Meet Teacher Michel Nash

Michel Nash has taught at Murray Elementary School for three years. After switching from a career in social work, Nash brought her expertise in organization and leadership to the fourth grade. This mother of two gives us some insight into her classroom. 

Patch: What is your favorite thing about the grade you teach? 

Nash: Overall, the children have a solid foundation of the basics in reading, writing, math, science and social studies.  They're fairly able to work independently.  With this knowledge and these skills, fourth graders are ready to extend their thinking, make all kinds of connections when learning and embrace problem solving.  What could be more ideal?  They get excited when they piece together an author's message while reading or figure out how to work math problems in multiple ways.  They're open, active and brilliant!

Patch: What do you do outside of school when you aren't teaching? 

Nash: I spend time with my family. We have very active daughters at home, a fourth-grader and first-grader. I also like to lose track of time by gardening.

Patch: Do you have any pets or hobbies? 

Nash: We have an old, cranky, yet very loving cat.  I like to read when I get a chance and jog a few miles here and there.

Patch: Are you doing anything different this year? 

Nash: Yes, no class is the same.  Although I'm still new at this, I realize lots will change every year, because the students individually and collectively are unique.  I know where we're going (i.e. the standards and benchmarks that must be met), but the learning is more dynamic and meaningful if students help guide how we get there.  So the process is a mix of the known and the yet-to-be discovered. 

This year, our class is really enjoying mythology.  We're teaching story structure, grammar, writing and other aspects of language requirements from this interest.  As a district, we're also launching a lot of new things, including a new math program, communication platform and student data system. These technology tools of a teacher's trade continue to be more and more available.

Patch: Are you excited about anything new at your school? 

Nash: I'm excited about all that we've talked about during this interview. A new class, new learning strategies and processes, and extending use of new technologies all make teaching and learning wonderfully challenging and fulfilling.

Patch: How do you encourage your students? 

Nash: I get to know them, their interests and how they learn best.  We ask questions, explore, and keep growing our understanding of the academic and real world.

Patch: Any advice to parents on homework or this school year? 

Nash: Help them to value being an active, responsible learner. Read together. Keep showing interest in what your child is learning in school.  Wonder with them about the geography or math or stories we're reading.  Keep encouraging good thinking by asking for their ideas and challenging them to see different points of view.