Excellent Educator: July

Posted at: 06/09/2009 3:15 PM | Updated at: 08/03/2009 11:37 AM

Excellent Educator, Kara Graves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kara Graves
Kindergarten
Caribou Lake Elementary
10 years teaching

WHY SHE WAS NOMINATED:
Mrs. Graves treats each child in her class as an individual and takes the time to understand each students unique learning style.  She makes sure every child knows they are an important part of her classroom.  Mrs. Graves emphasizes the importance of reading and early literacy in children.  She recently had 7 students from her class recognized as finalists in a young readers and illustrators contest sponsored by Reading Rainbow.  She teaches in a small-community based school and makes sure that every child who leaves her classroom has a fantastic foundation for learning. "Mrs. Graves is everything that comes to mind when you picture the perfect kindergarten teacher. She defines an Excellent Educator."

WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE HER:
Kind. Caring. Soft-spoken. Optimistic.
 

MORE ABOUT KARA GRAVES:

What is your most memorable moment as an Educator?
"The last two years, my classes and I have hatched baby chicks. Watching the faces of young children as they watch the chicks come out of the eggs is priceless! Giving children a first-hand experience with the miracles of nature is a wonderful experience."
If you could pass along one piece of wisdom, what would it be?
"Every time a child reads for the first time or figures out a tough math question; when you can see that he or she has really learned something, that's when you feel the rewards of teaching. Really get to know each child you work with. Every child has a story and you can learn so much by just listening."
If you weren't an educator what would you be?
"As long as I can remember I have wanted to be a teacher. I can't imagine doing anything else. It has been a life-long dream to teach!"
What do you do during summer vacation?
"I enjoy spending time with my family! We do lots of camping, boating, and water activities. We also play a lot of volleyball. In August, it is exciting to begin preparing for the new school year."
Personal Information:
Mrs. Graves has been married to her husband, Kevin for 11 years. They have two wonderful little boys; Kadin, 6 and Keatin, 2.  She enjoys playing volleyball and reading.



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