First grade now taught by new teacher
From teaching 16 years at Fremont to transferring to Mead Public Schools, new first grade teacher Linda Swartz is ready to take this year on. She is excited to be at Mead for many reasons.
“I was nervous, anxious and excited all at the same time,” Swartz said.
Compared to her 25-minute drive to her old school, Swartz enjoys it a lot more now that she lives just down the street.
“It was a lot bigger there, and I was used to teaching with a team of teachers at the same grade level,” said Swartz, who likes the challenge of being the only first grade teacher at Mead.
Even though she moved schools, she didn’t move grades. She has been teaching first grade for about 16 years and has always wanted to do that.
“I knew pretty quickly once I started my practicum placements in college that I wanted to work with elementary-age kids,” Swartz said.
She enjoys watching the growth of the first graders.
“I really enjoy watching how much progress first graders make in reading and writing throughout the year,” Swartz said. “They love school and are excited to learn new things.”
With last year’s first grade teacher Catherine Kuhr retiring, the elementary school was in need of a new first grade teacher. Principal Darin Kovar thought Swartz was a great fit.
“She answered the questions very similar to what kind of beliefs we were looking for,” Kovar said. “She also had 16 years of experience, so I thought she was a perfect fit.”
Swartz had many people help her become comfortable in her new job. The peers who helped the most were third grade teacher Valerie Reiman, second grade teacher Elizabeth Bladt and first grade paraprofessional Lena Huckeby.
“I had thousands of questions about things, and they always find time to help me,” Swartz said. “They make me feel welcome at Mead.”
Kovar also helped.
“Just by letting her know if she has any questions to ask and making sure she knows whatever she needs, I can help,” Kovar said.
The main reason Swartz came to this school was because of her kids.
“I have Landry in my class right now and I will get to teach Ledger in a few years,” Swartz said. “It is an amazing opportunity to get to be at the same school as your children.”
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