Cheyene Fitzgerald is Elwood's new Kindergarten teacher!
Before she came to Elwood Fitzgerald taught Kindergarten at Cozad for 2 years. She graduated from Bertrand Community School and then attended UNK with a major in Early Childhood Inclusive and a minor in Family Advocacy.
Fitzgerald said building relationships is her favorite part of teaching.
“Building relationships with all of my students and watching them grow into their own unique personalities and their best versions of themselves!” That’s what Fitzgerald said she likes the best about teaching.
According to Fitzgerald, scheduling activities in the classroom is challenging.
“My biggest challenge as a teacher is trying to fit all the fun activities I have planned in a day or even for the week in our schedules. We are always learning and exploring in Kindergarten and oftentimes we have a lot to talk about too,” said Fitzgerald.
Outside of the classroom, Fitzgerald loves being around family and friends, being outside, and holidays.
“I love being around my family and close friends, and being outside! I love working in the garden and decorating our home for the holidays. Christmas is my favorite,” said Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald would advise Elwood students to not give up.
“Never give up and always push yourself to be the best version of who you want to be, not what others expect you to be or think you should be,” Fitzgerald said.
She recommended that other teachers remember that each day is a new day.
“There will be A LOT of aha moments that will make you smile and stop you in your tracks.” She went on to offer encouraging words to other teachers: “You are a great teacher; your students are listening, they are paying attention, and even on the days that do not go as planned, they are still doing their best. Each day is a new day, and a chance to start fresh - it's honestly the best and the reason why we do what we do,” said Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald said she’s excited to be working in Elwood.
“I am happy to be back in the community I grew up around, and I am just excited for the years to come!” exclaimed Fitzgerald.