Mrs. Bigelow

My name is Kristi Bigelow and I have been teaching for many years. I have taught 7th and 8th grades with the Paradise Valley Unified School District in Phoenix, Arizona for most of my teaching career. I have taught in the math classroom and in the elective classroom. I have enjoyed each area and learned from these experiences. I have always loved to learn new ideas and skills. I have enjoyed and looked for the moment when I understood the new concept being taught. I want to give those moments to others.

From a very young age, I wanted to be a teacher, following in my father's footsteps who was a teacher for over 25 years. I enjoy helping kids learn and grow. I have learned many things from my students. I enjoy seeing their progress throughout the time that I have them in my class. I want to help students enjoy learning. I like to be around students and see the enjoyment they have for life. I like to work with other people, both students and colleagues. I look forward to the times that I learn from each of them. I enjoy the positive experiences that I have with my students. I hope that each of my students learn not only class material, but life material that can help them as they go into high school and into higher education. It is a joy to help them understand that they can learn, no matter their background or current personal experiences. As an educator, helping to mold and shape student's futures is the most important role that I can play as each of their futures are unlimited. 

My overall goal is to teach students to prepare themselves for the future. It amazes me every time a student leaves my room with all the confidence they have in themselves in what was taught. As they prepare to leave my classroom, my goal is that they possess the knowledge and confidence to believe in themselves. 

My classroom philosophy is based on the concept of teamwork and shared responsibility. We all can assist each other to reach our learning potential. The best way to achieve this is through a hands-on classroom. As students explore and learn from others it helps them to understand their own strengths and abilities. This fosters an atmosphere of caring and wanting others to be successful. I am willing to take risks as I teach with the hopes that I can find ways that help my students love to learn.

I love being an educator in the classroom and have no further plans but to stay in the classroom and enjoy my time with the students.

I am also a mother of four boys. So, I understand the challenges that come from being a parent and working a full time job. I am here to help your student be successful. Please reach out to me with anything I can do to help you or your child.