Get to know Mrs. Hurst!
Hello!
My name is Debbie Hurst. I am one of the Learning Center teachers as Aspen Elementary. This is my first year in the Hawthorn District. It has been a busy and productive year for our classroom. We have been focused as a team on providing your child with the education he/she needs to become successful in everything he/she does at Aspen. The Learning Center gives support to all the teachers at Aspen. We specifically assistant with English Language Learners. We are trying to build up their english vocabulary, reading comprehension, phonic awareness, and strengthen their writing skills. My new year’s resolution was to get the classroom webpage up and running. I would like it to be useful page for my students and their parents to use on a regular basis.
Personal Information:
I am married to my wonderful husband. His name is John. I live on the chain-o-lakes and have some cats, but no children yet. I grew up in Door County, Wisconsin on a small farm. I have a huge family and love to go home to visit as much as possible. My parents are still happily married after 40 years. I have two brothers (both are married now) and one sister. My husband’s family has just as many people in it.
I went backpacking around the world for 2 years after high school. I was lucky enough to visit/live in 16 different countries, some more than others. After returning to the states, I finally went back to school and got my degree in Language Arts/Social Studies with my middle school endorsements. I also took many classes that pertained to an ELL endorsement because I have always been interested in that subject.
Teaching Background:
I have been working in a school setting since 1999. I spent many years being a teacher’s assistant for the Special Education District of Lake County. At SEDOL I worked at Antioch Community High School, Cotton Creek Elementary School, Woodlawn Middle School, and Viking Middle School. I did my student teaching at Carl Sandburg Middle School in Mundelein. I enjoy working with all children and will definitely have your child’s best interest at heart.
I have completed the SEDOL Paraeducator Training Academy-Which consists of specialty training in the following areas: Collaborative Problem Solving and Teaming, Crisis Intervention Prevention, Computer Technology, and Data Collection. I also have taken part in many workshops involving the following subjects: Mentoring programs, Summer Leadership Academy, Autism/Aspersers, Make-n-Take: Community Helpers, and Don’t Doubt the Dream.
Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your child’s educational experience. I have met many of you already this year and look forward to seeing you through-out the school year!