Hello! I am an English and History teacher, who loves Middle School. I have taught in Kentwood for fifteen years at Crestwood Middle School, and this is my seventh year in the PEAKS program. I also taught in South Africa at an orphanage. I graduated from GVSU in 2007. I completed my Masters of Education through Northern Michigan University in 2015, and I am a certified Reading Specialist in the state of Michigan. I plan on continuing to pursue other advanced degrees; I value and commit to higher education! I am a self-proclaimed nerd and LOVE history and literature! I can't wait to share my passion with you.
In June of 2015 I married Bret Truskowski - we have been together for many years, and we are so thrilled to finally get married. Students usually have a fun time trying to pronounce my new last name, but most just call me T-ski. Bret and I have a dog named Tobin (brown dog pictured); he is a sweet and lazy boy, and he is our big, spoiled mutt. We spend a lot of time camping and hiking with him. He loves all animals - big and small, and hasn't met a person that he doesn't immediately ask to pet him. Our last dog, Zeke (black and white dog pictured) was such an amazing dog, and he went on many adventures with us. We were lucky to have Zeke for 10 years, and we hope we will be as lucky with Tobin. I love being outside, and spend most of my free-time outdoors. I LOVE FISHING!!! I also love camping, hiking, canoeing, golfing, bowling, archery, and target shooting. Additionally, I love adventures! I have had the opportunity to abseil (rappel) down Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, go skydiving over the desert of Namibia, I have also climbed the highest dunes in the world, camped in the desert and with lions, hyenas, rhinos, and jackals while in a game preserve, I have gone whitewater rafting, I have been cliff diving, and hiked up many waterfalls. I love going to the mountains, and Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the more beautiful places I have visited. I have also managed to fulfill one of my life-long dreams to backpack Isle Royale National Park - I would HIGHLY suggest doing this. My goal for this year to create a community of learners. I want my students to question everything, and feel comfortable sharing their opinions and thoughts. I want my students to have opportunities for hands-on and rigorous experiences. I want my students to explore the world around them, and contribute to our larger global community! If you have any other questions for me, please feel free to ask. |
Tobin and I while hiking.
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