Hello! My name is Melissa Getskow and I am so happy that you are taking time to learn a little bit about me.  If you are a student or parent in my class, please explore below to find out more about me and my expectations in our classroom. I have also listed my teaching experience and some miscellaneous fun facts about myself. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

My Teaching Experience

I have been teaching for five and a half years at Santa Rosa Elementary School. My first year was spent in a fifth grade classroom, which was also the grade I did my student teaching.  I was lucky enough to student teach at the same school that I attended when I was little (and yes, many of the same teachers are still there.) For the last four years, I have been teaching third grade.  I graduated from Arizona State University where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education in 2005. I later received my Master's Degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Endorsement through Northern Arizona University in 2007. I continue to take classes in order to keep up to date on the current best practices in education.

Expectations

I am so thrilled to be working with your child this year!  My goal is to guide and challenge each student to achieve to the best of his/her abilities.  Some qualities that would describe me include caring, hard-working, responsible, enthusiastic, and cooperative.  I expect my students also to embody these characteristics throughout the year.  In the classroom, I believe that children learn at different rates and in different ways. So, I strive to provide varied methods of instruction and multiple ways of sharing our learning.  I strongly believe that students should be given choices in the classroom in order to take ownership of their own learning.  My ultimate goal is that each student will become independent learners who come to school excited to learn and leave still wanting to know more.  I can't wait to grow with you and acheive together over the next year!  

Fun Facts About Me

Besides teaching, I have a lot of other hobbies and activities that take up my time.  Since I was little I always loved playing sports and being active. In high school, I played volleyball which I still do from time to time. I also enjoy running and walking, and love watching cycling (although I've never tried it myself). When I'm not being active, I love to relax at home with my friends, family, and dogs.  Recently, I have become interested in cooking and love to try new recipes. 

FUN FACTS

• I have two older brothers.

• I own a Cocker Spaniel dog named Brinkley and my parents own his sister, Madison.

• I was on the T.V. show, Candid Camera, when I was in first grade.

• I used to be in gymnastics and I can still do a handstand.

• I have known most of my best friends since elementary school.

• I love music and working on my website.