Meet the Teacher

Hi!  I'm Ms. Poole and I teach 5th grade Math & Science at MIDCCS.  I love teaching, and working with students in the upper elementary grades!

I am always looking for ways to become a better teacher, and read many books and blogs in that effort. I also pick the brains of my colleagues whenever I can...they always have awesome ideas to share. I'm constantly searching for fun and effective learning experiences to share with my students.

I didn't start teaching right out of college.  I first earned a BA in Business, and used to work at the corporate office of a major retailer.  I was fortunate to be able to stay home while my children were small. When my kids were all in school, and I was wondering what was next for me, I had an experience that convinced me I was being called to teach. I began my teaching career by working in a nearby school district as a Special Education Assistant. Then, encouraged by the principal and teachers, returned to school to work on a Licensure to Masters program. Since earning my teaching license, I've worked as a Gifted & Talented Coach (5th/6th), Reading Tutor (3rd-5th), 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade and 5th Grade teacher. I love teaching and spending time with children, and I feel like I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. My teaching goal is to continue to learn and grow in an effort to become the most effective teacher that I can be.

I have 4 great kids who are all grown, and a beloved Goldendoodle named Maia. I grew up, and spent most of my life in Southeastern Wisconsin.  I moved to North Carolina in 2011. I miss family and friends in WI, but love the new people and places I've been introduced to in NC!

Things I Love:  spending time with my family and friends, teaching (of course!), reading, libraries (free books!), Merkts Port Wine cheese (in the deli area at Walmart...I was SO happy to find this WI treat in NC! Try it as a dip with pretzels...yum!), Scrabble, cheese pizza, spider solitaire, Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia, walking my dog, honeycrisp apples, hiking, M&M's with peanuts, playing card and board games, the Green Bay Packers, and lots of other wonderful things : )

My Teaching Philosophy

• I believe that the kind of people my students are is just as important as the kind of students they are. I want to be the kind of teacher who helps my students develop their character AND their minds.
• I believe that at the heart of every person is the desire to be loved and accepted. I want to be the kind of teacher who loves and accepts every student in her classroom.
• I believe that every person has strengths and struggles that contribute a great deal to who they are. I want to be the kind of teacher who enhances her students' strengths and helps her students through their struggles.
• I believe that every person needs someone to believe that they can succeed. I want to be the kind of teacher who believes in and encourages her students.
• I believe that we achieve the most when we are given a challenge just beyond our current abilities. I want to be the kind of teacher who challenges her students at that 'just right' level.
• I believe that when we are learning something new, we don't usually do it perfectly the first time. I want to be the kind of teacher who helps her students develop perseverance, not giving up until they achieve their goals.
• I believe that a teacher really can make a difference in the life of a child.
  I want to be the kind of teacher who does.