Every Adventure Needs a Guide
Before we begin exploring together, I'd love to tell you a little about myself. Teaching has been one of the greatest adventures of my life, and I'm excited to spend this school year learning, growing, and discovering alongside your child. My hope is that every student feels challenged, encouraged, and valued every single day.
My teaching adventure began in 2004 as an intern at Lenoir City Elementary School in my hometown of Lenoir City, Tennessee. I planned to stay close to home, but a mentor I deeply respected, Mr. Wayne Miller, encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and begin an adventure of my own.
That adventure led me to Chattanooga, where I taught first grade at Battle Academy for eight years. While expecting my oldest daughter, Gibson, I was ready to be closer to home in East Brainerd. When Mr. Hughes offered me a third-grade position at Apison Elementary, I accepted—even though I never imagined teaching above second grade. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Teaching third grade at Apison has truly been life-changing. I love this school, our community, and the opportunity to celebrate our students' successes every year. One of my greatest joys is building relationships with families so I can support children not only academically, but personally as they grow into confident, capable young people.
I want every child who walks into my classroom to know they belong. Being yourself—your authentic, curious, creative, sometimes wonderfully weird self—is something to celebrate, not hide. Every student brings unique strengths, challenges, and perspectives that make our classroom a better place.
As a neurodivergent teacher raising two neurodivergent children, I've learned that many life skills we often assume children "just know" actually need to be taught intentionally. In our classroom, we practice everything from organizing materials and solving problems to navigating friendships, resolving conflicts, and showing kindness to others. These lessons are just as important as reading, writing, math, and science.
Above all, I believe in the power of a growth mindset. When we can't do something, it doesn't mean we never will—it simply means we can't do it yet. With hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude, every child can grow, accomplish amazing things, and enjoy the adventure along the way.
My goal isn't just to teach third grade. It's to help every child discover that they are capable of more than they ever imagined—and to make the journey there an adventure worth remembering.
Mrs. Painter's Adventure Pack
I love kayaking on the beautiful waterways all around our area.
We are freshwater fish people and have over 25 fish tanks and ponds at home. We breed several types of tropical freshwater fish and goldfish.
I enjoy musicals and theater. We have season tickets to the Broadway musicals at the Tivoli. It's hard to pick a favorite, but a few of them are Hamilton, Chicago, Mamma Mia, and Moulin Rouge.
I like to create digital art on my iPad using Procreate.
Favorite Color: PURPLE!
I love Harry Potter! The books are infinitely better than the movies and I'm excited to watch the new HBO series.
The Wild Robot is my favorite book to read aloud to my students each year. Again, the book is far superior to the movie.
I am cheer coach and the cheer director for East Hamilton Youth Association.
The Tennessee Volunteers are MY TEAM. I attended my first UT game while in utero. I am proud to hold a bachelors and a masters degree from The University of Tennessee.
I am a UTC Master Mentor and work to train student and mentor teachers for their work together in the classroom.
I am a member of the Alpha Psi chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma teacher honor society.
I'm always looking for my next big adventure!
"Being yourself—your authentic, fun-loving, sometimes a little weird self—is something to be celebrated and cultivated."
