Meet the Fourth Grade Team

Ms. Basner

Hello!

    My name is Brooke Basner, and I am beyond fortunate to be a part of the wildcat family as a fourth grade teacher!

    I most recently finished my tenth year of teaching. Before Wilder, I was a third grade teacher for three years at Flagstone Elementary in Castle Rock, Colorado. I received my Master of Arts in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade Education at the University of Northern Colorado, and I graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, with a focus on early childhood. Go Rams! There, I established my love for children and teaching. I have had experience with early childhood, second grade, third grade, and fourth grade.

    Throughout my life, I have never imagined myself within a profession that doesn't involve education. My favorite aspect of teaching is watching students develop and express themselves individually. I strive to demonstrate the qualities necessary to motivate, build meaningful relationships with my students, and create a classroom atmosphere that provides security, management, routines, and trust for my students, as well as an acceptance of all individuals.

    My role in preparing students for their future is to establish a positive learning environment. Hands-on, collaborative learning allows students the opportunity to illustrate individual thinking that can be connected to peer thinking. I live for my students' motivation and enthusiasm toward learning. I believe that, once students trust that they are in a safe, nurturing, and trustworthy classroom, they will discover the importance of their knowledge and education toward establishing a successful future. Also, in order to prepare students for their future, I will find new approaches to meet individual needs. Students who enjoy their application of knowledge will find ways to expand it within various contexts.

    I am very excited to be a part of Littleton Public Schools, as I am an alumni of Wilder Elementary, Goddard Middle School, and Heritage High School.

    I am a Colorado girl, born and raised in Littleton. In my free time, I enjoy the outdoors, activities on the water, the beach, traveling, dancing, and cheering on the Avalanche, Broncos, Packers, and the Yankees. I also have an obsession with my niece, Charlie, and sharks! I most recently was proposed to by my fiancé, Sean, and I said, "YES!" He is the absolute best!

    I look forward to a wonderful year!

Love,

Ms. Basner

Mrs. Lawrence

Hi! 

My name is Sarah Lawrence, and I am thrilled to be on the fourth grade team!  This is my sixteenth year in education and my ninth year at Wilder. Before moving to Littleton, I taught in a small rural town in eastern Colorado.  

In my classroom, we work on making growth and learning from our mistakes. We aren’t perfect, and it may take us several times before we understand a concept. My classroom is a safe learning environment where we grow and learn from one another.  

When I’m not at school, I spend time with my husband, Drew, and our sons: Henry (5), Lincoln (3), and Theo (2).  They are busy boys that keep us on our toes. We love sports and are huge University of Colorado football fans. 

Mrs. Swanson

My name is Ashley Swanson. I am thrilled to be a part of the Wilder community to teach fourth grade!  I am a Colorado native and grew up across the street from Wilder. I received my BS from Creighton University and then my Masters in Reading Instruction. This is my nineteenth year of teaching. 

In my classroom, I want all students to feel safe, loved and supported so that each student can reach his/her full potential. 

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Enrique, my son Drew (6), my daughter Ellie (4), and my dog Marvin (10). We love to enjoy the mountains and the outdoors. I also love running, listening to music, and, of course, I am an avid Creighton Bluejay Basketball fan. :) I look forward to beginning our school year together!

   Mrs. Wells

My name is Melissa Wells, and I will be teaching your child in all academic areas throughout the year.  This is my seventeenth year at Wilder.  I’m very excited to be at Wilder continuing my career in such a positive and productive educational environment.   

I absolutely love teaching and being around kids. I love the community that is built in a classroom and establishing a relationship with each of my kiddos. I want kids to feel confident and successful in the classroom through hard work and dedication. 

This summer, I was busy being a mom to our two kids, Owen (12) and Weston (9). Owen will be a seventh grader this year at Goddard, and Weston will be in fourth grade with Ms. Basner. They keep me very busy with trips to the pool, all the sports, and camping in the mountains with family and friends.