Details about Mrs. Crain especially for Crain's Kiddos...
The most important thing for you to know about me is that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being a teacher! It is the most fun job ever and I have done it for almost 33 years! Yup - that means I'm super duper old... so it's a good thing that I'm a teacher...because being around young people like you who love to laugh, have fun, and learn helps keep me young! I have taught lots of different ages of children with lots of different types of gifts and talents...and I can't wait to find out what yours are and help you discover how special and terrific you are! I call my students "scholars" - which is a word that means someone who loves to learn. I have been married for 30 years to a wonderful man named Terry. He works for a big company and helps keep the computers safe there. We have two children, Dustin and Nicole. Dustin loves music and helping people make music and lives in Los Angeles; and our daughter Nicole is a nurse who lives in Phoenix with her husband and their super fun three kids. When I am not teaching, I love bike riding, going to the beach, paddle boarding, hiking, reading ALOT, and walking and playing with my golden doodle, Anabelle. She is huge and very fun and fluffy! I can't wait to learn all about you, what is important about you and what you like to do when you aren't in school.
Details about Mrs. Crain especially for parents...
My passion for teaching has spanned nearly 33 years and 3 states! I hold credentials in California, Arizona, and Texas. I've taught children in grades Kindergarten through High School and when someone would ask what grade level was my favorite, I would have to reply, "the grade I'm currently teaching!" My first teaching degrees were in Elementary Education and Special Education with emphasis areas in the instruction of children with learning disabilities and emotional disturbances. I also hold a masters degree in Human Behavior and Counseling. I began my career teaching Special Education and eventually moved into another area of specialization, that of teaching Gifted and Talented Education (GATE). I spent the last 14 years of my career teaching young children who possess Gifted and Talented attributes in the Huntington Beach City School District. It was through my extensive GATE training that I grew to recognize the value of treating every child like a scholar.The icons of Depth and Complexity are an integral part of most of the programs which spark the interest of advanced learners; and I have enjoyed creating curriculum that incorporate these advanced thinking skills to help children of any ability level reach their maximum potential and truly love learning. All of my curriculum is aligned to state and common core standards. I love using engaging literature as a springboard for advanced thinking and creativity, while also helping children obtain a multitude of language arts skills. Using the icons and ideas of Depth and Complexity, children of all skill levels can experience the excitement of becoming better readers, writers, and 21st century learners. My classroom is always filled with laughter and the energy is contagious!
Both our children, Dustin and Nicole, experienced programs for advanced learners, both in private as well as public schools. It is my belief that every child has gifts and talents and deserves out of the box teaching methods, materials, and the opportunity to demonstrate what they know in ways that excite them!
Though I am now retired from teaching public school, I still have the joy of teaching in my heart and love helping children recognize their diverse strengths and talents. I love teaching in the charter school and home school environment and enjoy the flexibility, ideal small class sizes, and rewarding opportunities it presents. It is my hope that all children will leave my classroom enthused about what they have learned, confident in their abilities, and looking forward to returning!
I am an approved vendor for Inspire Charter School, happily accept purchase orders, am willing to discuss other payment options, and have a flexible payment schedule.
If you have questions about my class, feel free to contact me - my email address is mcrainsmile60@gmail.com.
Details about Mrs. Crain especially for Crain's Kiddos...
LOVE, 
I have taught lots of different ages of children with lots of different types of gifts and talents...and I can't wait to find out what yours are and help you discover how special and terrific you are! I call my students "scholars" - which is a word that means someone who loves to learn. I have been married for 30 years to a wonderful man named Terry. He works for a big company and helps keep the computers safe there. We have two children, Dustin and Nicole. Dustin loves music and helping people make music and lives in Los Angeles; and our daughter Nicole is a nurse who lives in Phoenix with her husband and their super fun three kids. When I am not teaching, I love bike riding, going to the beach, paddle boarding, hiking, reading ALOT, and walking and playing with my golden doodle, Anabelle. She is huge and very fun and fluffy! I can't wait to learn all about you, what is important about you and what you like to do when you aren't in school.