1. What made you decide to be a teacher/work in education?

My whole life I watched my mom be a teacher. I went to work with her a few times and loved watching her teach. She is my role model and always had been - I knew from when I was a child that I would grow up to be a teacher just like her.

2. Where did you graduate from/what has brought you to this point?

Most of my college career I went to Chico State in Chico, California. I was studying bilingual education at Chico. I transferred to Emporia State University in Emporia Kansas and graduated with a Bi-cultural degree. I recieved my Master in Curriculum and Assessment from Adams State University. I also recieved an Endorsement in ESL from Kansas University.

I applied to Aspen, Co and Jerry Santoro at Eagle Valley Middle school got my application from Aspen because I spoke Spanish. He needed a Spanish teacher and hired me. I moved to Eagle, County site unseen. It was the best decision of my life. Eagle County is my home now!

3. How many years have you been teaching/working in education?

I moved to the valley in 1996. I have been working in Eagle County ever since! I have taught 1, 2, 4, 6, Spanish (6,7,8, CMC), Native Language Instruction, Read to Achieve, and ESL. I have been both a Mentor teacher and a Master teacher.

4. What do you like most about teaching/working in education?

One of the things I love most about working in education is seeing the smile on a child's face when they finally understand something or when they begin to believe they can achieve any of their goals. I also love the ever evolving job of education. I enjoy learning and bettering myself. One of my favorite parts of education is that I never know it all; I can continue to learn and grow every day and every year. It is a very stimulating profession!

5. Anything else you would like the GES school community to know about you.

I love working at Gypsum Elementary. I have worked for many different schools in the district and I love the parents, kids, teachers, and community of Gypsum Elementary. I also love working under Mr. Forsberg's leadership. He is an incredible principal and he is helping to give us a focus to better meet the needs of our students. I feel lucky to be a part of this school! Thanks for letting me work here!

Missi Carpenter