Carleigh Kerr

Kindergarten Teacher

At McGillis since 2022

 

Education:

B.S. Elementary Education emphasis in Literacy from Utah State University

 

Bio:

Carleigh was raised in Salt Lake City and went to college at Utah State University. This is her fifth-year teaching and her second year at McGillis. She has wanted to be an early childhood teacher since she was in elementary school. Carleigh loves hiking, playing tennis and pickleball, reading, and traveling. She lives with her 5-month-old baby, husband, and dog and they love to adventure throughout Utah together. Her favorite place to be is at the beach.

 

Favorite McGillis lunch:

The enchiladas!

 

I am learning to:

Crochet

 

I am currently reading:

Becoming by Michelle Obama

 

Favorite McGillis tradition:

Weekly Shabbat

 

Which value do you most appreciate?

Limud L'shma. I love that it implies that there does not need to be a reward for learning. Learning is an accomplishment in and of itself. I try and instill a love of genuine learning within my students.

 

What is a powerful moment you experienced at school?

When I was in my first year teaching first grade, I had a student who really struggled learning to read. At the end of the year he was reading a book about space and he looked up at me and said, "Reading is so cool because you can learn stuff when you read!" It was such a rewarding moment to see him develop a love and meaning for reading after he had worked hard all year. I love seeing students find success and meaning in learning on their own.

 

The defining moment that led to your career in education:

When I was a senior in high school, I was accidentally enrolled in a child development class instead of ceramics class. I decided to try the class, and I loved it. It was a the first time I had ever felt so excited learning about something. I was fascinated by how a child's brain learns and grows. I've been working with children in PreK-Grade 2 ever since!