Ms. VanSteelandt

My Indian grandfather's immigration to America inspired me to become a teacher. In my grandfather's village, education was only available to the children of the wealthy. In order to give his his future children a chance to have a great education, he came to America as a young man. He taught me to treasure education since it is a gift that no one can ever take away from you. Thus, I wanted to become a teacher so that I could give this gift to my students. 

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and my Master of Education from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Go blue! I also have the following endorsements: Reading Specialist,  Social Studies, and Science. After graduation, I worked as an English as a Second Language Advocate teacher, and long-term substitute teacher for Kindergarten, First, and Second grade teachers in Ann Arbor Public Schools. As a full-time teacher for Ann Arbor, I've taught Kindergarten, Young Fives, a Young Fives/Kindergarten Split, and Second Grade. 

 

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, Cardio Drumming, yoga, reading, and writing short stories. One of my short stories, "Flight of Hope" was published by the University of Michigan-Dearborn's literary magazine Lyceum.   

 

Teaching Philosophy

I love working at Carpenter Elementary School because we believe that all students are capable of learning and strive to help our students become lifelong learners who have a growth mindset. I believe in holding all students to high expectations and adapt my teaching in order to meet the diverse needs of my students so that they can be successful. I strive to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment in which all students feel safe and confident to take risks in learning. I want students to feel comfortable making mistakes, since it a part of the learning process. 

 

I'm excited to teach your child and can't wait to see what I will learn from my students this year! I look forward to working with you to make Second Grade a successful year for your child. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me: vansteel@aaps.k12.mi.us

 

Sincerely,

Ms. Van