I’m the English Language Development (ELD) teacher and Math Interventionist for 4th and 5th grade. I started my teaching career 9 years ago as a student teacher in 5th grade, right here at Rio Vista! Fun fact, I’m actually teaching in the very same classroom where I started in room 26! I have lots of fantastic memories learning to teach in that room, and I can’t wait to make brand new memories helping students become more confident in their language and math skills!

I really enjoy working with 4th and 5th graders because kids are starting to develop their own unique personalities (and quirks!) while really growing in their independence as learners. I love getting to know more about their interests and seeing them get excited about what they get to learn. I look forward to getting the chance to work with Rio Vista students and families this year!

-Mr. McFrederick

Defining Moment in Education:

When I was a kid, I had trouble sitting still and paying attention in class. Meeting me now, you might be surprised to learn that I was a bit of a wild child! But I remember having such amazing teachers who worked to understand me and allowed me to learn in ways that might’ve been different from my classmates. This has been a perspective that I've kept as a teacher so that hopefully I can make a difference in my students' lives the way those teachers did for me.

Core Educational Belief:

When you step foot into my classroom, one thing you’ll immediately learn about me is my love of superheroes! While I’m a fan of the comics and movies, I really love what they represent. Superhero teams are usually made up of lots of heroes with different abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, yet they all work together to reach a common goal. My belief is that, like superheroes, all learners are able to succeed when they feel supported and valued. In my class, we’ll all work together to achieve our goals!

Prior Experience:

I have taught 4th grade for 8.5 years. I started teaching at Summit View in Sunnyside where I was an ELD teacher in a self-contained classroom, then became the ELA (English Language Arts) teacher for all of 4th grade at my site. After that, I moved to teaching 4th grade for an additional 6 years in Flowing Wells at Walter Douglas. During that time, I have helped develop science and ELA curriculum for different school districts, lead and mentored other teachers, and supervised student Hiking Clubs and overnight field trips.

Professional Accomplishments:

Rodel Promising Student Teacher (2012)

Hiking Club Supervisor with Saguaro National Park (2013-2018)

4th Grade ELA Curriculum Writer (2013, Sunnyside)

STEMAZing Teacher Leader (2018-2020, Flowing Wells)

4th Grade NextGen Science Curriculum and Workshop Developer (2018-2020, Flowing Wells)

Grade Level Team Leader (2013-2017)

“A+” Accreditation Team Lead (2017, Flowing Wells)