About Mrs. Elkins
Getting to Know Mrs. Elkins
Professionally
I graduated from the University of Oklahoma and my first teaching assignment wasfirst grade at my first grade school. I got my Master’s degree from the State University of West Georgia in Education.
I have taught in Oklahoma, California, Georgia, United Arab Emirates and now South Carolina. I have taught all subjects in grades 1-8 for 36 years, both academic areas and related arts classes.. I was one of the Atlanta Braves Teacher of the Year finalists in Georgia. I was able to go on field and meet some of the players.
From 2010 to 2012 I taught in the United Arab Emirates. You may know Abu Dhabi from tv and Dubai from the Mission Impossible film where Tom Cruise jumped off the Burj Kalifa, the tallest building in the world. I taught second grade girls the first year and second grade boys the second year. It was an experience I will never forget and try to share with students often.
I joined the Mauldin Middle School staff Sept., 2012. I have taught 7th and 8th grade Social Studies, 7th and 8th grade ELA, 6th Social Studies, and related arts classes. I currently am teaching 3 related arts classes and 2 eighth grade social studies classes. I thoroughly enjoy working with the students in these classes.
Personally
I was born and raised in Oklahoma and met my husband, Phil, in 7th grade band. I played flute and he played trumpet. He is a member of the Greenville Symphony and personnel director /Events Coordinator there.
I have three children. My oldest is Kimberly who is also a teacher in Oklahoma. Her husband, Aven, was in the Army but is now working in computer management. They have three girls, Alexandria, Emma, and McKenzie.
My second daughter, Kristen, lives in Oklahoma as well, with her husband, Travis. They have six children, Shane, Kaylie, Hannah, and Ashlyn, Genevieve and Lilyanna. The last two are twins.
Kyle is my last one and only boy. He attended Cal State University at Long Beach, majoring in vocal music, hoping to teach high school vocal music.
I love reading, ghirardelli chocolates with caramel and spending time with grandchildren. I tell my classes that if I had a dream retirement, it would be in a library where I had access to books 24-7. They just roll their eyes.
I decided in 5th grade I wanted to be a teacher and have not regretted one day of it. I love working with students trying to widen they knowledge and experiences. It has been a wonderful career I love dearly.