Biography

Elementary Visual Arts Teacher

,Personal Message

Teaching art to eager elementary students is a dream come true and I am so lucky to be doing just that at Decatur.

I started teaching in Seattle Public Schools in 2006. I am a Husky and bleed purple!  My son, Liam graduated from UW Bothell in 2014. My daughter Lily graduated from Ballard High School in 2016, so I have been a part of SPS for over 20 years.  My Australian husband loves to build things. We love spending time on the water - liquid and solid, especially in Chelan where we have a second home. I love ART, sports, theater, photography, music and writing.  Being creative feeds my soul and I believe everyone needs a chance to express themselves creatively as much as possible.

I have been a librarian for 10 years now, and love talking books with young people. Originally from the Midwest, I earned my teaching and library degrees at the University of Washington and a master's from Western. I am proud to be part of Seattle Public Schools. Being with children inspires me.

This is my fourth year at James Baldwin. I put in many August hours setting up new library spaces, and look forward to sharing them with our students. I am at James Baldwin on Mondays and Thursdays and alternate Wednesdays. I am delighted to be at a school named after an author I admire.

When I am not at school, I enjoy reading, gardening, being outdoors with my dog, or challenging my husband or daughter in a game of cribbage. I also enjoy getting loud as a drummer in the Riot, the OL Reign's pep band.

Biography

Hello! My name is Ms. Rifkin (she/her) and I am thrilled to be a first and second grade teacher this year! I have a degree from the University of Vermont in Elementary Education and Environmental Studies, and this is my fourth year as a Decatur Gator. I love being outside in any way, from expeditionary sea kayaking to learning about the geology of Washington. I often bring my outdoor education aspects into the classroom...even virtually!

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For more information, head to our class' Seesaw page!

Biography

BA, University of Montana; MFA, Pacific Lutheran University; Post Graduate, University of Washington, Bothell.

Previously I worked at Amazon.com, as well as community newspapers (Carbon County News) and regional publications. In college, I worked for the US Forest Service, which is my second dream job. My first is teaching!

This year I will be teaching 4th grade, specializing in literacy. Previously I taught 1st, 2nd and 4th grade at Decatur, specializing in math.

Personal Message

You are your best thing.

-Toni Morrison (Beloved)