Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Tingey - 1st Grade

When I grow up I want to be...Mrs. Tingey. No, really. That is who I want to be. She is kindness, caring & love personified. On the first day of school as all those anxious mothers were waiting for their little 1^st Graders to finally break through to the big bad world of Full Day School...there was Mrs. Tingey comforting our woes with a perky little smile, a sparkle in her eye and a parting remark, “Ok all you Moms! Go out for breakfast and Enjoy yourselves! We've got this! And they are going to do Great!” Could she be any Cuter?! I get the neat privilege of working with her every week in her classroom and I tell you that this woman Walks the Walk! She Loves her Students! And in return, they absolutely adore her! What a wonderful environment to learn in!

Grade(s) Taught: PreSchool, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third & Fourth Grades (Jack of All Grades!)

Roots: Born in Salt Lake City, Utah & raised in Provo, Utah.

Teaching Motto: “Every Child should know that they are Important, Capable, Loved & Cared about."

Who or what inspired you to become a teacher? From a young age I always had little children around me. My parents use to call me the Pied Piper! I always seemed to have children over for projects, playtime & of course teaching. It was just such a natural thing for me to do! I have always loved being around kids!

How many Years have You Taught? 28 years...WoW! I taught for a few years at South Jordan Elementary, a few at Westmore Elementary, 22 Years at Suncrest Elementary, and this is my 2^nd year here at Central and I just LOVE it! I took 12 years off to raise my 4 boys, but I taught preschool during most of that time with my boys!

My best day in the classroom was when: I am continually learning from these little ones everyday...but one day that stands out to me is when a little boy came up to me and said, “Nobody cares about me!” Before I could respond another little boy came up and said, “I care about You!” and gave him a hug! It was such a precious and cherished moment. I love to see children being thoughtful and kind to one another.

If you could have one teacher superpower, what would it be? The energy of a 1^st Grader! That is a superpower in and of itself!

What’s your one must-have item for your classroom? I would love to find a Cassette player that will last me longer than two years! I have so many great lessons and songs to share, but they're all on Tape Cassettes and it's hard to find Cassette players these days. (Uhm...I offered the suggestion that we could transfer her cassettes to discs....anyone do this?)

What was the last non-academic book you’ve read? Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm "Such a cute series of books! And you can find them right here in our library!"

What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt? I always thought nursing would be interesting, but at the time I didn't have the stomach for it. After raising boys...I feel I could do it now!

Have a question you'd like to ask your fellow educators? Would you share your best management techniques? I find that these new teachers just coming out of college have so many new and exciting things to share! Especially when it comes to technology! They can do it all and I'm always curious to know how it works, though I'm a little behind perhaps on the tech stuff. (Yeah, I've tried to use one of those Smart Boards...they do not make me feel smart.)

Teacher Spotlight - Mrs. Mortensen - Kindergarten

Have you ever met a beautiful person and wonder if they're as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside? That is what first comes to mind when you meet this darling woman, Mrs. Mortensen. But no fear of skin deep beauty here! She is lovely through and through!  She has been married for just 2 months now, so balancing the life of a newlywed and a classroom of 5 year olds has to be a major accomplishment in and of itself. Mrs. Mortensen is fond of Hot Tamales, the candy...not the actual tamales...I think. She loves the Olive Garden, Basketball, plays the piano and just started loving to go to the gym. Her Favorite Quote is now another favorite of mine and it fits her quite well! I swear if you're looking for good quotes, ask a Teacher! "The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep, loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." --Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Grade(s) Taught: 2nd & Kindgergarten

Roots: Born in Provo, Utah but raised in Rock Springs, Wyoming. She graduated from BYU and majored in Human Development and Elementary Ed.

Teaching Motto: Good Listeners make Great Teachers!

Who or what inspired you to become a teacher? I am the only child of divorced parents and my Mom was a teacher. I spent my summers helping my Mom set up her Classroom. I tried to resist that pull to teaching, but she was such an amazing example to me, I found it to be such a natural thing.

My best day in the classroom was when: So many days...what to pick...I suppose my best day is whenever I see a kid showing real progress and a connection with what I'm trying to teach them. And looking back and realizing I helped get them there!

What’s your one must-have item for your classroom? Cleaning Supplies! I am all about Clean!

What was the last non-academic book you’ve read? 

The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball

What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt? I would probably go into Customer Service or some other sort of Leadership position. And why not make it one that will make lots of $$$!