We Are Stronger Together

Hello Glendive families,

I am so excited to be here in Glendive Montana teaching Kindergarten. This is my tenth year teaching. I have taught five year old Kindergarten and Four year old Kindergarten in South Carolina, where I was born and raised. My goal for this year is to make learning fun and exciting for our little learners. My favorite part about teaching is the lightbulb moments. When a student finally understands what they are learning and their eyes light up. I love going to church and being a part of ministry as well as spending time with my husband and our fur babies.

Educational background – graduated in 2019 from black hills state university. Taught in Velva, ND (2nd grade) for one year, then in Bismarck, ND (4th grade) for the last two years.

Goals – I am super excited about being back in 2nd grade! The best grade. I also am very excited to be able to teach alongside some really amazing teachers!

Favorite part about education – My favorite part about teaching would have to be building relationships with students!

Something about me – I love to help my family on the ranch and haul to rodeos! If I'm not doing those things, you can find me cuddled up with my three doggos, Jerry, Winnie, and Bruce.

Educational/work background - I have my BS in elementary education as well as a MS in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I went to school at Montana State University Billings for both my bachelors and masters degrees. I spent the past two years working in a clinic as a registered behavioral technician and am currently studying for my board certification. Prior to that I worked at the YMCA for 7 years as the associate director of school age programs including afterschool sites and summer camp.

Goals - My goal for my new role is to make a connection with the students and increase their understanding of Language Arts. I am excited for this position because it is my first year teaching and getting to meet all the students has been amazing. I am also looking forward to teaching the students and having those 'ah ha" moments.

Favorite part about education - My favorite part of working in education is the community among the teachers and building relationships with my students.

Something about me - I have two dogs, Luna and Kota. I love to take walks outside with the dogs, hike, I love to be outdoors except for winter, winter is too cold. I enjoy reading a good book by the fireplace and snuggling under a blanket. I love to swim and wish I could do more swimming.

- Educational/work background

I am from Oklahoma where I graduated with my bachelors in Human Development and Family Science as well as my masters in School Counseling. While this is my first time in the role of a school counselor, I have worked at an indigenous boarding school in Alice Springs, Australia as a teachers assistant as well as a preschool back in Oklahoma.

- Goals for your new role/why you are excited about your new position

I am excited to start building connections with the students and families. I love working with others and being able to be a support to kids in the community. My goals within my new role is just to provide a safe and supportive space for my students to succeed within the school environment.

- Your favorite part about working in education

The many hugs and smiles that students give me daily is my absolute favorite part about working in education

- Something about your life outside of work (your family, hobbies, etc.)

I moved here with my boyfriend, who is from Glendive, and we live close to his family who I love spending time with. We also love to hike Makoshika with our dog, Gus.

I am Ms. Kettner, and I am stepping in as the new 8th grade science teacher. Before taking this position I was student teaching under Ms. Casazza at Dawson County High School. I am currently wrapping up my Broad-field science degree from MSU-Billings.

Having grown up in this school system I am so excited to be back in my hometown but now in the front of the classroom instead of in a desk. In this position I hope to provide my students with a solid foundation in Science like Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Lindgren, Mr. & Mrs. Peterson and Mr. Temple (x2) did for me.

My favorite part about working in education is by far the students. I am so excited to get to know them and be there to witness their “ah-ha!” moments.

Outside of school, I enjoy hiking in Makoshika, fishing, and baking. Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

- Educational/work background

I graduated from BYU-Hawaii with my bachelor's degree in psychology. I have taught in schools helping and volunteering for many years in many schools while raising my four daughters. I have also taught while working as a therapeutic mentor. This will be my first year teaching education in high school.

- Goals for your new role/why you are excited about your new position

To help each individual student gain confidence, become more accountable and continue moving forward in a positive direction in their education and in life.

- Your favorite part about working in education

Seeing students succeed!!

- Something about your life outside of work (your family, hobbies, etc.)

My family and I have lived in Glendive for a little over a year now. I love spending time outdoors, doing yoga and being around water.