I have been teaching First grade for eight years! I grew up in Spotsylvania County, and I graduated from Chancellor High School. I went to James Madison University and majored in History and English. I didn't think I wanted to be a teacher when I was in college. I took a year off after college before I went to graduate school and I worked as a Nanny for a family in Boston. I loved every minute with the children, and changed all of my grad school plans to major in Education.
I wanted a change of pace from city living, so I decided to attend graduate school at East Tennessee State University near my grandfather's hometown and family. It was a beautiful campus with a Child Study Center for lots of hands on experience in Early Childhood Education. I completed my graduate degree, but could not find a teaching job in December when I graduated. I started working as an adjunct instructor in the Early Childhood department at the University. I loved working with undergraduate students, but I really wanted to work young children! When a job opened up at the Child Study Center on campus, I was thrilled to finally be a Pre-K teacher and have the flexibility to still teach a few undergraduate courses every semester. I loved teaching at ETSU, but after several years, I was ready to come back home to Virgina and be closer to my family.
I came to Battlefield in 2003 and started teaching First Grade. I absolutely love First grade and teaching in an open classroom! Our school is truly a community and the teacher collaborate and work together in our open setting. I love getting to know all of the First graders, and not just my own class. First grade is a magical year for children- they truly blossom into gifted readers and writers. I hope you enjoy every minute of this journey as much as I do!
I am married, and my husband and I have 2 cats and 1 dog. We are currently in the process of building a new house in the area and we are very excited about that project! In my spare time I like to read, walk my dog, cook, be with my family, and do things around my house. I can't wait to start decorating our new house.
If you ever need to contact me throughout the year, please send me a note in the Buddy Book or email me at aemartin@es.spotsylvania.k12.va.us
I am looking forward to a great year with you!