Laurie Altringer and Chelsea Bergner [6th grade teachers]



6th Grade Teachers Laurie Altringer & Chelsea Bergner Contact Laurie via Email \| Contact Chelsea via Email

Laurie Altringer
Biography

I am a certified teacher with 9 years of teaching experience in Arizona, Washington, and Guatemala. This is the sixth school year I have worked as a 6th grade teacher at Mountain School. I have a Bachelor's degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University and a Master's degree in environmental education from Huxley College at Western Washington University. In my free time, I spend time with my kids, hike, travel, swim, read, and craft. My family and I feel very lucky to live in Flagstaff and to be part of the Mountain School community.

Philosophy

I believe that all children have an inherent love of learning, and that a teacher's primary role is to tap into the passion for learning by setting up a stimulating environment that is structured, challenging, playful, and rewarding to the child's social and intellectual development. Within the structure, students will have choice in projects as often as possible, and lessons will be developed according to individual's current abilities. High, yet attainable expectations lead to children who end the school day feeling accomplished and proud. Creating a sense of community within the classroom is essential for everyone's success. Respect for each other and our environments will be encouraged and will help every individual feel included. We will not only nurture our own 6th grade classroom community, but will interact with the Mountain School and Flagstaff communities at large. Sixth grade is a pivotal year; I aim to graduate students who at the end of the year are self-motivated, organized, and academically ready for the rigor of 7th grade.

Chelsea Bergner
Biography

My name is Miss Chelsea Bergner and I am a recent graduate of Northern Arizona University with a degree in Elementary Education emphasis in English. I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, but have fallen in love with Flagstaff's charm, outdoor activities, and changing seasons. I love to go hiking and exploring, spend time with my family and loved ones, and read as often as possible. I am thrilled to be a part of the Mountain School Community!

Philosophy

I believe a child's education is an active and engaging process- one where a child must take stock in his own acquisition of information. Children should be active producers of their own knowledge, where they learn by doing and manipulating. I believe the teacher's role in the classroom should be one of support and guidance, and a participant in the classroom experience. The teacher should help regulate the classroom environment with structure and efficiency, differentiating instruction to best support student success. The teacher's role is not one of authoritarian but rather a passionate role model who helps the child to construct their own learning. The classroom environment should be one of safety and security where students are aware of all expectations and are encouraged to regulate their own behavior. There are natural consequences, but discipline is adapted to the needs of the students. Students will have a balance of freedom and responsibility, which encourages them to be healthy, highly motivated, and thoughtful individuals.

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