Danner Learning

As a seasoned preschool and elementary school teacher with certifications in instructional design, I design standards-aligned lesson plans that bring learning to life through engaging, real-world explorations. Each unit revolves around a theme that drives student inquiry and exploration, incorporating service-learning opportunities, collaboration with experts both in and out of the classroom, and data collection to support authentic learning experiences. My resources emphasize creating high-quality work that students present at the end of the unit, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. These immersive learning journeys are designed to cultivate curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and empower students to make meaningful connections between classroom learning and the world around them.

I am passionate about teaching through learning explorations, a method that engages students in meaningful, real-world experiences. Learning explorations offer students the opportunity to dive deeply into a topic, building academic skills, critical thinking, and character along the way. Through these immersive projects, students collaborate, conduct research, analyze data, and work alongside experts from various fields both inside and outside the classroom. Each exploration is guided by a focus question that drives their curiosity, encouraging students to connect learning to real-world applications. In addition to mastering core academic skills, my lessons foster a growth mindset by emphasizing perseverance, collaboration, and responsibility. Service learning is a core component, allowing students to make a positive impact on their community while reinforcing what they’ve learned. As students create high-quality projects and presentations to showcase their findings, they gain confidence and pride in their work, developing a sense of ownership and achievement. My teaching style is about more than simply passing on knowledge; it’s about igniting curiosity, fostering lifelong learning, and helping students become thoughtful, active citizens.

One of my proudest teaching moments came from two learning expeditions I designed with my 2nd graders, each inspiring students to make a meaningful impact while building academic and creative skills. In our Bees and Sustainability expedition, students learned about the importance of bees in our ecosystem, spoke with local experts, and conducted their own research. They channeled their new knowledge into writing a "Guide to Helping Bees," which we transformed into large, informative posters displayed around the school. We even printed handouts that students distributed to local businesses to raise community awareness. The second expedition, focused on the Rock Cycle, culminated in a unique student-created opera about rocks! Students learned the science of rocks, crafted pet and mosaic rocks in art class, and then sold them to fund a project for our school. With the proceeds, we bought steppingstones for our muddy playground, leaving a lasting impact on our school community. Watching my students’ excitement as they combined science, art, and music to create real change was truly a shining moment in my teaching career.

My journey into education began with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, where I gained a deep understanding of child growth, learning, and behavior. I went on to earn a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, which prepared me to create engaging, standards-based learning experiences for young learners. Additionally, I hold certifications in instructional design, which have equipped me with advanced strategies for developing effective, impactful lesson plans. I’ve dedicated five years to teaching preschool and another five to elementary grades, bringing both experience and a commitment to lifelong learning into my teaching and resource design.

Outside of teaching, I find joy in many creative and outdoor pursuits. I love making art—whether it’s drawing, painting, crafting, or designing—and find inspiration in the beauty of nature and science. I enjoy spending time hiking, camping, and exploring parks. Music is another passion of mine, and I love playing both the piano and drums. I’m also dedicated to cooking healthy, delicious meals and am an animal lover, especially when it comes to dogs. Family time is a priority in my life, bringing balance and joy to everything I do. These personal interests fuel my creativity and inspire the engaging learning experiences I design for students.