Joanne Stewart

I graduated from Michigan State University in 1978, but it was not until my youngest daughter settled into first grade that I started teaching in the Kalamazoo area. I now understand that time really does fly, because 13 years have passed with a blink of the eye. I believe that a classroom should be a positive, creative and challenging environment; I enjoy and appreciate the way young students approach school with enthusiasm, and I try to reciprocate with the same attitude. I especially enjoy and never tire of helping young students break the code and become confident, lifelong readers. 

Time away from school is spent with family; my husband and three girls bring me my greatest pleasure. I also enjoy the beach, running and knitting.