Welcome to my third grade classroom webpage! I am Crystal Estrella and I have been teaching since August of 2000. All of my teaching experience has been with younger students in the lower elementary grades (1-3).  I have taught 4 years in 2nd grade, 10 years in 1st grade, and am currently teaching 3rd grade. My favorite part of my job is watching my students’ progress through the school year and watching their daily growth toward their goals.

Defining Moment in My Education:

I have always wanted to work with children as far back as I can remember.  I started working with children at an early age through babysitting and teaching a Sunday School class.  Through teaching the Sunday School class I discovered my love of teaching. Teaching children has proven to be a very challenging profession that has kept me always learning new strategies and procedures to become the best teacher I can be.

Core Educational Beliefs:

I have always believed that every child can learn and it is my challenge as an educator to meet EVERY child’s needs.  There are sucessful methods to teach every child, the trick is finding the method that will work for each particular child. I have always tried to make learning fun and interactive. Teaching is an on-going profession that is always changing, it is important to always be learning new methods and strategies to meet the needs of my students.

Prior Experience:

Rio Vista Elementary-1st and 3rd Grade Teacher

Florence Elementary- 2nd Grade Teacher

Professional Accomplishments:

2011 RODEL Exemplary Teacher

2011 Teacher of the Month for Trucker Buddy (Walmart)