Hello! My name is Carolynn Williams and this is my 13th year teaching in Douglas County. I’m excited to be teaching , iLab and Leadership for the third year here at MRMS. I’ve taught 4th, 5th and 6th grade, for three years each, at Sage Canyon. Four years ago, I took an opportunity to become the Professional Learning Specialist at Larkspur Elementary. Before that, I was at Castle Rock Elementary teaching 5th grade. I have a Bachelor's degree in Human Services and a Masters degree in Elementary Education. Before teaching, I worked as a crisis counselor for women and youth in the inner cities of San Diego and Denver. I’ve also worked as a preschool and kindergarten teacher during high school and throughout college. It’s been my dream and passion to work with children ever since I was a little girl. I truly have the best job in the world!

My husband and I have a fifteen year old son, Zachariah, who will be starting his sophomore year at Castle View, a fifteen year old daughter, Cameron, who will be starting her junior year and an eleven year old son, Blake, who will begin sixth grade. Our family is artistic, creative and athletic. We love going to concerts and attending all types of festivals during the year. We enjoy playing outside in our neighborhood, snowboarding, being at the river and traveling to new places. We have two beloved dogs Rusty and Brecken. I come from a big family of four girls, one brother, countless aunts, uncles and cousins and a loving mother, stepfather and father. You can usually find us piled around our dinner table or hanging out by the pool. I grew up in Castle Rock and attended Douglas County schools throughout childhood. It was always my dream to come back to Castle Rock and raise my own family...and here we are!

I believe that learning occurs in a safe environment, with respectful exchange of ideas and thinking, in collaborative groups and in a positive atmosphere that encourages risk-taking. Learning also occurs with a caring heart, open arms and relationships that foster growth within each child. I believe that the learning process takes place when these elements are evident within the classroom.

My classroom is fully immersed in Design Thinking. I believe that learning by individual design is best practice for all children to succeed in learning. I also believe that Design Thinking drives students natural curiosity for the world around them creating an innovative mindset and solving real world problems.

In my classroom, I’m committed to “keeping it real” so that learning is relevant and important to each child. I believe that each child has the potential to become experts in any area that they desire. I have expert mathematicians, scientists, readers, writers, artists, musicians, and even expert bug collectors! I want to foster those interests while teaching 21st century skills and focusing on the state standards. I know that this will be a year filled with exploration, discovery and learning. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s Leadership experience.