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Professional Perspective: It is easy to feel excited while listening to a student read who started school just four months earlier, not quite sure which way to hold a book.  Students come to Kindergarten and First Grade open minded and excited.  Their ability to learn is unlimited.  Our students are provided access to computers, books, music, and a variety of materials with which to make their first adventure into the world of learning.  Their confidence shows in their smiles.  Though it may be different for each student, it is a good day if each student makes just one new discovery.  As a child, I never got to attend Kindergarten, now I get to go every day.

Ms. Susan Bates

Education: Bachelor of Arts:  Child Development – Child Mental Health Specialist, -  California State University at Northridge
Credential: Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, CA – National University

Teaching Experience:

Professional Perspective: It’s fun and easy when students immediately understand what I am teaching them, but one of the most exciting or satisfying parts of my job is when a student, who is struggling with a concept, suddenly understands it.  Psychologists refer to this moment as the “Aha! Phenomenon”.   When a struggling student reaches this moment, the look on their face is priceless.  They smile.  Their eyes widen.  And if their hair could stand on end, it would.   They know their perseverance paid off, and I know their confidence level and pride in themselves just jumped a few steps.   I find it personally gratifying to be a part of this experience.

Carolyn Schwantes

Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree; History - University of California, Santa Barbara
California State College in Long Beach - Elementary Teaching Credential
Credentials: California Lifetime Elementary Teaching Credential
C-BEST Examination, CLAD Certificate
Teaching Experience: Grades Kindergarten through 5th grades

Professional Perspective: Teaching children is the window to the future.  My position allows me to help them discover their capabilities, guide them to experience education as a lifelong endeavor, and encourage them to reach their potential.  This is the challenge that keeps me in the classroom.  Each day is a new chance to challenge students and instill confidence and independence.  With the Lifelong Guidelines and the LifeSkills as building blocks, the students practice and adopt principles that will benefit them in all situations throughout their lives.

Professional Perspective: Teaching upper grade elementary school is a wonderful experience.  The students are at a point in their lives where they are beginning to question the world around themselves in a positive way.  They want to know how and why things work to a deeper extent.  I, as a teacher, am able to help them develop their problem-solving skills and encourage them to think critically about what we are studying in class.  The students can be challenged to find answers to these questions through research and to study topics that begin to interest them.  The knowledge they seek at this point in their life will help cultivate their life skills and possibly guide them down a future career path.  I'm excited to travel on this journey with them, both now and in the future.