Being a teacher for gifted and talented students brings great joy to my life!  I have been teaching at Pine Lane Elementary since 2000, all in Discovery classroom (grades 3 - 6).  I earned my Master's Degree in Special Education:  Gifted and Talented from the University of Northern Colorado in 2007. Being a lifelong learner, I continue my studies and am always on the look out for inspiring classes and conferences!

Outside of school I have several interests.  Martial Arts is a passion of mine.  I currently have a 3rd degree black belt, but am not currently practicing in a Dojang.  I have decided to try a new martial art - Muay Thai inspired kickboxing.  Yoga, Spin, and Zumba classes also bring happiness to my days!  Although I have not found much time for golf lately, I do love the game!  I also love to travel.  My top 'must visit' destinations include the Mediterranean Sea, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Argentina.

Learning new approaches to wellness is intriguing to me.  I love experimenting with new foods and am always on the look out for dairy-free and gluten-free meals to serve my family.  Yep, sensitivities to dairy and wheat!  Because of this, I truly enjoy being the adult lead for PLE's Healthy School Team.

During the summer of 2018, I was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.  My husband and I attended an event in Washington DC!  

Fun fact - I have met Bill Nye the Science Guy.  That is the man in my email pic (see below).  Somebody thought he was my dad!  Uh oh!

Another fun fact - I have been to two Super Bowls.  My baby brother played for the Patriots (and he has 3 Super Bowl Rings)!  He is the one in the middle, number 68 - Tom Ashworth.  But this was quite some time ago.  He is now retired and happily living back in CO!  

Published Articles about Mrs. Kawamura

Parker Chronicle

Chalkbeat

BSCS

CDE's SPARK Newsletter