Jennifer Gortney

I grew up in Winston Salem, North Carolina, and spent most of my summers in Western North Carolina. My grandmother lived in Asheville and my family had a house on Lake Lure. After attending Converse College, I made my way back to the mountains to begin my teaching career.

The Fairview community and Fairview Elementary have been my home since 1993, and all four of my children attended Reynolds District Schools. Looking back, we can see their schooling experiences as great stepping stones that gave them the foundational skills to get where they are today. My husband and I have been very active in the community and enjoy serving others through Angels of Fairview and Fairview Athletics, to name a few.

My classroom experience ranges from Kindergarten to second grade. Many years of experience concentrated in the early elementary grades informs my teaching philosophy; I believe in educating the whole child, addressing social, emotional, and academic needs. This important work happens when teachers and other caring adults come alongside children to meet them where they are. This quote said it best: "Walk slowly little one, let me walk beside you as you see the wonders you will see, I will try to see them through your eyes." We need to remember that these little people will take care of us one day!

Second graders at Fairview Elementary will access academics through many different modes: paper and pencil, experiences with hands-on manipulatives, group discussions, rich literature, iPads, and the online platform Seesaw.