service teachers at City U for five years. I love/loved it all. Learning in any capacity keeps me alive!
I am looking forward to this next venture! Go, Cougs!
Hi Everyone...so I have tried to post this twice now...third times a charm...I hope.
Personal: I live in University Place. I moved here for the school district. I have two children. My son, Ryan, is 22 years old. He works full time as a custom cabinet maker and installer. He is a great young man, trying to figure out what being an adult is all about. My daughter, Emilee, will be 16 in November. She is a sophomore at Curtis High school. She is a member of the Sea Scouts and is working on her Quartermaster. Her service project for is going to be AR ranking of books in teacher's classroom libraries in my building. She has her heart set on UW. She was not so happy when I told her I was doing my Admin through WSU. Two years ago, I married my 7th grade crush...long, funny story.
Professional: I have been teaching for 12 years. I have taught in both public and private education and in every grade level from kinder to AP Lit. I am currently teaching at Hillside Elementary in Clover Park School District. This year I have an amazing teaching assignment, 4/5 intervention and technology. After a really rough year, last year, I decide to pursue my Admin and be the change I wanted to see in building.
I am excited about this journey and looking forward to working with you all. Go Cougs! (don't tell Emilee I posted that)
Hey, Cougs! I’m Vince and this will be my 21st year in teaching. I am currently “Living the Dream” teaching Elementary PE! I teach everyday at Carson Elementary and two mornings each week at Karshner Elementary. I have taught in the Auburn, Rochester, and Puyallup School Districts and have done everything from 6th grade to high school Health, elementary PE, and dual-credit Medical Terminology and Medical Careers classes. I even have an endorsement in Physics! I coached high school football for 18 years as both an assistant and head coach. I was a double major at Central Washington in Health Education and Elementary Education and I earned my Masters Degree through Emporia State University in Health and Physical Education.
My incredible wife, Janet, teaches Business classes and runs the student store at Bethel High School. We have been married for 18 years after meeting on a blind date and then dating for 7 years before finally making the plunge. She is my best friend and I love hanging out with her. We have three awesome kids: Emma (14), Anthony (11), and Alexandrea (8). They are loud, funny, hard working, and a blast to be around. My number one priority is my family and we do everything together.
I’m really excited for this new challenge and can’t wait to experience this adventure with all of you.
I am from a wonderful wife of 12 years, Susan, whom I married up to I am from two daughters, 6 and 8, whom I cherish with all my heart I am from cows grazing in the pastures and ponies that are part of the family I am from an enjoyment of teaching, of which the last 9 have been funded by Puyallup I am from an active lifestyle of board sports and exercise I am from Faith, ambition, and vision Looking forward to a great couple of years with y'all Paul
My husband Curtis and I have been married 19 years and have three kids- Emmalee (16) who is a new driver and beginning Running Start at Pierce in a few weeks, Madison (14) who is 6 feet tall and is starting high school at Sumner, and Luke (11) who loves basketball and starting 6th grade at Sumner Middle School. We love to spend time together, we have an adorable puppy, Charlie (Havenese/Maltese… they call him a Havamalt) but he is seriously so sweet! We have a large extended family who we love to see as much as we can! I am from a family of teachers, my dad taught school, as did both of my older sisters. I feel like I have been teaching for most of my adult life (at church and at home) and feel so lucky to be getting paid to do what I love! I finished school in 2011 with a double major from CWU in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. I have had the desire to become a principal since I went back to school, and it just seems like such an awesome opportunity to do that so close to home with this program! It does seem a bit daunting, but I am so excited to get started and learn as much as I can!
Greetings most fabulous cohort of leaders and problem solvers! Thursday night was filled with laughter, connections, and a positive energy that is hard to find-especially in the evening after a long week of back to school events and planning! I am thrilled to be a part of another cohort. This is my 2nd year in the WSUP program and I can truly say, it has been a life changer. The reflecting, deep conversations, readings, and relationships built, have reshaped many ideas and values I once held about leadership. I am excited for your journey to begin, and am thrilled to be a part of it with you!
Professionally, this is my 20th year in elementary education. I earned by BA from PLU, and my Masters from Lesley College. I taught in the Puyallup School District for 18 years before moving to the Bethel School District to work as an Instructional Coach at Rocky Ridge Elementary. My teaching world had always been contained within the primary grades, so becoming a coach not only opened my eyes to what happens in ALL grades but it thrust me right in the epicenter of school-wide planning, assessments, and administration. I had plenty of "deer in the headlights" moments, but also learned a lot along the way! I'm also finishing up my certification requirements to be a Tier 3 GLAD trainer and have had the pleasure of bringing GLAD to over 100 teachers in Bethel this past year.
Like many of you have shared, family is first! I have been happily married to my best friend for 17 years and have two beautiful, hilarious daughters aged 15 and 11. They're sweet most of the time, although a certain level of scariness comes out on the soccer field that sometimes alarms me. My husband calls it competitiveness, so let's hope he's right! ; ) Finally we have a furry "son" named Rocco. He is our gigantic german shepard that is obsessed with our girls, popping soccer balls, and chasing bunnies and other small furry things. When we're not sitting on soccer fields, we love to head to our home on the east side of Washington where we can enjoy sunshine, boating, and low blood pressure! My husband and I have completed several marathons and half-marathons together. We are grateful for our active lives. Our family loves to hike, boat camp, argue over movies, and travel together. Life is good and we feel blessed for each and every moment of it! Here's to a fabulous year of learning and growing! Hey Cougs, go Cougs, attaway, attaway! (ok, so I HAD to throw in a PLU cheer in memory of coach Frosty.) See you all on Thursday.
My name is Vern Mills. I have been teaching in the Clover Park School District for the last 18 years all at Lochburn Middle School. I spent the semester prior to that as a long term sub at Woodbrook Middle School. I have taught in our special education department the entire time! I started out teaching our Self-Contained classes, moved to resource classes and I am currently teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade Math. During that time I have had many peers and administrators come and go. At our beginning of year activities a fellow teacher and I realized that we are the teachers who have been in our building the longest. Not sure what that really means.... That said, I really believe that you are a middle school teacher or you are not!
I have been married to my awesome wife Shelly for 19 years. She is also a middle school teacher at Hudtloff MS. We have two great boys, Jake 14 who is a freshman at Lakes HS, and Alex 13 a 7th grader at Hudtloff, where Shelly teaches. Both Jake and Alex enjoy soccer and played on the same team for many years. We have a camper and last summer spent 33 nights in it. We traveled as far east as the Badlands of South Dakota down east side of the Rocky Mountains to the Mexican border, back west to San Diego, and then north home. Along the way we visited several friends from college, as well as other family members that lived along the way. On our journey we really didn't plan more than a day or two in advance because we wanted to leave our options open in case we found somewhere we wanted to stay longer. We also sped several weeks every summer at our family cabin in the San Juan Islands. It is located on a small island that has no stores or ferry service. If you forget something you have to beg or borrow from a neighbor, or take the boat to Friday Harbor... (Costco makes a bundle off us prior to our trips.).
I see myself as an easy going person who likes to help others whenever possible. I seem to be the guy that seems to help others move, rebuild things, what ever. I like fixing things around the house and yard. I look forward to getting to know all of you, in our new Coug Family.
Happy Sunny Summer Day---First of all, I am so excited to begin this educational and collaborative journey with each of you---yay!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jenna Buswell and I am a Speech Therapist turned Special Education Teacher. I am entering my 7th year with Puyallup School District and have worked in multiple buildings and with various age groups. I began as a Speech Language Pathologist in 2007 where I worked for 2 years at Puyallup High School, Ballou, and Edgemont Jr. Highs. Once I received my Masters in Teaching with an emphasis in Special Education,I began teaching a Support Center classroom at Kalles Jr. High followed by Ridgecrest Elementary. I recently took a position to be the Resource Specialist at Brouillet Elementary---I am excited to gain some hands on experience with all of the curriculums we utilize here in Puyallup for grades K-6. I love working with children who come from all backgrounds and walks of life. I feel so blessed that I am given the opportunity each day to make a difference in a kiddos life.
On a personal note: I have been married to my supportive and loving husband for 8 years. We have two beautiful children, Cora who is 5 years old and Casen who is 2. Cora will begin Kindergarten at Brouillet this year (her classroom is right next door to mine, yay!) and Casen is lucky enough to spend his days getting spoiled by his grandma. We also have 3 fur babies: Morris our 6 year old yellow lab and 2 cats: Smokey and Tom. We own a home in the Sunrise Community on the South Hill in Puyallup, we are blessed with a crazy, fun, loving, and loud household. Did I mention Loud?---hahahaha.
I am excited to begin this educational and collaborative journey with each of you.
See you soon,
Jenna
Good to meet you Jenna! I love your kid's names!
DeleteMy name is Lori Cottle. I am thrilled to begin this new adventure and excited to move forward in my educational journey.
ReplyDeleteA little bit about me . . .My husband and I have been married for 19 years. I am the proud Mama of two daughters; Hannah age 16 and Emma age 15 who are students at Sumner High School. Our family has one dachshund; his name is Spencer Dwight Schrute Louie Cottle. He has a very long name to go with his very long body. I enjoy camping, reading novels, running, swimming, yoga, bike riding and spending time with family. I earned my Bachelors and Masters Degree from Central Washington University. ..GO WILDCATS! I am also proud to share I am a National Board Certificated teacher in the area of Early Childhood Education.
I have worked in the Puyallup School District at Maplewood Elementary for the past seven years as the Kindergarten teacher. I will continue my work with Maplewood Kindergarten students again this year in a Full Day Kindergarten program. I am excited about the possibilities/opportunities Full Day Kindergarten has to offer to Maplewood’s Kindergarten learners. Each day I am truly excited to go to work and see the amazing learning which takes place in the classroom. I love what I do and I feel fortunate to work with a supportive staff and eager/enthusiastic learners.
I see myself as a lifelong learner and believe this opportunity to work on an Administrative Credential is a great way to move forward with my learning.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori
Thanks Lori!
DeleteHello 2014 Cohort! My name is Nathan Webb and I look forward to meeting and working with everyone! The next two years will change the rest of our lives!
ReplyDeleteMy smoking hot wife (Jill Webb) and I have been married for 6 blissful years. She will be teaching at Carson Elementary school this year and is excited about the change. We have two amazing children. Easton is 2 and a half and Jensen is 7 months! Let’s just say we have our hands full! We are a very active family, between co-ed softball, soccer, and dodge ball we managed to run a marathon together, hike all over the cascades, and climb to base camp on Mt. Rainier this summer. Not to mention finding every splash pad in a 100 mile radius.
I currently work at Emerald Ridge High School as a Resource Special Education teacher. I am very passionate about my position and work tirelessly to provide all students with an educational experience that empowers them. Additionally I coach on the wrestling team at ER and girls soccer at Stahl. I am worried about how everything will work this year! :/
Again, I look forward to the next step in our professional careers!
Nathan Webb
You Rock Nate!
DeleteGood to meet you Nate!
DeleteHello fellow cohort!
ReplyDeleteI too am excited to begin this journey with you!
My name is Melissa Ferris and my husband Joe and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary this year. We have 3 kids; 2 boys 5 and 7, and a 3 yr old daughter. Our 7 year old will be a 2nd grader this year! Yes we have our hands full! We enjoy skiing, camping and traveling together. I love to run and am beginning to get into road bike racing. My husband is in the army, which has afforded us the opportunity to travel. His home town is Valentine, Nebraska (GO BIG RED!) and we visit as often as we can.
I am beginning my 4th year as the LAP teacher at Edgerton Elementary. Prior to that I taught 2nd and 3rd grades in Colorado, and subbed in DoD Schools while we were stationed in Germany. I have a M.Ed in Literacy, and am proud to announce I recently completed National Board Certification! While I miss having my own classroom, I enjoy working with multiple grades, and seeing the tremendous growth our most significant learners make when provided specific, individualized instruction.
I look forward to getting to know each of you as we navigate this new territory in education! GO COUGS!
Melissa
Are you done traveling?
DeleteI lived in Nebraska for a year and a half... ( I served an LDS church mission there) loved it there... I even think I know where Valentine is! :)
DeleteHappy Wednesday to my fellow cohort!
ReplyDeleteThis will be a shortened version of what I just typed and lost. I had to make an google account and lost everything that I wrote the first time. UGH! Well, here goes nothing.
My name is Kristin Hillius, I'm a teacher in the Franklin Pierce School District. This is my 18th year of teaching which has been all at the elementary level. I've taught second through fourth (5 years), been a learning specialist (Title One teacher) for four years, and the last eight years I've been an Instructional Coach. All but my first year of teaching has been at Christensen Elementary. I love Christensen...the kids, staff, and community. We are a Kids At Hope School, which is the belief that all KIDS can SUCCEED, no EXCEPTIONS. This cultural belief has fostered my passion in teaching (again) and leadership development that I hope to bring on this educational journey.
My husband, Denis, and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary this summer. Although exciting, we would like to count the additional seven years that we dated. We have two boys, Tanner (15) and Cameron (13) who attend school in FPSD. Love having the same schedule! Tanner will be a sophomore this year at Franklin Pierce HS and Cameron will be attending his last year at Ford MS. We love camping! We just got back from a week in Bend, OR. We are also a soccer family...GO SOUNDERS! Cameron plays, Dad coaches (two teams), and I cheer and manage two teams. It's our life for sure! Tanner used to play, but his interests have changed over the years. He's our outdoor guy...hunting, fishing, camping, etc. His passion is archery which he competes throughout the year. Love the fact, that both of my boys are different and their own person.
Can't wait to meet all of you! Enjoy your last few days of summer- Kristin
Congrats on 16!
DeleteGood to meet you!
DeleteHello Team,
ReplyDeleteI’m Tawana Bens currently in my 10th year of teaching. I’m one of the 8th grade English teachers and the yearbook and journalism teacher at Ferrucci. I’ve spent time in Bethel and Renton school districts prior to teaching at Ferrucci. Prior to teaching, I was a secretary at Emerald Ridge (a member of the very first crew to open the building way back when). My only child just started her first year at WSU and unlike some of the other freshman, she isn’t homesick. Ha!!!! I like to think I’m an interesting person, but apparently not because I’m struggling to come up with something exciting to say for this introduction. I also hate the selfie I included, but whatever. I guess I will tell you that I can be pretty random, but overall a good person. I am really nervous about starting this process but I think once it becomes a routine, I will enjoy the work. I’m excited to meet each of you and hope we will all be lifelong friends.
Go Cougs!
DeleteI just love your energy! (I'm afraid my oldest won't be homesick either when she leaves for college!)
DeleteHello cohort!!!
ReplyDeleteSo excited to get started this started with you all!!
Professional: This will be my sixth year teaching and my second year in Puyallup. (I loooooove Puyallup!!!)
Personal: Most of you already know from our class on Tuesday but I got married this summer to the man of my dreams. Ask me and I'll show you pictures. I love showing pictures. We live in North Tacoma with our sweet puppy in the house we bought together almost two years ago. We race sailboats in our spare time and just really have a great life together.
Plenty more than I'm looking forward to sharing with you as we get to know each other. This is going to rock!!
Thanks Alyssa! formally know as "unknown"
DeleteCongrats on your new marriage!
DeleteHello Cohort! I am eager to being our work together. This will be my 4.5 year teaching :). I have taught Middle School Spanish in Tacoma, Intervention in Puyallup, 2nd grade, and now my favorite role 3rd grade at Zeiger Elementary.
ReplyDeleteSome more personal information, I am also in the Masters program so I have had the privilege of working with Alyssa and Nate the Great over the summer courses. The program so far has been wonderful, very supportive and valid to where we are all going with our careers. I have a furbaby named Shelby and I am currently attempting to sell my house and move into a larger house as my sister and boyfriend now share my tiny one bathroom, two bedroom house... eek. I love to be outside, to run and be active, and paint.
Lets roll up our selves and get this done! :)
You love to paint...artistically? Or houses?
DeleteGood luck with the move! you'll have to fill me in on the summer classes you took, I'll be taking them not next summer but the following one!
DeleteHi everyone! I am excited for the next two years and look forward to learning and growing with all of you.
ReplyDeleteThis will be my 17th year of teaching in the Puyallup School District. I began my career teaching kindergarten and have spent the last few years in 3rd grade. I am part of a wonderful teaching team at Zeiger Elementary. Although I enjoy classroom teaching, I am ready for the next step in my professional career. I want to continue to help prepare students for their future - administration simply allows me to do that on a much larger scale.
I received my undergrad degree and teaching certification from Western Washington University and my masters degree from Lesley University.
I was born and raised in Puyallup and have chosen to raise my children here as well. My daughter, Meggie, is 12 and will be at Kalles Junior High this year as a 7th grader. She will be busy juggling her club volleyball, honors classes and friends. My son, Brady, is 10 and will be starting the Quest (highly capable) program at his home school, Meeker Elementary, as a 5th grader. He will also have to learn how to balance his sports (football, basketball and baseball) as he takes on a higher level of academic rigor this year. I am extremely proud of my kids and the choices they have made thus far in their lives. They work hard in sports and school and have chosen wonderful friends. My husband of 14 years is an assistant principal at Bethel High School. He does an amazing job of staying dedicated to his profession (including attending many late night events), yet still manages to coach our son and attend volleyball tournaments.
When there is not an athletic event to attend or shuttle a child to, we find time to participate in some 5k runs, vacations and movie nights. Our family time is important. They are my rock. I couldn't ask for a better support group than the one I have waiting for me at home.
The next two years will be an adjustment and a journey full of wonderful learning experiences. I can't wait to start!
Go Vikings!
DeleteIt's so awesome that your husband is a principal and can help you really know what this is like!
DeleteThank you all for a GREAT first week of school.
ReplyDeleteI am excited for this new journey of learning and I am confident this is the right program, time and cohort. It is great to go home after class and have your cheeks hurt from giggling and your brain hurt from learning. Great signs!!!
About me….I am a proud mom of a sassy and independent 16-going-on-17-year-old. She has two older sisters who I was blessed to help raise during their formative years and who helped prepare me for parenthood. I have a fabulous boyfriend, who began as my BFF and he and his son have added much joy to my small family of girls. We most recently added a kitty named Augustus (Yes, “A Fault in our Stars” reference) and he also helps even out the gender balance.
I am all about traveling. I have had the opportunity to travel throughout South Korea, Guatemala and Belize to name a few and I have often worked several extra jobs just to afford a trip to somewhere, anywhere…. I LOVE learning about new places, traditions and history.
Besides traveling, I love reading and cooking and trying new adventures. In fact, we are currently trying to figure out an adventure for this weekend. Hiking at Mt. Rainer? Biking the Trail in Woodinville? Wine tasting? I know whatever we choose to do; this weekend will also include a lot of READING.
As for this passion called education….. I have been a GLAD coach, literacy coach, preschool, K, 3rd and 4th grade teacher as well as a looping and multi-age teacher. I have consulted and facilitated many adult learning communities and even taught pre-service teachers at City U for five years. I love/loved it all. Learning in any capacity keeps me alive!
I am looking forward to this next venture! Go, Cougs!
I haven't seen Fault in our Stars, but my girls loved it!
DeleteHi Everyone...so I have tried to post this twice now...third times a charm...I hope.
ReplyDeletePersonal: I live in University Place. I moved here for the school district. I have two children. My son, Ryan, is 22 years old. He works full time as a custom cabinet maker and installer. He is a great young man, trying to figure out what being an adult is all about. My daughter, Emilee, will be 16 in November. She is a sophomore at Curtis High school. She is a member of the Sea Scouts and is working on her Quartermaster. Her service project for is going to be AR ranking of books in teacher's classroom libraries in my building. She has her heart set on UW. She was not so happy when I told her I was doing my Admin through WSU. Two years ago, I married my 7th grade crush...long, funny story.
Professional: I have been teaching for 12 years. I have taught in both public and private education and in every grade level from kinder to AP Lit. I am currently teaching at Hillside Elementary in Clover Park School District. This year I have an amazing teaching assignment, 4/5 intervention and technology. After a really rough year, last year, I decide to pursue my Admin and be the change I wanted to see in building.
I am excited about this journey and looking forward to working with you all. Go Cougs! (don't tell Emilee I posted that)
I have an Emmalee too... just spelled a little different!
DeleteHey, Cougs! I’m Vince and this will be my 21st year in teaching. I am currently “Living the Dream” teaching Elementary PE! I teach everyday at Carson Elementary and two mornings each week at Karshner Elementary. I have taught in the Auburn, Rochester, and Puyallup School Districts and have done everything from 6th grade to high school Health, elementary PE, and dual-credit Medical Terminology and Medical Careers classes. I even have an endorsement in Physics! I coached high school football for 18 years as both an assistant and head coach. I was a double major at Central Washington in Health Education and Elementary Education and I earned my Masters Degree through Emporia State University in Health and Physical Education.
ReplyDeleteMy incredible wife, Janet, teaches Business classes and runs the student store at Bethel High School. We have been married for 18 years after meeting on a blind date and then dating for 7 years before finally making the plunge. She is my best friend and I love hanging out with her. We have three awesome kids: Emma (14), Anthony (11), and Alexandrea (8). They are loud, funny, hard working, and a blast to be around. My number one priority is my family and we do everything together.
I’m really excited for this new challenge and can’t wait to experience this adventure with all of you.
I love the name Emma! (I have an Emmalee)
DeleteI am from a wonderful wife of 12 years, Susan, whom I married up to
ReplyDeleteI am from two daughters, 6 and 8, whom I cherish with all my heart
I am from cows grazing in the pastures and ponies that are part of the family
I am from an enjoyment of teaching, of which the last 9 have been funded by Puyallup
I am from an active lifestyle of board sports and exercise
I am from Faith, ambition, and vision
Looking forward to a great couple of years with y'all
Paul
It was great to meet you! I love I am from poems! :)
DeleteI am from diggin your comment!
DeleteMy husband Curtis and I have been married 19 years and have three kids- Emmalee (16) who is a new driver and beginning Running Start at Pierce in a few weeks, Madison (14) who is 6 feet tall and is starting high school at Sumner, and Luke (11) who loves basketball and starting 6th grade at Sumner Middle School.
ReplyDeleteWe love to spend time together, we have an adorable puppy, Charlie (Havenese/Maltese… they call him a Havamalt) but he is seriously so sweet! We have a large extended family who we love to see as much as we can! I am from a family of teachers, my dad taught school, as did both of my older sisters. I feel like I have been teaching for most of my adult life (at church and at home) and feel so lucky to be getting paid to do what I love!
I finished school in 2011 with a double major from CWU in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. I have had the desire to become a principal since I went back to school, and it just seems like such an awesome opportunity to do that so close to home with this program!
It does seem a bit daunting, but I am so excited to get started and learn as much as I can!
Greetings most fabulous cohort of leaders and problem solvers! Thursday night was filled with laughter, connections, and a positive energy that is hard to find-especially in the evening after a long week of back to school events and planning! I am thrilled to be a part of another cohort. This is my 2nd year in the WSUP program and I can truly say, it has been a life changer. The reflecting, deep conversations, readings, and relationships built, have reshaped many ideas and values I once held about leadership. I am excited for your journey to begin, and am thrilled to be a part of it with you!
ReplyDeleteProfessionally, this is my 20th year in elementary education. I earned by BA from PLU, and my Masters from Lesley College. I taught in the Puyallup School District for 18 years before moving to the Bethel School District to work as an Instructional Coach at Rocky Ridge Elementary. My teaching world had always been contained within the primary grades, so becoming a coach not only opened my eyes to what happens in ALL grades but it thrust me right in the epicenter of school-wide planning, assessments, and administration. I had plenty of "deer in the headlights" moments, but also learned a lot along the way! I'm also finishing up my certification requirements to be a Tier 3 GLAD trainer and have had the pleasure of bringing GLAD to over 100 teachers in Bethel this past year.
Like many of you have shared, family is first! I have been happily married to my best friend for 17 years and have two beautiful, hilarious daughters aged 15 and 11. They're sweet most of the time, although a certain level of scariness comes out on the soccer field that sometimes alarms me. My husband calls it competitiveness, so let's hope he's right! ; ) Finally we have a furry "son" named Rocco. He is our gigantic german shepard that is obsessed with our girls, popping soccer balls, and chasing bunnies and other small furry things.
When we're not sitting on soccer fields, we love to head to our home on the east side of Washington where we can enjoy sunshine, boating, and low blood pressure! My husband and I have completed several marathons and half-marathons together. We are grateful for our active lives. Our family loves to hike, boat camp, argue over movies, and travel together. Life is good and we feel blessed for each and every moment of it! Here's to a fabulous year of learning and growing!
Hey Cougs, go Cougs, attaway, attaway! (ok, so I HAD to throw in a PLU cheer in memory of coach Frosty.) See you all on Thursday.
Elissa I am excited to reconnect with you and Mike, and I love the Frosty reference.
DeleteHello all,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Vern Mills. I have been teaching in the Clover Park School District for the last 18 years all at Lochburn Middle School. I spent the semester prior to that as a long term sub at Woodbrook Middle School. I have taught in our special education department the entire time! I started out teaching our Self-Contained classes, moved to resource classes and I am currently teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade Math. During that time I have had many peers and administrators come and go. At our beginning of year activities a fellow teacher and I realized that we are the teachers who have been in our building the longest. Not sure what that really means.... That said, I really believe that you are a middle school teacher or you are not!
I have been married to my awesome wife Shelly for 19 years. She is also a middle school teacher at Hudtloff MS. We have two great boys, Jake 14 who is a freshman at Lakes HS, and Alex 13 a 7th grader at Hudtloff, where Shelly teaches. Both Jake and Alex enjoy soccer and played on the same team for many years. We have a camper and last summer spent 33 nights in it. We traveled as far east as the Badlands of South Dakota down east side of the Rocky Mountains to the Mexican border, back west to San Diego, and then north home. Along the way we visited several friends from college, as well as other family members that lived along the way. On our journey we really didn't plan more than a day or two in advance because we wanted to leave our options open in case we found somewhere we wanted to stay longer. We also sped several weeks every summer at our family cabin in the San Juan Islands. It is located on a small island that has no stores or ferry service. If you forget something you have to beg or borrow from a neighbor, or take the boat to Friday Harbor... (Costco makes a bundle off us prior to our trips.).
I see myself as an easy going person who likes to help others whenever possible. I seem to be the guy that seems to help others move, rebuild things, what ever. I like fixing things around the house and yard. I look forward to getting to know all of you, in our new Coug Family.