Miss Gunderson's New Role at Oakhill Day School

We are excited to tell you about Miss Gunderson's new role at Oakhill. Miss Gunderson is now doing weekly storytime with our Pretoddler, Toddler, Preschool, and Prekindergarten students. She is teaching Innovation Lab for our Kindergarten through 3rd grade students at the Lower School. She loves to read aloud to children, something that she now gets to do many times a day!

What position did you hold prior to this current position? 

I taught 2nd grade last year at Oakhill. Prior to that, I taught 1st grade for 8 years at a public school in Minnesota. 
 

What made you interested in this new career opportunity? 

I have always enjoyed being creative and thinking outside the box, and this career opportunity allows me to do just that. While I am able to do that, I will also get to help students learn to think and express themselves in a variety of ways while in STEM/Innovation lab. 

One of my favorite things to do is to read aloud to children. Having the opportunity to do that was something I was so excited to do! No matter their age, children love to be read to, and I enjoy being that vessel that gets to provide that experience to them. 

What do you hope to bring to this position and/or your students?

I hope to help students gain confidence in themselves, their abilities, and their creativity. I hope they will learn to trust themselves and the process. I want them to know that they can always begin the creative design process again, but it all has to begin with an idea. 
 

What excites you about this new position? 

I am so excited to get to see and know all of the students at the Lower School and to grow with the students as they continue throughout their schooling here at Oakhill! 

 

What led you to education? 

I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher. I always enjoyed being around children and playing myself. My parents often commented on how easily approachable I was and how kids realized that and wanted to be around me.

What is your favorite memory of school from when you were a child?

My preschool teacher, Miss Sherri made me feel so loved, valued and capable. I still remember to this day her great hugs and welcoming smile. My goal as a teacher is to be like "Miss Sherri."

How did you get ready/prepare for your first day of school at Oakhill Day School?

I picked out my outfit including a new pair of teacher earrings and I made sure to go to bed super early to help me be ready for all of the first day of school excitement. I also attended an online ISTE conference this summer, listened to podcasts, and researched some great ideas to implement in the classroom.  I was prepared with the knowledge, but knew my greatest lessons would walk through the door the next day, and they would truly help me to be prepared for the school year!