Howard R. Driggs Elementary

The student first and always

Teachers

Photo of Mrs. Heidi Baer

Mrs. Heidi Baer

Second Grade Teacher

Home Phone: 385-646-9733 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.
Photo of Ms. Alecia Baldwin

Ms. Alecia Baldwin

First Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9739 Website: Class Updates Website: Class Website
Ms. Baldwin uses: https://home.classtag.com/
Please email her for your class code.
 
Teaching Degrees and Endorsements:
  • Masters in Learning and Technology
I have taught:
  • Kindergarten
  • 1st Grade
  • 3rd Grade
I love seeing the joy and excitement that comes from learning!
Photo of Mr. Trevor Black

Mr. Trevor Black

Fifth Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-1544 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!

Mrs. Heidi Chytraus

Special Education Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-1676 Website: Ms. Cornwell’s class
Google Classroom Join Code: qyx3laz
Teaching Degrees and Endorsements:
  • Special Eudcation
  • Early Childhood Education
I have taught:
  • 1st Grade
  • 2nd Grade
  • 3rd Grade
  • Special Education K-6
I had a couple teachers that made me feel like I could do anything! I was an incredibly shy student, so nervous to ever participate. These teachers gave me confidence which changed my world! I am forever grateful for that gift they gave me and hope I can give students that feeling as well.
Photo of Mrs. Trudi Day

Mrs. Trudi Day

Fifth Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-0139 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.
Photo of Miss Chelsey Furniss

Miss Chelsey Furniss

PE Specialist

Work Phone: 385-646-1380 Website: Miss Furniss’ website
Miss Furniss teaches PE at Driggs to all students on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  She also teaches PE at Morningside Elementary.
Photo of Miss Katee Garff

Miss Katee Garff

Kindergarten Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-1179 Website: Class Tag
Photo of Mr. John Glime

Mr. John Glime

Fifth Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-8538 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.
Photo of Mrs. Janica Gonzales

Mrs. Janica Gonzales

Third Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9740
To join remind text 81010.  Class code @7ea8a4 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!
Photo of Jaimie Hooten

Jaimie Hooten

Kindergarten Teacher

Photo of Ms. Alison Jueschke

Ms. Alison Jueschke

Third Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9724
Teaching Endorsements and Degrees:
  • Gifted and Talented
  • English as a Second Language
  • Masters of Library in Information Science
I have taught:
  • 3rd Grade
Listen, Look, Launch Energize, Examine, Explore Analyze, Ask, Achieve Read, Reason, Reach Navigate, Nurture, Nourish  
Photo of Mrs. Sheryl Larson

Mrs. Sheryl Larson

Visual Art Specialist

Work Phone: 385-646-8822 Website: Miss Sheryl’s Art Space
Photo of Miss Heather Martin

Miss Heather Martin

Fourth Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9725
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.
Photo of Ms. Valene Ottosen

Ms. Valene Ottosen

Work Phone: 385-646-9726 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!  
Photo of Mrs. Cynthia Pearson

Mrs. Cynthia Pearson

First Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9727 Website: Mrs. Pearson’s First Grade Class Website: Google Classroom
Teaching Endorsements:
  • English as a Second Language
  • Gifted and Talented
  • Educational Technology
  • Reading
  • Math
  I have taught:
  • 1st Grade
  • 2nd Grade
  • 4th Grade
  • 5th Grade
  • 6th Grade
I love teaching! My second-grade teacher, Mrs. Beverly Lloyd, inspired me to be a teacher. We spent a lot of time working on our creative writing in her class, which I loved! As a new teacher, I attended a conference where she was a keynote speaker. I approached her after, told her my name, and her response was, "Oh, you wrote that poem about the color pink!" When I grow up, I want to be just like Mrs. Lloyd!  
Photo of Ms. Katie Ricks

Ms. Katie Ricks

Third Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-0045 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.    
Photo of Mrs. Praveena Rohaj

Mrs. Praveena Rohaj

Second Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9730 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.
Photo of Mrs. Tiffany Simons

Mrs. Tiffany Simons

School Technology Specialist (STS)

Work Phone: 385-646-9181 Website: Mrs. Simons’ Tech Space
Teaching Endorsements:
  • Educational Technology
  • English Language Learners
  • Gifted Learners
I have taught:
  • Kindergarten
  • 1st Grade
  • 2nd Grade
  • 3rd Grade
I have always loved teaching.  I began teaching kids to swim when I was in high school, and haven't stopped teaching since. I love watching the face on learners as they "get it" for the first time.  The magic never changes no matter the subject or the age of the learner.   
Photo of Ms. Cherrie Thompson

Ms. Cherrie Thompson

Fourth Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-0853
Photo of Ms. Lacie Titmus

Ms. Lacie Titmus

Reading Specialist

Work Phone: 385-646-1190
Teaching Degrees and Endorsements:
  • Masters of Education Leadership
I have taught:
  • Kindergarten
  • 2nd Grade
  • 3rd Grade
  • 6th Grade
Photo of Ms. Connie Woolsey

Ms. Connie Woolsey

Fourth Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-9732 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.
Photo of Mrs. Lisa Zekas

Mrs. Lisa Zekas

Second Grade Teacher

Work Phone: 385-646-5978 Website: Teacher Website
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.”