Teachers

Mrs. Heidi Baer

Second Grade Teacher

Home Phone: 385-646-9733 Work Email:

Website: Mrs. Baer’s Class website

Teaching Endorsements and Degrees:

Educational Technology
Library/Media Endorsement
Gifted & Talented Endorsement

I have taught:

Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Frade
4th Grade

I became an educator because I wanted to share my passion for learning. Education has always been important in my life. I consider myself a lifelong learner. My teaching career began in 1985. I have taught children from all over the world and love the opportunity to learn about other cultures. Diversity adds color and flavor to life. Each day I get up and wonder what learning opportunities I will encounter. I look forward to each day because it offers me endless possibilities. My responsibility is to recognize and embrace them. I am excited to learn and explore with your children this year. It is my hope that each child will accept the invitation to learn, grow and develop. I have the opportunity to learn with and from each of your children. I love their uniqueness! I recognize that they are individuals, each with special needs and strengths. Learning takes place in positive, safe environments. In my classroom, I only have one rule: Respect. I believe that respect for self, others, property and time is all that is needed. When mutual respect is present everything else seems to fall into place. Together, we can all achieve great things. I hope each of my students will be willing to accept help when needed and offer help, support, and encouragement to others.

Ms. Alecia Baldwin

First Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9739 Work Email:

Website: Class Updates Website: Class Website

Ms. Baldwin uses:

Please email her for your class code for ClassTag.

Teaching Degrees and Endorsements:

Masters in Learning and Technology

I have taught:

Kindergarten
1st Grade

I love seeing the joy and excitement that comes from learning!

Mr. Trevor Black

Fifth Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-1544 Work Email:

Website: http://mrblacksarmy.weebly.com

M.S. Degree in Conservation Zoology from Miami (OH) University (In Progress)
B.S. Degree in Anthropology & Archaeology from Utah State University
B.S. Degree in Ancient History from Utah State University
B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University

This is my 2nd year teaching 6th grade at H.R. Driggs Elementary, and I am currently teaching science and history. Before coming to Driggs I spent three years at Utah’s Hogle Zoo in the education and animal care department. One of my great joys in life is teaching students about our natural world, and how was can preserve all of its natural beauty for generations to come. I believe that every student can succeed, and my job as their teacher is to simply guide and encourage them as they change the world. As a lifelong learner, I spend the majority of my time teaching or being taught. When I am not at school, or the library you can find me at a Utah Jazz game or cheering for my beloved Aggies, or Green Bay Packers football teams. Go Pack Go!

Kirstin Cahoon

Resource Teacher

Special Education

Work Phone: 385-646-8078 Work Email:

Hey there! My name is Kirstin Hadjis Cahoon and I am humbled and thrilled to be a new member of the Dragon community! I completed my undergraduate degree, at the University of California Santa Barbara- where I was in the top 3% percent of applicants admitted to the University. My undergrad major is in Sociology with a focus in: Law, Education, Minority Studies, Middle Eastern Politics, Religion, and History. I am also an alumnus of Arizona State University, Alliant International University, and a Graduate Student at the University of Utah. This is my 8^th year as an Educator. I grew up in a multicultural family where I was exposed to several languages fluently spoken around me; I love culture, lattes, traveling, staying active, going to sporting events, and finding new books to read. I am a mom to some awesome kids and married to my college crush. A positive outlook on life and have a “Believe there is enough good for us all,” mindset. Excited for a magical school year!

Mrs. Trudi Day

Fifth Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-0139 Work Email:

Website: Mrs. Day’s 5th Grade Class

Teaching Endorsements:

English as a Second Language
Educational Technology

I have taught:

3rd Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade

Most job seekers cringe at the idea of having to do the exact same things every day, I embrace it. The great thing about teaching is that it offers a lot of variety. Each school year, I get to teach new sets of students with varying characters, experiences, and ideas. As their teacher, I can incorporate new topics, upgrade my teaching style, and design new lessons to spruce and liven up the classroom. I love to have fun while I am teaching, so my students will have fun too and love learning.

Miss Emilee Edman

First Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-4810 Work Email:

Miss Chelsey Furniss

PE Specialist

Work Phone: 385-646-1380 Work Email:

Website: Miss Furniss’ website

I love teaching my students how to keep their bodies healthy through physical activity. I love being able to incorporate different types of physical activity in P.E. each week. I am from a small town in Idaho. I LOVE visiting my family and especially my nieces and nephews (favorite Aunt 🙂 ) I played varsity basketball, soccer, and track. I enjoy traveling, reading, and decorating my new house. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Health Education and a minor in Physical Education from Brigham Young University - Idaho. I have a master's degree in English as a Second Language. I have been teaching Elementary P.E. for 13 years at Driggs. I teach P.E. at Driggs on Wednesday and Thursday.

Miss Katee Garff

Kindergarten Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-1179 Work Email:

Website: Class Tag

Mr. John Glime

Fifth Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-8538 Work Email:

Website: Mr. Glime’s Class

Teaching Endorsements:

English as a Second Language
Gifted and Talented
STEM
MED

I have taught:

5th Grade
6th Grade

I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. Knowledge can be fun, exciting, and powerful. Education can lead to options and personal freedom. I find fulfillment in being a part of the process.

Mrs. Janica Gonzales

Fourth Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9740 Work Email:

Education:

B.A. Elementary Education
B.A. Health & Human Performance Teaching Option
M.A. Education
Math Endorsement
Gifted Endorsement

I have taught:

5th Grade
6th Grade
3rd Grade

Janica earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Montana State University-Billings where she also played four years of NCAA Division II soccer. Janica earned a second Bachelor’s Degree from the university in the same four years in Health and Human Performance-Teaching Option and is certified to teach Health and Physical Education 1st-12th grades. Janica has taught at Howard Driggs Elementary School since 2009. In 2010, Janica earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Southern Utah University along with a Math Endorsement. Janica is currently working on her Gifted Endorsement through Utah State University. Janica believes that education is not only a responsibility but also a privilege. In some countries, an education for every child is not a guarantee and is not taken for granted. As Americans, and the Driggs community, it is so vital that we aspire to be life-long learners and that we make the most of our opportunity to learn in whatever capacity. Education is a gateway to happiness!

To join remind text 81010. Class code @7ea8a4

Jaimie Hooten

Kindergarten Teacher

Work Email:

Ms. Alison Jueschke

Third Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9724 Work Email:

Teaching Endorsements and Degrees:

BS Elementary Education
Gifted and Talented Endorsement
English as a Second Language Endorsement
MLIS Masters of Library and Information Science

I have taught:

Library Media Specialist K-6
Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind
3rd Grade

Look, Listen, Learn Each Day

Read, Write, Think, and Play

Create, Ask, Explain, Explore

Help Yourself and Others Soar!

Joni Larson

Literacy Coach

Work Email:

Mrs. Sheryl Larson

Visual Art Specialist

Work Phone: 385-646-8822 Work Email:

Website: Miss Sheryl’s Art Space

Miss Heather Martin

Fourth Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9725 Work Email:

Teaching Endorsements:

Gifted and Talented

I have taught:

4th Grade

I became a teacher because I love to see the "light bulb" go on when students learn something new! I remember these moments as a student myself, and the feeling that I would be able to use that skill/concept/lesson for the rest of my life. I hope to always be a part of my students' life lessons.

Ms. Valene Ottosen

Third Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9726 Work Email:

Website: Class Website

Teaching Endorsements and Degrees:

B.S. Elementary Education, University of Utah
Minor in Fine Arts, University of Utah
Gifted Endorsement, Utah State University

I have taught:

2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade

I am passionate about helping children find confidence through their own creativity to see a positive view of who they are and what they can achieve!

Ms. Katie Ricks

Third Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-0045 Work Email:

Website: Ms. Ricks

Teaching Endorsements:

Educational Technology

I have taught:

3rd Grade

Prior to becoming a teacher, I earned a BS in Zoology and Chemistry and worked in Medical Research at the University of Utah. I knew I wanted to take my career in a different direction and was inspired by a friend to consider teaching. I spent time volunteering in schools and realized teaching would be a perfect fit for me. I decided to get my Masters of Education degree. I love finding and designing new approaches that will excite and engage my students. Teaching is challenging, rewarding, and extremely fulfilling.

Mrs. Praveena Rohaj

Second Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9730 Work Email:

Website: Mrs. Rohaj’s Webpage

Teaching Endorsements:

English as a Second Language

I have taught:

2nd Grade
4th Grade

The best moment for me is witnessing a student grasp a concept for the first time. I love to make a difference in the lives of as many students as I can. Teaching keeps me stay positive all the time.

Ms. Gabriella Tiedermann

Kindergarten Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-4810 Work Email:

Education:

B.S. Early Childhood Education - Utah State University

B.S. Elementary Education - Utah State University

I became a teacher to see the spark of learning in the eyes of my students. I believe in a learning environment that focuses on a student's whole as a person. Once a child's needs are met, they have the foundation for the best learning atmosphere. The classroom should not only be a place for education, but a place for students to feel safe, nurtured, and excited about the day to come. Teaching is an opportunity to connect all learners with their own education and future. I look forward to building your child's personal efficacy, grit, and motivation.

Mrs. Connie Yeamans

First Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9732 Work Email:

Website: Miss Woolsey’s Class Website

Teaching Endorsements and Degrees:

Gifted and Talented
STEM
Adult Education

I have Taught:

4th Grade
5th Grade

Throughout my life, I have been a teacher in different arenas for more than half my life. From a very early age, I realized I was able to connect with children and was grateful for this gift! I started off with teaching/coaching my passions in life, swimming and water polo, as well as skiing. Soon I realized I wanted to be a teacher, so I went back to school to get my MEd. I have been teaching here at Howard R. Driggs for the entire time, I have loved all of my experiences. As a teacher, I hope to introduce children to a world of happiness and understanding. I want to encourage students to appreciate the strengths of diversity as well as the comfort and connection of commonalities. Through fostering humanity, I will facilitate children in reaching their full potential in all aspects of their lives. In the classroom, there will be high expectations followed by respect, accountability, and responsibility for each child to freely express their unique qualities. Furthermore, all students must feel safe and welcome in my classroom. Every student, regardless of culture, ethnicity, or beliefs, deserves a fair education tailored to meet the needs of the individual. Therefore, along with teaching core content, I will teach children the importance of compassion, unity, and embracing differences. I too will treat each child with compassion and respect. By modeling this behavior, I will honor my integrity and ideas of humanitarianism. I believe that focusing in these areas will create a positive learning environment, which will allow for the most effective reception of new information by all students.