My name is Katie Lynn Wiese.  I grew up in Morton, Illinois, which is also known as "the pumpkin capital of the world."  After graduating from high school in 2004, I enrolled in the Honors Program at Illinois State University.  Throughout my college career, I had many opportunities to enhance my knowledge about teaching children.  I completed a service learning project at the kindergarten early dismissal program at Thomas Metcalf Elementary School and then was hired by the after school program.  I was able to plan cooking and craft activities, supervise the playground, and tutor struggling students from kindergarten through eighth grade.  I volunteered as a recess supervisor in a special education preschool classroom, where I learned how to work with children who are severely disabled.  I graduated Magna cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education on May 10, 2008.  I received middle school endorsements in mathematics and language arts. 

Participating in the Pekin Professional Development School has helped me grow in so many ways.  I entered the program as a college student and left as a professional.  The knowledge and experience I have gained is invaluable.  I was placed with two wonderful mentor teachers who modeled classroom management and instruction techniques I would like to include in my own classroom, as well as allowed me many opportunities to take risks and be creative in my own planning and instruction.

When I am not spending time in the classroom, I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, babysitting, being outside, and spending quality time with my family and friends.  I have also been fortunate to travel throughout the United States as well as several European countries.  I believe every day contains opportunities to learn, whether it be reading with my adorable nephews, or learning the history of a foreign country while traveling.  I look forward to the learning experiences that have yet to come!

"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery."  ~Mark Van Doren