Special Areas Teachers

Special Areas Teachers

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Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Alisha Gould

Vocal Music

Email: awillims@hazelwoodschools.org

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Degrees and Certifications:

Mr. John Johnson

Physical Education

Email: jjohnson1@hazelwoodschools.org

 

 

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Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Becky Simpkins

Physical Education

Email: rsimpkin@hazelwoodschools.org

Philosophy of Education

I believe in the well-being of the whole child.  As a physical education specialist, it is my duty to ensure that every child learns and understands the importance of physical, emotional, and mental health.  My goal is for students to leave Brown Elementary School with an appreciation for physical activity, healthy eating, and self-care.  I want them to be able to confidently make positive choices in all of these areas on a daily basis as they get older.  A healthy body and mind is essential to a long, happy life!

 

Personal Statement

I am happy to say that Brown Elementary has been my home for the majority of my teaching career in the Hazelwood School District.  This is my 23rd year of teaching in the district and 17+ years have been right here at Brown!  I am married and have two children, Jack (11th grade) and Sara (8th grade).  I am experiencing all the highs and lows of having one child in high school and another in middle school.  In my spare time, I enjoy working out, reading, cooking, and driving my kids to all of their practices, games, and social events!  I love my job and look forward to coming to work each day!

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Mr. Daniel Ryno

Library

Email: dryno@hazelwoodschools.org

Philosophy of Education

I believe strongly in building personal relationships with my students.  I feel that, when students know that you genuinely care about their well-being, they will work harder, have fun, and grow tremendously (academically and socially).  As an elementary librarian, I believe it is my duty to help instill a love of reading in students, especially in their formative years.

 

Personal Statement

I have been both an educator and resident in Hazelwood for 22 years.  I spent 12 years as a 4th grade teacher, before continuing my journey as a librarian.  Living in the district that I teach, I am personally invested in helping our community thrive.  I combine my love of children and comic books in my spare time as a volunteer super hero.  I have worked with Make-A-Wish, Children’s Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald House, visiting children while dressed as Spider-Man, Captain America, Batman, and others. 

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Ms. Brittany Hoffman

Art

Email: bhoffman@hazelwoodschools.org

Philosophy of Education

I believe that art is an inherent part of every culture under the sun; therefore it’s an integral part of us all. As an art teacher, I am very passionate about acting as an ambassador to the art world, and I seek to introduce my students to as many art forms as I can. My past work as an art therapist further informs my educational philosophy, and I believe that visual art can be a healing and restorative form of self-expression. I often find myself encouraging students to view the process and act of their art-making to be as important as the final art product.

 
Personal Statement

Before teaching at Brown, I taught art in St. Louis city and have also worked as a registered art therapist teaching art processes and techniques as a therapeutic means for children with a wide range of psychological and behavioral issues. I enjoy living in St. Louis and exploring the city, and nearby state parks, with my husband and our little boys, Oscar and Harvey. If I had to choose my favorite artist I would always choose Frida Kahlo.