Todd Furse

I taught 5th Grade in two different elementary schools for about 15 years. Of course this included all the usual subjects, but I enjoyed U. S. History the most, I think. I have taught on the Intermediate level for the past ten or so years; 6th Grade Math and 7th Grade Art.

I love to make things as interesting as possible for the students, whether this includes making dances and chants to help them remember mathematical procedures or letting them express their own way of explaining an artistic principle through visual representation.

I've won "Teacher of the Year" in different schools I've taught at a couple of times. I don't remember when and I don't care much...it was just fun to have the district folks show up and how that makes you feel embarrassed and appreciated. I've been awarded the Second Miler Award in the BSA for my work during stints of leadership in the Scouting program. I've also won several awards in local shows for artwork that I've displayed.

Hurricane H. S. (the one in Utah, not West Virginia); HS Diploma AS Dixie State College, General Ed. BS Southern Utah University; Secondary Art and Reading (later earning an Elementary Teaching Certificate there) MEd Utah State University; Elementary Education About 60 additional credits for lane-changes and an ELL endorsement

As an art major turned elementary teacher and finally intermediate level math teacher I have always found it natural to use illustrating and other kinds of visual stimuli to help kids understand and remember concepts. I find that including visual explanations to linear concepts lowers many students' affective filter because they can "see" it's construction. Getting a Smart Board in my math classroom a few years ago added movement, ease and versatility...a dream come true.