About the Teacher

My Contact Information

Job Title:  Kindergarten Teacher 

Email: Susan.Ballew@dysart.org

Phone number:  623-523-8750

Office Hours:  Please email me to set up a time you would like to conference with me.  This will ensure we have ample time to discuss any concerns you may have. 

About Me

My name is Susan Ballew.  I have over twenty years of teaching experience.  I have taught sixth grade Language Arts, Fourth grade, First Grade, Preschool and Kindergarten.  I have also been a school librarian.

I have a twin sister, who teaches Fourth grade Language Arts, in the Dysart district.  I am married and have a daughter who is a senior at  NAU.  I am an "Army Brat" and have lived overseas for a number of years in Germany.  My first language was German. My parents immigrated from Germany to the United States in the 1960s.  I am the first person in my family to graduate from college.  

My hobbies are reading, scrapbooking, mountain biking, hiking,  kayaking, working out at the gym, and crocheting.   I previously participated in Tae Kwon Do and earned two black belts. I am also learning how to play the guitar. 

My favorite singer is Elvis Presley.  My favorite store is Amazon (I mainly buy books) and Kohl's Department store.  My favorite food is dark chocolate and M&Ms.  Also, I really like Olive Garden and Culver's.

My passion is teaching young children to read.  It brings me great joy when students learn to read and get excited about learning this vital skill.  I will work with your child one-on-one, in small groups, and as a whole group, teaching the steps necessary to decode words and gain meaning from the written word.  The most important thing you can do at home to help your child read, is to read!  Please spend at least fifteen minutes every night reading to your child.  When you have finished a story, ask your child questions such as:  Who was the main character?  What was the setting of the story?  What was your favorite part?  Did that happen at the beginning, middle, or end of the story?  Asking these questions, and other questions you may ask, will help build vital comprehension skills.  As your child starts learning to read, ask them to sound out three letter words with short vowel sounds, if they are ready for this next step.

I am so excited to be here at Western Peaks!  Every year, the children in my class are the best!  They work very hard and are a joy to be around.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email me or call the school and we can meet at a time that is convenient for you.

Thank you,

Mrs. Ballew