I am so thrilled to begin another school year with this wonderful MTES family! My name is Kristen O'Dowd. I have been a classroom teacher since 2011, teaching Preschool, Kindergarten, and First Grade. Prior to that, I was a classroom aide in both preschool and kindergarten classrooms while I received my degree in Family and Child Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. Growing up with a mom as an Occupational Therapist/Preschool Teacher, I knew pretty early on that it was my passion to teach young children. Their curiosity, compassion, enthusiasm, and free-spirited nature is so inspiring, and I am continuously grateful that I get to spend my days with your little ones! I've said it since I first began teaching... I have the best job in the world!!! I believe that children learn so much through play and interaction with their peers. Each child is an individual with their own strengths, skills, interests, and abilities. I encourage students to express what they notice and wonder about the world around them. I believe it is necessary for students to have choices and let their curiosity direct their learning!
I live locally with my husband, 11 year old son, and our 12 year old dog. Together, we love to go to the beach, go for walks, play board games, and watch Jeopardy! I also LOVE to read, travel, and spend time relaxing on our porch! I was born in Wisconsin, but moved to NJ when I was just 1 year old. My family, including my parents, are still Cheeseheads living in WI, so luckily I have an excuse to go back every year. (Go Pack Go!)
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