Woodlawn School

Aubrey Pagenstecher
Teacher - Pre-Kindergarten
apagenst@pps.net       

Started Teaching: 2005

Started at Woodlawn: 2005

High School Degree: Wilson High School (PPS)

Bachelor's Degree: OSU, Human Development and Family Sciences

Master's Degree: Portland State University

Why I Teach: I’ve always enjoyed working with kids, and felt compelled to choose a career that would allow me to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Young children can really bring out the best in us! I’m so thankful that the place where I work is a joyful, fun, and safe place to be.

What I Believe: I strongly believe in the importance of educating the whole child, with a particular emphasis on their social and emotional skills. I believe that as teachers, our classrooms should be child-centered and our curriculum should be responsive to the needs of the students and appropriate to their development. In my work with students, I value the process more than the product. I honor the uniqueness of each child and the foundation of my practice is creating and maintaining relationships with students and their families. Our classroom is a place where children learn how to be part of a community, to express themselves, to be challenged and experience success. In Pre-k, we let the interests of the children guide our work: we indulge their curiousities, create experiences that will excite them, engage in conversations together and integrate meaningful learning through our play. My goal is to prepare them not only for later academic success, but for citizenship and life outside of school.

My Favorite Things: When I’m not teaching, I’m often camping or traveling, with my camera in hand. When it’s too yucky to be outside, there’s always a big pile of library books in my house, usually something yummy cooking in the kitchen, and a craft project (or two or four!) waiting to be finished.

P.S.: I grew up in Portland and attended PPS from kindergarten through high school (where I befriended my future husband). I am a member of the Woodlawn PTA and the Facilitator for the staff Arts Committee, so I help organize our Right Brain Initiative Arts residencies each year. I also coordinate the annual food drive and school carnival, and I’m always looking for volunteers!

You can follow Woodlawn PK on Facebook! Search for "Teacher Aubrey's Class" or visit this link: http://www.facebook.com/TeacherAubreysClass#!/groups/435382899833015/