Mrs.+VanderVeen

All About Me  **My name is Mrs. VanderVeen, and I am so excited to be sharing a classroom with a wonderful group of third graders. I have a passion for teaching and making this the best year ever for my students!**

 **I have more than 18 years of teaching experience. While this is my second year at Sibley-Ocheyedan Elementary, I am not a stranger to the school district. I have taught seven years in the middle school working with special education students. Sibley-Ocheyedan is a great place where I truly enjoy being around such enthusiastic students, staff, and parents.**

 **I grew up in Newark, New York, but now I live in Sibley with my husband Fred. We have two grown children. After graduating from high school, I attended Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. If you have some time, I will tell you the long story about how I arrived in Northwest Iowa! After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in May of 1981 in vocal/instrumental music and elementary education, I began my teaching career. I taught in many smaller schools in the area. I completed my Master's Degree in special education from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa in May of 2003.**

 **I am a huge New York Yankees fan, and my husband has finally convinced me that golf is a great sport! I also love listening to and singing all kinds of music. I believe music is important in the classroom, and I try to incorporate it into my students' learning.**

 **In my classroom, I promote an atmosphere of safety, trust, and respect. I work hard to build a sense of community among my students, and I emphasize the idea of teamwork. I value cooperation and collaboration both in my classroom and as I work with my peers. I believe that great things can happen when we work together! Sibley-Ocheyedan Elementary is a place where I really feel like part of a strong community and part of a winning team.**