Mrs. Ashley Cunningham (above right) has been in the preschool classroom for four years. She says, "Being a student's first teacher and school experience is the best part of my job. Helping them to learn, grow and become students during their preschool year is very rewarding and a big part of why I do what I do."
Ms. Julia Bettis (above left) filled the position in the second preschool room at PHE this year. "The highlight of my teaching career has been seeing the children grow as little people in their understanding and knowledge. In our classroom this year, we have a warm and fuzzy bucket for small acts of kindness. The students help each other and watch for opportunities to be kind towards each other promoting a warm, friendly classroom environment."
Mrs. Nikki Batten (above left) has taught kindergarten at Pleasant Hill Elementary for three years. When asked her teaching philosophy she responded, "For me, being a teacher means helping children learn and develop skills that will help them throughout life. I believe setting high expectations in my classroom is significantly important for student achievement. I enjoy working with children and appreciate the opportunity to watch them discover new things and witnessing those 'lightbulb' moments."
Mrs. Janice Westfall (above right) stepped into the kindergarten classroom in November of this school year after a teacher retirement. Mrs. Westfall has taught for a total of 45 ½ years, the last nine spent substituting in various classrooms in Calhoun schools. Mrs. Westfall states, "I have always wanted to be a teacher and have never regretted becoming one. I enjoy watching students learn and grow in the classroom. I have been fortunate to work with some of the most caring people and dedicated people in the world."
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