Welcome to Room 116!
What led you to become a public school teacher?
My first career was in Marketing. I earned a B.S. in marketing from Minnesota State, Moorhead and took a job with a marketing research company in Fargo, ND. It didn’t take long for me to realize that this was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my work life. Consequently, I left my position in search of my passion.
What is your training/where did you go to school?
My passion for children and desire to contribute to the world took me back to school at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where I received a B.A. in Education. Most recently, I received my Master’s Degree in Education, along with certification in lower and upper Montessori Education, from the University of WI, River Falls.
What is your favorite thing about classroom teaching?
My favorite things about being a classroom teacher are building community through strong relationships and sharing my excitement for learning. As a member of our classroom community, I learn from the students every day.
What is your favorite thing about the Armatage community?
As a member of this community for nearly 20 years, Armatage has played an integral role in my family’s story. When we walked in the front doors with our 5 year old, and watched as each one our children built their foundation here, we had no idea how the story would unfold. The Armatage community became the place where they were guided by expert teachers, developed a love for learning, and began to understand their place in the world. I moved through the story as well as a parent, volunteer, associate educator, and classroom teacher. The most important component of this community is the people who are now interwoven into our story.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Moorhead, MN. I have also lived in Detroit, MI, San Diego, CA, and back full circle to Minneapolis.
What is your family like?
My family is the most important part of my life. My husband, John, and I have been married for 29 years and have 3 children. Our oldest, Sam, is a graduate of the University of MN and is currently living and working in New York City. Claire will be a senior at Macalester College this fall and plays volleyball for the Scots. Jane just graduated from Southwest High School and will be attending the New School in New York in the fall of 2022. Lastly, we have an adorable 13 year old Shih Tzu named Louie. I spent 15 years as a stay-at-home mom and I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world!
What subject(s) did you like when you were school age?
When I was school age, I loved reading and writing. One of my favorite memories was when the Book Mobile would drive into our neighborhood on a hot summer day. We could step into the small little library on wheels and pick out any book we wanted. It wasn’t until I became a Montessori teacher that I discovered how much I love math.
What is your favorite children's book?
My favorite children’s book is Kate DiCamillo’s The Miraculous Adventure of Edward Tulane. I love to share the lessons, wonder, and sweetness of this tale.
What interests do you have outside of teaching?
Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, walking, cooking, and planning adventures with my family.
If you could give your 4th grade self advice about school, what would it be?
If I could give my 4th grade self some good advice, I would tell her to relax. Take more risks. Michelle, you do not have to be perfect.
What silver linings did you find during the pandemic?
One of the many silver linings during the pandemic was that time seemed to stand still. We were able to have all 3 of our children home with us. We had dinner together every night, like we did when they were young. It was a beautiful step back in time.
