Cathey Chet: Fifth Grade Teacher

Our school, unlike most other public schools, is small enough to allow a strong sense of unity. As a teacher I feel connected to not only my own students, but to all the other children in the school, as well as their families. I always welcome visitors into my classroom and I am never short of volunteers. I have parents coming into help with a variety of activities which range from tutoring, to cooking, to Valentine's Day Flower sales. Being a small class, with so many willing parents, also allows us to go on many field trips. Our two rabbits, Marble and Cola, and our weekly get together with our Kindergarten buddies adds to the feeling of family.

The curriculum we use is rich in content and offers much opportunity for creativity. You may walk in our classroom one day to find us frosting US shaped cookies during a geography lesson, or recording information about our incubating duck eggs and growing tadpoles during Science. The students regularly work in groups, encouraging leadership skills, cooperation and organization. Classroom meetings are also a part of our curriculum in the 5th grade class. Here we give compliments, work on friendship skills and conflict resolution.

To tell you a little about myself . . . I earned my undergraduate degree at Bowling Green State University, Ohio, in Art Therapy. I then went on to obtain an Elementary as well as a Special Education Teaching Credential. I received both credentials at Sonoma State University in California.

A few years ago my husband and I, and three children relocated to North Carolina to be closer to our families. Shortly after settling I was offered a job here at the Mountain Community School. I have been a part of this school since the first day it's doors opened. At the time I didn't realize what a rewarding experience it would be for myself, as well as my own children to be a part of this school.