Phone: (520) 696-6819
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Professional Awards & Accomplishments: - Northern Illinois University - Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education - Early Childhood Special Education Certification
Ms. Erin Tollefson
Welcome
My name is Erin Tollefson. I am so excited to be teaching your child this year. I moved to Oro Valley from a small town in Illinois named Sandwich. Yes, it’s actually called Sandwich. I love to do anything outdoors as well as anything crafty. I also love to spend time with my family. I am eager to get to know all of my students and watch them as they grow throughout the year.
Defining Moment in Education
I have known that I wanted to be a teacher since I was very young. I started out working with children by volunteering in a preschool class at my church from the time I was 12 until I graduated high school. In high school, my passion for teaching grew even more by being part of an Early Childhood Education class where I got the opportunity to teach in a preschool classroom. After being in that class, I knew that I had to pursue my dream. I went on to study Early Childhood Education in college and achieved my goal of becoming a teacher. Along the way, I had so many mentor teachers who helped shape me into the teacher I am today.
Core Educational Belief
I believe that a classroom should be a safe and caring place where students not only come to learn, but are excited to learn. I believe that this type of environment includes hands-on experiences where children are free to express themselves, think outside the box, test their theories, and learn from each other. I believe that positive relationships built in the classroom are crucial to a child’s learning and that growing as individuals is just as important as academic development.
Prior Experience
I volunteered in preschool classes for many years. In college, I student taught in Kindergarten and First Grade. In my first professional year, I was a Teacher Aide in a preschool classroom. I have been a Kindergarten teacher here at Copper Creek for 2 years.