About Me:

My name is Mrs. Soderman, and I am very excited to be teaching third grade this year at Academy of Tucson Elementary. I absolutely love and adore children; I have three of them myself. Last year I taught 5^th grade at Ventana Vista Elementary in the Catalina Foothills School District. Before that, I taught 3^rd grade for 5 years, and 5^th grade for 3 years at Sahuarita Intermediate School.

I am thrilled to be working with your student this year. I also look forward to working with you on your child’s path to success. I truly feel that working together will be the best way to help your child succeed.

My Teaching Philosophy:

I firmly believe that every student is capable of learning. It is the job of the teacher to guide the student to the understanding that knowledge is valuable. When students learn information for themselves it becomes more meaningful to them, and they are more likely to remember the information throughout their lives. Teaching must include meaningful, student-centered activities that equip student with problem solving strategies that they can use in their daily life. Students also learn the best when they are actively engaged in a safe, supportive environment, where they feel comfortable enough to take risks and are able to share their knowledge with their classmates.

I also do not believe that students come into the classrooms as blank slates. Every student comes into the classroom with a wealth of knowledge and beliefs. Each student also has their own special talents and unique abilities. It is my goal to help each student recognize and develop these talents and abilities as they master their learning goals.