Mrs. Tietge's Bio

As a child, I spent many summer days playing in the Illinois prairie near my house. I discovered the beauty of northern Wisconsin lakes and woods on our family vacations. That is when I knew the natural world would always have to be a part of my life. I was a research biologist and environmental educator for 10 years before becoming a teacher. In this career I surveyed endangered raptors in Midwest national parks, banded birds in cattail ponds alongside alligators in South Carolina, and was assistant director at a bald eagle refuge along the Mississippi River. Beekeeping fascinated me, and I kept bees in five different states. My husband Joe and I have three adult children who were raised on our hobby farm. In my second career I taught first grade for 4 years, and am in my 12^th year as a sixth grade classroom teacher.

As a lifelong learner, my interests are many! I enjoy all things outdoor, including birding, riding our tandem bike, hiking, canoeing, camping, reading, writing and poetry. It is a privilege to work at our small rural community school. My wish is that each child forms an intimate connection to the natural world, bringing them joy in the same way it does for me!

I’ve enjoyed teaching with Ms. Jackson in sixth grade for twelve years and counting!