First Grade Mrs. Christopherson provided a safe place to fall in love with learning. I can still recite the first paragraph of Junie B. Jones by memory. Play was important, our play was our work. In her kind and hopeful classroom, I was accepted. Fourth Grade Mr. Follmuth made it okay to laugh, to cry, to appreciate the beauty of all people and their stories. Ya Toast being played after finishing Where the Red Fern Grows allowed for a beautiful balance. In his humor and humility, I was accepted. Eighth Grade Mr. Wiedenheft saw potential, being the first to see that I was not just another passive learner, but a passionate teacher. In his encouragement and expectations, I was accepted. Tenth Grade Mrs. Stanton was as scary as she was inspirational. To Dedra, the guy I was dating or the relay record I had broken meant nothing if I refused to believe that I, too, could make a difference in the lives of others. In her daring determination, I was accepted. Junior & Senior Year at UNI Professor Donegan-Ritter imagined a future for me, a future as an early intervention teacher. She gave me a voice, a purpose. In her coursework and commitment, I was accepted. 2018-2021 The Early Childhood Special Education team of ISD 191 gave me my first three years of teaching. Each year I grew in confidence and passion. In their patience and guidance, I was accepted. 2021-Present STMA's early intervention program allows me to live my dream every day. As an early intervention teacher, I, along with a team of equally passionate gals, walk alongside families as they gain confidence in their ability to teach their little learners. In their courage and confidence, I was and I am accepted. June 2022 & Beyond I am a teacher, but for far longer, I have been a learner. In order to be a good teacher, an exceptional teacher, I must always be willing to be a learner. Beginning June 2022, I will, again, be a student. A graduate student studying Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health at the University of Minnesota. I was accepted. Because of Mrs. Christopherson, Mr. Follmuth, Mr. Wiedenheft, Mrs. Stanton, Dr. Donegan-Ritter, my ECSE gals, and many more, I was accepted. Pray for me while I accept the ridiculous notion that being a full-time student, teacher, mother, and wife is possible. This is going to be a busy couple of years, y'all.
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