🍎✏️ Welcome to Kindergarten! ✏️🍎

    Hello, and welcome! My name is Mrs. Highley, and I am so excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher this year!

I have 7 years of experience in education, including 5 wonderful years teaching at Strafford. Strafford has always been a special place to me because I attended Strafford schools from Kindergarten through senior year before earning my Bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University. I am certified in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education.

Kindergarten is such a magical year, and I truly love helping children discover the joy of learning. My classroom is filled with play-based, hands-on experiences, movement, music, and whole-body learning because I believe children learn best when they are actively engaged. I want every child to feel safe, curious, creative, and excited to come to school each day. There is nothing more rewarding than watching students learn to read, write, grow in confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family on our beef farm. You’ll often find me outdoors riding our ATV, crocheting, sewing, or exploring antique shops and thrift stores. My husband, Ethen, and I have been married for 10 years, and we have two wonderful children. Our youngest, who is almost 2 years old, attends daycare here at the Early Childhood Center, and our oldest is a second grader at Strafford Elementary.

Thank you for sharing your child with me this year. I look forward to partnering with your family and creating a classroom where every child feels valued, challenged, and loved. I can’t wait to get to know each of you and make this a fun, memorable, and successful year together!