Hi, I'm Kelly!
I’m so glad you’re here!
I bet we have a lot in common, especially a love of teaching upper elementary kiddos! If that’s the case, then you have come to the right place! We both understand the joys of teaching as well as the stress.
I mean lesson plans, standards, differentiation, digital lessons, grading, observations, classroom management…the list is never-ending. Sometimes we simply need a little help.
I understand how difficult it is to do it all!
- Stressed with trying to juggle family and teaching?
- Overwhelmed with completing that teacher to-do list?
- Worried about meeting the needs of all of your students?
- Always searching for creative classroom ideas and resources?
Well, this does not have to be you anymore.
That is where I come in!
I’m Kelly, and I’m the author behind Teaching Fourth. With 25+ years of classroom experience specializing in reading and language arts, I have ideas, resources, and inspiration that Ilove sharing! I have taken those classroom experiences and created blog posts and resources just for you! Take a look around and you’ll find creative ideas and engaging resources for reading, grammar, writing, classroom management, classroom decor, and more!
My Experience
I never imagined myself as anything other than a teacher. I always knew that I wanted to teach, and I have been so blessed to have taught 4th, 5th, and even 6th grades for 25+ years. I absolutely love teaching and working with students, student engagement, a great read-aloud, and classroom decor! Teaching is what I love and a teacher is a huge part of who I am and will always be.
From Passionate Teacher to Passionate Resource Creator
It was through all of these experiences that I found a second passion: creating resources for teachers. In 2012 I created my first resource and posted on Teachers Pay Teachers, and I was hooked! Over the years I designed more resources and began Teaching Fourth to share my experiences and teaching ideas. I found a love for helping other teachers.
I discovered that teachers were searching for quality, easy-to-use resources, and I loved that my resources were touching teachers’ lives and making their lives just a little bit easier.
In 2020, I was able to retire from my first love and pursue my second passion full time. I now spend my days focusing on creating quality resources that teachers and students will love!
Supporting classroom teachers makes my heart happy, and I always get so excited hearing from classroom teachers that have used my resources.
My Philosophies:
- I believe as reading teachers our most important task and greatest joy is helping students develop a love of reading.
- I believe that teaching resources should be visually interesting.
- I believe teaching resources should be meaningful and engaging for students.
- I believe quality lessons should not take countless hours for teachers to prepare.
- I believe teachers should not have to sacrifice family time in order to complete their daily tasks.
- I believe learning is best when it is fun!
- When all else fails, grab a great read-aloud!
Now, be sure to join my email list to get exclusive tips, ideas, updates on blog posts, and freebies and be sure to peruse my blog and my store!
Kelly’s credentials include 25+ years of classroom experience. She has earned her Master’s in Elementary Education, her National Board Certification, as well as taken countless hours of professional development coursework and workshops. Kelly has had the privilege of mentoring several student teachers in her classroom over the years, working with each one as they earned their teaching degrees and began their own teaching careers. Kelly’s husband is also an educator. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their two grown daughters and one fur baby on their small farm.