Classroom News and Updates:

Parents & Guardians,

I hope the 2023 school year is finding you well! We are off to a great start and ready to dive into new curriculum and become the best scholars we can be. 

Below is a list of ways you can contact me! My office hours are from 8am to 4:30pm. If I ever don't respond by the end of the day concerning an assignment, don't worry, I will see the message the next day and know you reached out for help without penalizing anyone. 

Email: wheflin@og68.org

ClassDojo: (This will only work if you are connected to your student. This is one of the schools primary ways to connect with parents. Please sign up!)

Google Voice: 1-309-306-1774

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If you have any questions regarding your student feel free to make an appointment with the office, call me at school, message me on ClassDojo or contact me at wheflin@og68.org. 

Follow my experiences as a teacher and see what we are doing in class on Instagram and Twitter. 

Twitter: @mrs_heflin

Instagram: skillfullyteachingspecialed

About the Teacher

       I have been teaching special education for the last 12 years. I started my first full-time teaching position at Elmwood Elementary School. I was a 3rd-6th grade special education resource teacher. When I moved to Oak Grove in 2015 I began teaching 5th-8th grade special education. In 2019, I took on the roles as an assistant coach for our Speech Team and the supervisor for Student Council. I moved to the head coach of Speech Team in 2020 and enjoy working with all of the kids in the school that I can! While I have only taught in the resource setting I am certified to teach K-8 general education, 6-8 English Language Arts and special education students from Birth to Age 21. In 2017, I completed my Masters Degree in Reading. I passed my reading specialist certification in July of 2017.

       As a student I loved my teachers and school, but I was always inclined to help and become friends with struggling students. I struggled in math until 8th grade, but I have always had a passion for reading and art. I was raised by my grandmother and knew in 1st grade that I wanted to be a teacher. Staying after school to help my teachers was a highlight of each school year. I completed my Associates Degree at ICC, my Bachelors at Bradley and my Masters at Benedictine University. 

       I live in Peoria with my husband Jake, our three dogs Dobby, Kreacher and Minerva, and our cat Ginny Weasley. We love traveling around the world, going to concerts and riding our bikes in the summer. I love Harry Potter and spend a lot of time reading and listen to music. Justin Timberlake is my favorite! 

       I truly love what I do for a job and I can't imagine doing anything else. Your student and their education are very important to me. I set professional goals each year. This year my goal is recertify as Google Educator and help our school's Eagle League and PBIS teams so that we can build a positive school atmosphere for our kids. I want what is best for your students at all times. If you ever need me, please feel free to reach out.