I Want to be a Super Teacher

I have fourteen years of classroom teaching experience in three states, and am passionate about helping teachers refine their practice & meet the needs of every learner.

• Fifth Grade Teacher, Westside Elementary, Springville, Utah
• Third Grade Teacher, Westside Elementary, Springville, Utah
• Third Grade Teacher, Aspen Creek K-8, Broomfield, Colorado
• Second Grade Teacher, Oakland Academy, Portage, Michigan
• Third Grade Teacher, Green Meadow Elementary, Kalamazoo, Michigan
• Second Grade Teacher, Oakland Academy, Portage, Michigan

I love a good workshop! Conferring with readers, writers, and mathematicians is one of my favorite parts of the school day.

I am passionate about knowing students as individuals, personalizing learning as much as possible, and making sure every student is challenged at an appropriate level.

Differentiated third grade homework menus and math challenges & brainteasers are some of my favorite products that were originally created as I attempted to meet the needs of advanced students in my own classrooms.

As a last day gift I received a framed artwork from a student which reads:

SMITH POWER

100% smarts

100% kindness

1,000,000% FUN

That counts as an award in my book!

• Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, Brigham Young University 2001
• ESL Endorsement, Brigham Young University & Southern Utah University 2006
• Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading, Grand Canyon University 2010

I'm Katie, and I help straight-talking teachers, with a flair for fun, personalize learning. If you’re all about implementing super (practical) teaching practices while keeping your sanity, you're in the right place.

Still reading? Impressive! Here's a bit more about me:

• My perfect day includes taking a shower and minimal nose wipings. (a.k.a. I have a toddler).
• My, now geriatric, minpin Lily is my bestest doggie pal and even even finagled her way into the I Want to be a Super Teacher logo. Look for a dog in a cape at the top of every page. She’s anxious, and nervous, and crazy, and I love her. She is basically me in dog form with better clothes and more nap time.
• Although I live in Michigan, I’ll always be a Coloradan at heart. The Boulder effect is real! However, Michigan is beautiful and despite the grossly inadequate internet access, living in the Michigan farmland has its benefits. I post pretty Michigan pics on IG to remind me that I should be a little more grateful about my beautiful lakeside surroundings instead of chomping at the bit to get back to the Flatirons.
• I am a Halloween fiend! Planning grade level Halloween costumes consumes my back to school thoughts.
• If you ever want to reminisce about Anne of Green Gables (Jonathan Crombie style), I’m your gal! I don’t want sunbursts, or marble halls, I just . . . want . . . you! (insert swoon)

Thanks for reading Super Teacher. I’m so glad you’re here!

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I hope you can find some Super Teaching ideas here. Thanks for checking out I Want to be a Super Teacher!