Heidi Baer
Bachelor of Science, University of Utah 1985
Elementary/Early Childhood Dual Certification
Master of Education, Utah State University 1987
Instructional Technology
Training and Development Endorsement
Library/Media Endorsement
Gifted & Talented Endorsement
I have always loved learning! Teaching has been my passion for many years. I believe that every child can learn, succeed, and thrive if given the opportunity to do so. Each day offers each of us the chance to learn and progress. Learning along with my students is one of my greatest joys.
Alecia Baldwin
website: under construction for first grade
I am originally from University Place, WA and completed my dual Bachelor’s degree from Utah State University in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and Family, Consumer, and Human Development with a minor in Political Science. I am currently working on my masters degree in Learning and Technology. I am beginning my eighth year teaching and love the HR Driggs community!
Philosophy
Early childhood is an essential stage in growth and development where learning and lifelong skills are developed. I use the Piaget and Vygotsky principle of constructivism to guide my instruction and theories on developmentally appropriate learning. It is critical for children to be actively engaged in constructing their own knowledge. Students should feel free to express themselves and share their unique abilities with those around them without fear of rejection or ridicule. Each child has something important to contribute to the overall success and enjoyment of the classroom. Let’s make every learning moment count in these little ones early years of education!
Trevor Black
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!
Elizabeth Bradford
15 yrs. as an educator
1st gr. Teacher at Howard R Driggs for 9 years
B.S. from the University of Utah
Gifted Endorsement
Master's Degree
It is my goal to provide a stimulating environment where children can grow and explore opportunities to learn and develop skills which will help them further their academic success.
Amanda Cornwell
Work Email:
Trudi Day
Fifth Grade Teacher
Work Email:
Chelsey Furniss
Work Email:
Katee Garff
Work Email:
Janica Gonzales
5 Years as an Educator
At Driggs since 2009
Education:
B.A. Elementary Education
B.A. Health & Human Performance Teaching Option
M.A. Education
Math Endorsement
Currently seeking Gifted Endorsement
Janica has taught 5th grade for one year and 6th grade for four years at Howard R. Driggs. She 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. 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!
Michelle Hart
I love working with kids and seeing them progress in their love for learning. For this reason I decided to go into Elementary Education. I graduated from Utah State University. I have taught Preschool, Second Grade, Sixth Grade and now Fourth Grade. I have earned the Gifted Endorsement, Reading Endorsement, and ESL Endorsement. In my minimal free time, I enjoy spending time gardening, as well as playing with my grandkids.
Mrs. Lacie Hyden
Work Email:
Alison Jueschke
BS Elementary Education
MLIS (Masters of Library and Information Science)
G/T (Gifted and Talented) Endorsement
ESL (English as a Second Language) Endorsement
LEARN
Listen, Look, Launch
Energize, Examine, Explore
Analyze, Ask, Achieve
Read, Reason, Reach
Navigate, Nurture, Nourish
Deidre Nelson
Work Email:
Valene Ottosen
Education:
B.S. Elementary Education with a Minor in Fine Arts, University of Utah
Gifted Endorsement, Utah State University
I have taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades in Utah and California for 26 years. 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!
Cynthia Pearson
I graduated from BYU in 1984, with a BA in Elementary Education. I have been working for Granite School District since 1985, teaching at Robert Frost Elementary, Mill Creek Elementary, and Howard R. Driggs Elementary. I have taught second, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade. I was also a Reading Specialist for several years. I have a Gifted and Talented Endorsement, an ESL (English as a Second Language) Endorsement, and Reading Level I and Level II Endorsements. I am currently working on a Math Endorsement and a Technology Endorsement. I received my Masters in Education from Southern Utah University. I am also a Nationally Board Certified Teacher.
I love teaching! I’ve never wanted to be anything other than a teacher. Every day brings new adventures. The kids at Driggs Elementary are outstanding. I believe every child has the potential to achieve in school. I like to challenge my students to do their very best. I think students should learn through doing, so my classroom is centered around projects—art projects, writing projects, and technology projects. I strive to make every day at school interesting.
Katie Ricks
M.S. in Elementary Education from University of Utah
B.S. in Zoology and Chemistry from Weber State University
Technology Endorsement (In Progress)
Prior to becoming a teacher I did medical research at the University of Utah. This is my third year teaching 3rd grade. I feel very fortunate to get to spend my days teaching at Driggs. I love the passion and energy that kids bring to my classroom and I strive to take that passion and use it to help students accomplish their goals.
Rachel Rogers
Work Email:
Praveena Rohaj
Master of Science, Botany, 1994
Bachelor’s in Education, 1995
ESL endorsement, 2003
Praveena started working with Granite School District in 2003 and taught various grades and diverse students. I have worked at Driggs for 9 years in second. I believe in customizing content and process based on student’s need and their ability to learn. She establishes good trust with students on day one and that helps throughout the year working with them.
She mixes her teaching with some yoga activities and music so that kids have real fun while learning.
Linda Sansom
Linda has a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Utah. She has endorsements in Gifted and Art Education through Utah State University. She loves working with the children at Driggs Elementary School.
Cherrie Thompson
Work Email:
Connie Woolsey
BS in Recreation Management from the University of Utah
MEd in Education from Westminster College
Gifted and Talented Endorsement from Utah State University
I have been a teacher in all 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 my passions of teaching/coaching swimming and water polo, as well as skiing (which I still do). Once my career in aquatics stagnated, I thought about going back to get my MBA or an MEd. The MEd won out, I have been teaching here at Howard R. Driggs for a decade and love 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.
Lisa Zekas
4th grade teacher
Education-
Bachelor of Science & Elementary Education Certification from Westminster College 15+ years of experience in education I first knew I wanted to be an educator in Kindergarten when my teacher pulled out her guitar and taught us through songs. In fifth grade, my teacher encouraged us to explore the outdoors at Mill Hollow Nature Center. In Junior High and High School my teachers allowed me to explore my strengths and find my interests. Westminster College taught me how to implement inquiry based learning. These influential mentors helped form my philosophy for parenting and teaching. I believe it is important to present opportunities for students and let them guide their learning through questioning. I believe “If you treat people as they ought to be, you will help them become what they are capable of being.”
