Phone: (520) 696-6670

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Grove City College Master of Arts in Special Education Behavioral and Emotional Disabilities Learning Disabilities University of Arizona

Mrs. Susan Northam

Welcome

Welcome to Mrs. Northam's class!  I love to communicate with you in a partnership to enhance your child's education.  I have been married to my husband J.J. for 28 years, and have two children.  Both of my children attended Amphitheater Public Schools for Kindergarten through High School graduation. Both are graduates of the University of Arizona, and they both work for the same company in Eugene, Oregon!    

Defining Moment in Education

My defining moment in education was the myriad of teachers that I had that inspired me to become a teacher myself.  My third grade teacher, Mrs. Medvig, my sixth grade English teacher, Mrs. Erickson, and my Sophomore and Senior year English teacher, Mrs. Sinclair, all made a defiinite and lasting impact on the kind of teacher I hope that I am every day!

Core Educational Belief

My core educational belief is that ALL students can learn, although not necessarily in the same way or at the same pace.  I believe that making learning fun and engaging is the most important tool in motivating students to WANT to learn.  I believe that laughter and consistency, hand in hand, can form young mindsets into a lifelong love of learning.

Prior Experience

I have been a teacher in the Amphitheater School District since 1994.  I have taught middle school resource, fourth grade, and self-contained special education at four different schools, with the majority of my time at Copper Creek Elementary.  Each has offered it's own unique challenges and rewards.  This will be my first year teaching Gifted Education at both Keeling and Nash Elementary schools! I am SO excited for this new challenge and opportunity!

Professional Awards and Accomplishments

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Grove City College in Pennsylvania.  I received my Master of Arts degree in Special Education from the University of Arizona, with a double endorsement in Learning Disabilities and Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities.  I hold dual Arizona State certifications in both Elementary Education and Special Education.  I also have my Structured English Immersion endorsement. I also hold a Provisional Gifted Education endorsement, having completed 90 hours of Gifted Education training.