Position: Kindergarten K-5 Teacher

Email: rufferc@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Early Childhood Education (2018), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Educational Philosophy: Kindergarten is such a special year in a child’s education and I am ecstatic to be a part of it! I believe that I am responsible for providing students with positive learning experiences. I believe that respect, communication and creating positive, meaning relationships with students and families is the foundation for a wonderful Kindergarten experience. I believe it is my role to be a facilitator and provide enriching activities that are developmentally appropriate so students are supported as they learn about their strengths and work on their weaknesses.

I believe the classroom climate is the foundation upon which learning is built. Students thrive in inclusive settings where each student is an important part of the community. It is one of my goals to create a classroom community that welcomes and values ALL students. Each student needs to know that they matter and without them, the classroom wouldn’t be the same. Differences should be celebrated, not looked down upon. When differences are celebrated, similarities are discovered. During this process students learn to value themselves, appreciate their peers and create meaningful and significant relationships with one another.

About Me: I am so happy to be your child’s teacher! It’s going to be a great year full of new friends, new adventures and new discoveries! This is my second year here at Mitchell and third year teaching Kindergarten. When I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with my family and friends. I like watching basketball (Go Bucks), making new recipes, playing games, spending time outside and watching movies.