All About Me

Hello. My name is Mrs. Jill Bellinger. I have been married for a little over 30 years and am a mother of three children. My son, Joseph, graduated from ITT Technical Institute in September 2014 with his Bachelor's Degree. He is now working in Greenville. My daughter, Emily, graduated in December 2018 from Winthrop University with a major in Biology. She is currently in graduate school at MUSC to become a Physical Therapist. My youngest daughter, Sarah, is 15 years old and is in Ninth Grade at Woodmont High. We have been residents of Simpsonville for over 20 years. My husband’s job transferred him from Michigan to South Carolina in 1999.

I taught fourth grade for two years in Michigan and did long-term subbing at Buena Vista Elementary in Greer in the Challenge program. During the time of my long term subbing, I pursued in getting my certification for South Carolina. In May of 2004, I received my Master's Degree in Education with a focus on Reading and Literacy.

This is the beginning of my 20th year teaching here in South Carolina. This will be my 22nd year of teaching overall. I taught First grade for 6 years, Third Grade for 4 years, and Fourth Grade for 7 years. I am beginning my 5th year teaching 2nd grade. I believe that my experience in the grade before 2nd and the two grades after will benefit your child in learning what will be expected of them as they go from one grade to the next.

I have always wanted to teach for as long as I can remember. I wanted to help children in their educational growth and make our world a better place for them. When I was in Eighth grade, I had a teacher that took me under his wing and had a special impact on me and helped build my self-esteem. I think it was then I started to think about what it would be like to be someone as special as that and have children look to me for guidance and encouragement. I am grateful for this teacher because he has shown me that I can be that someone. He will be greatly missed.

I struggled a great deal in school, especially in reading, when I was younger. Because of that struggle, I believe that I am able to understand my students better. I believe life experiences helped me grow into the person I am today. I believe as a child experiencing things throughout their education and their lives, that they can become a better and more understanding person. As an adult, I appreciate reading a whole lot more.

I will continue to do my best in providing a good education for your children as well. I want to assure you that I am willing to listen to your children and help them grow into sensitive and caring people. I am grateful to have this opportunity to teach your children and to become a part of your child’s educational growth.

Thank you,

Mrs. Jill Bellinger

INTERESTS:

As a child, I went fishing (even baited my own hook), canoeing, hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, and traveled around the US with my family. As an adult, I still love to do those things, but I also enjoy spending time with my children, reading a good book, watching movies, and playing with my two dogs, Sam and Sophie. I am also an Independent Consultant for Arbonne.

CREDENTIALS:

COLLEGES ATTENDED:

Maccomb Community College: Warren, Michigan (1987-1989)

Eastern Michigan University: Ypsilanti, Michigan (1990-1997)

Walden University: Minneapolis, Minnesota

(2002-2004)

DEGREES EARNED:

Associates Degree in Liberal Arts (2 year degree)

Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education (Major: literature, language, communication, theatre arts.

Minor: Elementary Science)

Master's Degree in Education with a focus on Reading and Literacy.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS:

Professional Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education in the state of South Carolina (expires 6/24).

Technology Proficiency (expires 2024)

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS:

Who's Who Among American Teachers & Educators -- 2007-2008

EXPERIENCE:

Fourth grade in an inner city Lutheran school in Detroit, Michigan (2 years)

Long-term subbed for Challenge classes at Buena Vista Elementary in Greer (4 months)

First grade at Ellen Woodside (6 years)

Third grade at Ellen Woodside (4 years)

Fourth Grade at Ellen Woodside (5 years)

Second Grade at Ellen Woodside (5th year)

CONTACT:

Please feel free to write me a note, email me (address below) or call me (number below) if you have any concerns.

Email Address: jbelling@greenville.k12.sc.us

You may reach me at school between 1:20- 2:00 (Mon-Thurs); 9:00-10:30 (Fri) or after 2:45-4:00.

The phone number is:

864-355-4936 (voice mail).