Teacher Feature- more than classroom specials

Ask any student and likely their favorite class is PE, Art, or Music. It’s not just about the hands on and interactive learning that caters to the creative mind. These classes are taught by specialists in the field of education that emphasize learning and understanding in a different way. These classes, termed as specialists in school, are also taught by some pretty special teachers who work hard to make school fun and engaging for all.

Carrie Badger

Carrie has been teaching 29 years and spent 27 in the Wahkiakum School District. When asked “why” Carrie shared, “Students need someone in their corner to advocate for them especially at this age. Middle school years can be some of the hardest for students as they try to navigate who they are, who they want to be, and what they believe in. If they know they’ve got a teacher who will be their number-one fan they are more likely to push themselves, take risks they normally would not pursue, and attempt to be their best version of themselves at this age.” Mrs. Badger teaches 6-8 grade PE, Health, Leadership, and Yearbook. As the PE teacher Badger states that PE gives students an opportunity to learn how to manage stress, set goals, and create healthy habits that are lifelong skills. She is motivated by opportunities to provide all students with exercise and movement that suits them. “They don’t need to be the best in sports or the fastest in class, they just need to find some activity they are passionate about and willing to give it a try.” Each student has an opportunity to shine in their own way and PE provides an excellent avenue to do just that. Carrie’s hobbies outside of school are reading, baking, kayaking, hiking, and anything outdoors! What she looks forward to this year is a positive school climate where students enjoy coming to school.

Paul Johns

Mr. Paul Johns is a dynamic leader in specialist classes in the elementary school. Johns teaches elementary PE and art to Kindergarten through 5th grade. After 32 years of teaching he continues to enjoy teaching kids. “The more the body moves, the more your mind grows.” Students are always busy creating masterpieces reflecting art history, social emotional learning, and beginning art concepts. Paul’s hobbies outside of school are playing guitar, reading, working out, and cooking. He is looking forward to the positive vibe in the school growing this year and sees a promising future for the students. “Seeing people maximize their gifts and potential” is why he loves teaching.

Elsa Clark

Elsa has been teaching nine years and served as a paraprofessional for more than three years prior. She became an educator to align her schedule with her kids’ and teaching was a natural step for her. This year she is teaching Visual Art, Digital Art and Photography, Honors Geometry, K-1 Music, Advisory, and serves as the district homeschool liaison. She feels that PE is an important component of a well-rounded education; teaching young people how to take care of their body as well as their mind. Elsa is motivated by the relationships she builds with students and loves the “ah ha” moments. Outside of school Elsa enjoys hiking, swimming, rock hounding, creating art, and many other things. “I’m excited to be teaching so much art this year, including music!”