Hello from your new 5th Grade Lang Arts/SS Teacher

Hi Everyone! Hope you all are enjoying your summer. Okay, so one of us has to go first so I'm the taker!

I'm Sarah-Emily Peterson (most everyone calls me SE), and I am one of the new teaching staff at Westminster. I'll be teaching 5th grade Lang. Arts and Social Studies - what fun! :) A little about my educational and professional background: I have been teaching for almost 10 years and received both my M.Ed. and BS in Education from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. I've lived in the south (NC and GA) since 2004 and LOVE life here. I've been a permanent resident of Atlanta, GA since 2009, but have been commuting back and forth, living and teaching in the Charlotte, NC area until now. I am so thankful for the wonderful position which opened at Westminster and allowed me to officially make Atlanta my home. I was waiting for just the right position to open up, and it finally did. Yay! Good things do come to those who wait.

What brings me to Atlanta other than the fantastic new teaching opportunity at Westminster? My sweet and loving fiance, Michael, who has tolerated our long distance and commuting relationship since 2008! Needless to say, we are BOTH very happy to be in the same city at the same time for good. Our wedding will be in July of 2011, so we have about a year to go.

In addition to teaching, I love anything related to music, travel, and the outdoors/fitness. I have been a part of a number of CD recordings as a back-up singer, and have even sang back up for a country superstar. I enjoy giving piano lessons to young students and watching them learn and grow. Previously, I served on the Board of Directors for Carolina Voices, a singing group out of Charlotte. I also performed at one time or another in all 4 of their singing groups. I'm looking for a community-based Atlanta choir/singing group to become involved with if anyone has any suggestions.

I love to camp and hike, and I have a goal to visit each of the GA state parks. So far, I've been to about 7! ha! I also enjoy jogging and walking - I have participated in a number of 5K's, 10K's, etc. My goal is to do a half marathon at some point.

Travel is a big part of my life - both within the U.S. and abroad. I have been fortunate enough to live for a time in Guatemala and have traveled throughout Siberia/Russia, Europe, Mexico and Canada, as well as the Caribbean. Not sure what is next on the travel agenda, but I am open to any recommendations!

Again, I am really looking forward to beginning my Westminster career. I think the fact that so many staff members are 'lifers' speaks volumes about the tremendous environment and educational atmosphere we're going to be a part of. Can't wait!!

Thanks for the opportunity to say hello and introduce myself.

Until I receive my Westminster email, you can reach me at sarahemilypeterson@gmail.com if you'd life to get in touch.

SE :)