Teacher Feature

The foundational work of primary grades can never go unnoticed. It is the core structure and instruction that takes place in the beginning years of a child's education that lays the groundwork for student success. Wahkiakum School District has a trifecta of excellent teachers building that foundation for our students as they enter their educational career at JA Wendt Elementary. Meet the Kindergarten-1st grade team in this week's teacher feature.

Karrin Stephens

Karrin Stephens joined the JA Wendt team three years ago as the Kindergarten teacher and has been teaching nine years. Karrin has a passion for teaching and instilling a love of learning in her students.

"I think my job as a kindergarten teacher is to help foster a love for learning. I want our classroom to be a place where every student feels safe and loved," shared Mrs. Stephens. "I want to create an environment where it is okay to make mistakes, to laugh, to have fun, and to learn." Mrs. Stephens loves creating a spark to ignite a students interest in reading and is excited by students being filled with joy when they sound out their first sets of words.

Outside of school Karrin is a remarkable baker and turns her culinary skills into an artform, providing lovely decorated cookies that are as delicious as they are beautiful. She was a professional baker before her own children started school, but knew her calling was the classroom.

When asked about what excites her this school year Mrs. Stephens shares that her classroom is full of eager learners and she looks forward to seeing how far they go.

Marissa Olsen

Marissa Olsen is in her seventh year of teaching and joined the staff at JA Wendt two years ago. Currently she teaches a kindergarten-first grade split class. She loves the creativity a classroom provides. "There is nothing better than seeing a kid's face light up when something finally clicks for them!"

Marissa remembers the feeling she had when she was struggling in school. She remembers thinking that becoming a teacher would give her an opportunity to help kids that were like her. "I feel like I can relate to those kids because I went through the same thing as them." Providing opportunities for kids to feel confident in themselves so that they don't give up when something is difficult is her "Why" as a teacher. Marissa hopes that each of her students feel that the classroom and her presence creates a safe and welcoming environment. She wants them to feel proud of themselves, regardless of what they accomplish.

Outside of school Olsen makes quality time with her family a top priority. She loves spending time walking with friends or going out to dinner. She recently had her first baby and loves spending time with him.

Mrs. Olsen shared that she looks forward to seeing the growth of her students this year, exclaiming, "that is the best part of my job!"

Kami Gray

Kami Gray is in her second year of teaching at JA Wendt after teaching for two years in the Clatskanie, Oregon school district. She spent time substituting at Wahkiakum while completing her teaching degree at Lower Columbia College and is a graduate of LCC's first Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education program.

In Clatskanie she taught kindergarten, then she joined JA Wendt as a 2nd grade teacher, moving into 1st grade this year. She has a heart of solid gold for education and had always planned to become a teacher. "I found joy in helping children find their passions," shared Ms. Gray. "I find joy in helping children find their passions. Being able to be a supporter in their lives even after they leave my classroom is the best feeling."

Gray's influence carries on in her students beyond the classroom, as she also coaches high school softball and is a middle school volleyball coach. When not teaching or coaching, Kami enjoys spending time in nature.

This is the first year for Gray to teach first grade, however she steps into the classroom with seasoned skills. "It's my first year teaching first grade so I am enjoying navigating the difference that this age brings and seeing the growth students are making." She enjoys building relationships with a new group of students and believes those relationships are the best part of every year.