Michelle Steen

Position at Jordan:
2nd Grade Teacher
Educational Background:

BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Music, Augustana College
What I Feel is so Special about Jordan:

At Jordan I am able to teach my students not only the core subjects, but religion, as well.  It is a great feeling to be able to integrate religion into all of the subjects that I teach.  I  feel especially honored to be able to prepare my students for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.  That is such a blessing!
What I Feel is so Special about what I Do:
Almost every job I’ve ever had has involved children.  I’ve known since I was in grade school that I wanted to be a teacher.  I have been positively influenced by many of my former teachers, and I can only hope I’ve had that impact on my students, too.  Teaching is such a privilege.  It’s great to be able to say you are helping to shape the future.  What an awesome responsibility!
What I am Most Looking Forward to this School Year:
It will be great to have our whole school family on one campus by the end of the school year.  In addition to that, there are so many things I enjoy about second grade, but I’d have to say my favorite is the play we put on in the spring.  It is wonderful to watch the students transform into their characters.  It helps build their confidence and showcases their newfound ability to really express themselves through a story.  I love it!
If you were stranded on a desert island, what two books would you like to have?:

The Bible, Building Rafts for Dummies :-)
What do you enjoy away from Jordan?:

Traveling, cooking, singing, participating in Music Guild shows, spending time with friends and family.
Describe an interesting personal fact about yourself:

I have lived in four states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and now Iowa, and I have teaching certificates for three of these states.

Teaching philosophy: The most important attributes of an outstanding teacher are understanding, strong communication, sense of humor, fairness, and creativity. With these skills and experiences, I can assist in making my students’ education successful. My classroom holds a wide range of skills and abilities and each child learns in his/her own individual way. It’s important that students feel comfortable learning at their own pace, and that they know that success is based on individual ability and progress.