
Phone: 520-696-6784
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Degree: BA in Elementary Education (K-8) University of Arizona Certifications: Mathematics Specialist Endorsement (K-8) Cross-Categorical Endorsement (K-12)
Mrs. Michelle Ernst
Hello! My name is Michelle Ernst and I am the self-contained classroom teacher. This will be my 19th year of teaching. Growing up, I was blessed to travel and live in many places as my father was in the Navy. Some of the amazing places I have been fortunate to live in were Scotland, Japan, Virginia, Florida, and California. I love the ocean and being at the beach. Moving from state to state and school to school, I believe, has allowed me to connect well with students who come to me throughout the year as a new student. I am married and have three children and one granddaughter. I have lived in Tucson since 1998.
Current Office Hours:
M, T, Th, F 1:30 - 3:00
W 3:00 - 3:45
Defining Moment in My Education
During my student teaching, I was assigned to a 4th grade class at Elvira Elementary in the Sunnyside School District. This happened to be the very same school where I attended 4th grade. As I walked onto that campus this time as a student teacher and not a student, I felt a flood of emotions come over me. It felt like a full circle moment. Here I was, fulfilling a dream that I have had since I was in the 6th grade, at a school that I attended, and I couldn't wait to make a difference and begin this journey.
Core Educational Beliefs
Learning should be a collection of fun, exciting, challenging and growing experiences for kids. I believe in providing exposure to multiple approaches to engage them to learn. I believe in creating an environment where the unique learning styles of kids are addressed, where they feel safe to take risks, a place where kids accept challenges and persevere to complete them, and positive and encouraging relationships are established. Students play a vital role in their learning and I want to foster that desire to be actively involved. I want kids to be excited about learning and become lifelong learners.
Prior Experience
2016 - current Self-contained ED Classroom Teacher La Cima Middle School
2015 - 2016 4th Grade Mesa Verde ES Amphitheater School District
2012 - 2015 6th - 8th Grade Resource Math La Cima MS Amphitheater School District
2008 - 2011 3rd Grade Estes ES Marana Unified School District
2002 - 2008 5th Grade Esperanza ES Sunnyside School District
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona 2002
Mathematics Specialist Endorsement
Cross-Cat Endorsement