4th Grade Homeroom Teacher
Carrie received a B.A. in Communication and French from Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana in 1998, then began her teaching career in 1999 among the rhododendron of the Appalachian mountains near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. From here, she set out for the sahel of Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa as an educator with the U.S. Peace Corps. In 2003, Carrie made her way out to the mountains of Western Montana to dig deep into learning more about her passion for community-based, place-based education by attending graduate school, receiving a M.S. in Environmental Studies with a focus in place-based education from The University of Montana in 2005. She finds value, creativity, and challenge in the field of education. She is excited to be working with a group of people who share similar passion and vision for meaningful education with children and youth.
What is your teaching philosophy? I believe in real-world learning rooted in place and people. I hope to guide students to make intellectual as well as emotional connections in everyday learning and hope that such learning will continue into adulthood. I strive for a child-centered, place-based approach to learning. As John Dewey so eloquently wrote, "For learners to take a true interest in their learning, they must see a reason for what we ask them to do." I believe his logic holds true today, and I continually strive to be an effective, joyful educator in my teaching career.
Is there anyone in particular who has inspired you as a teacher? With a deep connection to farming, ranching, and teaching in rural Texas, my grandparents have profoundly influenced and inspired me as an educator. My father's interests in the natural world set my sail towards a career in environmental, community-based education. Steve Archibald, a veteran classroom teacher and curriculum developer in Montana, has been my mentor since graduate school. His guidance and support continue to challenge and inspire me.
What is your most rewarding experience as a teacher? I find great joy in developing long-lasting relationships with students. I think that spending an entire school year with students is a true gift for a teacher. It is exciting to be a part of students' educational experiences and then continue to watch them succeed throughout the years, as they become engaged citizens, thoughtful advocates, critical thinkers, academic achievers, and compassionate people.
What do you love most about teaching? I love to engage students through learning in the natural world and the local community. I think the lessons we can learn from nature are endless and I enjoy seeing students' eyes light up through their own discoveries outside.
What do you like to do when you are not teaching? I enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies of the West, world travel, reading, soccer, cross-country skiing, birding, playing in the dirt, and spending time with family and friends. My family includes husband, Jonathan, and sons, Isaac and Gabriel.