Welcome

Welcome!  My name is Ms. Jamie Kasen and I am the REACH/Gifted Education Specialist at Walker Elementary School.  I have been a teacher in the Amphitheater School District since 2006.  My classroom teaching experience includes several years of REACH/gifted cluster model grouping and instruction.  I love working with our gifted and talented kids, expanding their thinking and providing challenges to help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.  I have a passion for teaching STEM lessons and doing project-based learning activities.

Outside the classroom, I love being a mom, spending time with my family, playing with my dog, reading, traveling, and home decorating.

Defining Moment in Education

While taking classes at NAU, I had a professor, Dr. M, who pushed me to work harder than I had ever worked before.  Dr. M had very high expectations and she never accepted anything less than my best.  She had a calm, peaceful presence about her and she always communicated that she expected greatness.  Dr. M genuinely cared about my success.  She was a person of integrity and I strive to be the kind of educator for my students that Dr. M was for me.

Core Educational Belief

I teach to instill a love of learning.  I believe that building relationships with students and families is the key to student success.  I strive to motivate young minds to want to go out into the world and make a difference.

Prior Experience

Prior to becoming a REACH teacher, I taught 2nd grade at Walker for 11 years.  I also taught summer school, tutored students in the ACHIEVE after-school program, and led my school's Kindness Crew.

Professional Accomplishments

2014 Interstate Studios National Teacher of the Year

Education Degrees & Certification

Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education - Northern Arizona University

Gifted Education endorsement

SEI endorsement

Early Childhood Education endorsement