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Hello, my name is Kristan Morrison.

I am 54 years old and have been a teacher for 28 years (starting with middle school Language Arts and Social Studies, then a Teacher of Gifted Students at the middle grades level, US history teacher, then a university-level teacher for the past 19 years).  I am married to a now-retired elementary PE teacher (the lucky duck went out summer of 2020); we have no kids, but tons of cats as we foster lots of kittens and have "foster failed" on 4 cats already.  We live in Pulaski county.

My husband and I love to travel and just got back from a 2-year adventure.  During the 2022-2023 school year, I was a Visiting Professor (Gastdozenturin) at the University of Greifswald in Greifswald, Germany (see map above).  While there, I taught classes on educational alternatives, as well as did research at a nearby democratic free school (the Kleine Dorfschule Lassaner-Winkel: https://kleine-dorfschule-lassaner-winkel.de/ ) After my year as a guest professor was up, I then went on sabbatical for the 2023-2024 academic year, traveling around the US and doing short-term internships or visiting about 12 other democratic free schools

I also am an avid exerciser (go Beach Body workouts!) who balances that exercise with lots of cooking and eating (one of our favorite things to do when traveling)!

I got my Bachelor's in Sociology and History at Westminster College in PA (tiny school!), then went on to Wake Forest University and got a Master's in History and then, later, a Master's in Education (with my license to teach).  I taught for about 6 years and then in 2001, I started working on my PhD.  My research interest is alternative forms of education (like democratic free schools; homeschooling -particularly unschooling)

Let's see, what else?  I love to read and watch Netflix and Hulu, so if you have any good ideas on books to read or shows to watch, let me know!

Looking forward to a great class with you all!

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Jessica: Hello, all! My name is Jessica Wright, and I am an incoming transfer student from Wytheville Community College pursuing Secondary English Education. I am the parent to two fur babies, my calico cat, Tauriel, and my bluetick coon hound, Zoe. While the former loves to snuggle while I "Netflix and chill," the latter is full of energy she takes out on soccer balls.

In my spare time, I love to sit down with a fresh book and lose myself in its words for hours. I just finished Beautiful Boy by David Scheff, a memoir about a son's drug addiction, and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, a novel about two women in Afghanistan before and after the Taliban invaded. If anyone has any recommendations, fiction or non-fiction, I would be grateful! Two other hobbies I indulge in from time-to-time are crocheting minor projects and gardening, though I have not worked up the courage to move my indoor operation to the wilderness.

I completed a course similar to this at my community college, and I loved it! I wish everyone a fruitful semester!

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My name is Ray, and I'm a freshman at RU. Seeing posts talking about cats is strengthening my desire to get one. I absolutely love them, but the catch is that allergies run in my family, including me. I would never forget the day when my sister and I went to the pet store to get some food and a new filter for her fish tank. She thought they'd fill in the hole we had since we couldn't find a cat to adopt. When we left the cat room, the porr cashier was concerned because my entire face was red, and I was smiling but it looked like I was crying.

Did that make me un-like cats? No. And this is coming from someone who used to have a fear of any living furry being...

Other than cats, I love to read and write. I've been writing since I learned to, and sometimes I have to remind myself to just enjoy, not critique a book. I love anything mystery, drama, memoirs, and fiction. I read "It Ends with Us" last year, and I'm not kidding when I say I cried like a baby.

I also love working with kids. People don't understand it, but I find it exhausting, humbling, entertaining at times, and most of all rewarding. I'm taking this class as part of my major in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was given the opportunity to intern at a local elementary school in Virginia during my senior year of high school, and instead of coming back and saying, "No, I can't do this for a career," like my teachers hoped I would, I came back wanting more work. I'm studying to earn a licensure in early intervention. I've studied and taught in both the public and Montessori education systems in two different countries, and I'm hoping that one day I'll be able to use my experiences to help other children and their families.

Looking forward to this class!

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My name is Rachel, and I am a senior at RU. I am currently finishing up my undergrad and taking a few master's classes all at the same time. On top of the heavy course load, I also have two jobs that I love! I work at New River Blends which is a healthy hangout with smoothie bowls, protein coffees, bagels, etc so come see me sometime! I also work the VT football games which is hectic but also always a great time! I will be certified in both gen ed and special ed but I am leaning towards gen ed in kindergarten or first grade! Kids are my passion and I want all my students to come into an environment of love and safety.

I have a two-year-old Maine Coone cat who is my baby! She is half as tall as me and weighs about 20 pounds and is not done growing yet!

In my spare time, I love to be outside. I do not care what I am doing as long as I am outside. My favorite things to do are kayaking, hiking, waterfalls, picnics, sunsets or sunrises, and the beach. I will be moving to a beach once I graduate. I also love antiquing.

Looking forward to this semester and this class and hope everyone has a great semester!

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Matthew: Hello everyone!  My name is Matthew Ross and this is my third year here at Radford University. I am dual majoring in Traditional Mathematics and Statistics with a teaching minor for licensure. With that I want to become a secondary math teacher and coach soccer. I started playing soccer when I was in elementary school and continued playing until I graduated High School.

On top of school, I also work full time, so my spare time is kind of limited.  When I do have free time, I usually enjoy spending time with my girlfriend or watching football. I have been a Dallas Cowboys and a Virginia Tech fan since I was a kid. I also like to hang out with my friends and family.

I hope everyone has a fun and a great semester!

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Hey, my name is Brogan Phillips.

I am currently 20 years old and am going into my senior year of college. I am getting a degree in Physical Health and Education in hopes of being a PE teacher in the near future. I really enjoy sports, spending time outdoors with friends, and spending time with God! I also play club soccer for Radford university for the past two years and hope to play for one more year before I graduate.

I have recently started picking up a few new hobbies. I have started reading and I enjoy spending some quiet time alone doing that. I also have started playing golf and pickleball and that has been something that I have been able to do with all of my friends.

I am really looking forward to this class and what I am going to learn in it!

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Alexa: Hello! My name is Alexa and I am from Gainesville, Virginia. I am a sophomore here at Radford studying to be a Kindergarten Teacher in our wonderful teaching program. Since I was kid I have always wanted to be a teacher because of the leadership and organization the job requires, but as I got older I also realized how much I enjoy being around children and the amount of joy they bring into the world without even realizing it. In fact, back at home I work for a company that teaches kids how to swim and it has been such a blessing working there and getting to know the kids, as well as teach them the important skill of knowing how to swim.

I do have two dogs, Rocket and Chloe. They are my heart and soul. Rocket is a 4 year old Beagle/Chihuahua mix and loves belly rubs, while Chloe is a 2 year old pitbull mix and loves to play. Normally, in my free time I like to spend it with them and take them on walks, but when I'm at school I hangout with my friend and we go on walks together and sit by the river.

However, a bit about my background, I am hispanic. My mom was born and rasied in Mexico City, Mexico, while my dad was born near San Juan, Puerto Rico and raised here in Virginia. Growing up I was taught Spanish with my mom and English with my Dad, so I am fluent in both. I like to point that little bit of information out just in case there is someone in class who is of latin origin and may struggle with English.

I hope for an exciting new semester for all of you and I am excited to learn more about what teaching means as a profession!

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Hi everyone, My name Is Austin Reynolds.

I am 20 years old and I am going into my third year here at Radford. I am getting a degree in Physical Education with a minor in Special Education with hopes of being a PE teacher. I have really enjoyed sports my whole life with soccer being the sport I've played since I was 4.

I also really enjoy visiting my girlfriend in Michigan and hanging and working out with my friends! I also have season tickets to Virginia Tech football so I am very excited for Saturday for their first game!

I am really looking forward to what we learn and I am very excited about this semester!

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Anna Sullivan: Hi my name is Anna Sullivan, I am a Sophomore here at Radford University and I am from Fredericksburg Virginia! I originally came to Radford wanting to be a criminal justice major but ended up falling in love with the education field and finally decided to switch over to becoming a kindergarten teacher!

In the month of July I became a young mother of my beautiful daughter Arabella. She’s just over a month old now and I enjoy every moment with her. One cool thing about me is that I have been to most of the contents around the world excluding Antarctica and Africa. I also lived in Japan due to being a military child and got to experience the education over there!

I am so excited to start the education program and can’t wait to see where I end up with the career I felt was my calling!

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Hello! My name is Jordynne and I am going into my sophomore year here at Radford. I major in special education with a minor in communications.

I am from Virginia Beach, but grew up in Japan. Growing up I travelled a lot so it is a great passion of mine to keep traveling and always try new things. Even if they scare me.

I love sports and staying active. I played volleyball competitively for nine years, but growing up always played a variety of sports on top of that.

I love getting involved on campus and meeting new people! If you ever see me around feel free to say hi and chat.

I hope everyone had a great summer and has a great semester!!!

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Hi my name is Victoria Boyce but i go by Tori and i am from Yorktown, Va. I am a junior here at Radford and i am doing a new program in the education department where i will be getting my certification in both elementary education and special education. I am hoping to go back home and either teach 3rd grade or special education I'm not sure which one yet.

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Hello!! My name is Kylie Flynn, I am a sophomore and early education major! I am from Williamsburg VA and enjoy reading, traveling, and hanging out with my friends! Super excited for the new year!

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Hello, my name is Heavyn Campbell

I am from Roanoke, Virginia, which is located not too far from Radford. Currently, I am a sophomore and I aspire to become an elementary education teacher in the coming years. My motivation for pursuing a career in teaching comes from not only my love for children but also from my desire to be the kind of teacher I wished I had when I was younger – one who genuinely cares for students both inside and outside the classroom.

Additionally, I am a certified lash technician. I have a diverse eating habit and enjoy all kinds of food. In my free time, I also like to work out and spend quality time with my friends. Please do not hesitate to reach out. I am looking forward to a rewarding and enriching semester with everyone!

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Hello,

My name is Kevin Swingle. I am a Social science major and am aiming to be a history teacher in high school or middle school in Botetourt County upon graduation. I was raised in Craig County Virginia and enjoy being outdoors. I am married and currently live in Catawba, Va with my wife and dogs! I look forward to developing my skills as an educator in this course!

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Hey! My name is Kailey Ekdahl and I am a freshman here at Radford. I am majoring in Early Childhood Special Education with a minor in ASL. I am super excited to be able to pursue and learn about something I enjoy! I am also aiming to get my Masters after I graduate which will certify me to also teach K-3 General Education.

I have many different hobbies and things things that I enjoy. Anything crafty peaks my interest. Painting, puzzles, and making friendship bracelets are some of my favorites. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends, and building my relationship with Christ!

Being new to the community, I am excited to have new classes and experiences!

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My name is Rachel, I am a junior this year and am applying to the TEP this semester! I've always wanted to be a teacher, I played teacher all the time growing up. My mom is a teacher so she has been a big inspiration to me. I've been very fortunate to be able to work with kids a lot. I've been a camp consoler, a substitute, helped with my churches VBS, and this Summer I got to work as a paraprofessional. I have no clue which grade I would like to teach, they all seem appealing to me! I always tell people 3rd because it's a happy medium!

I am a commuter student who grew up locally. I still work at my local golf course now. In my free time I love to bake. I like being able to create something new and yummy. I also love to watch Gilmore Girls, especially in the fall.

Lastly, almost year ago I got my puppy ( in the picture) names Ruby. She is so much fun. I love to take her on walks and play with her any chance I get. She is 100% spoiled, but we love her!

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Amanda Lee: Hi my name is Amanda Lee and I am a sophomore from Bradenton Florida! I am an elementary education major and a member of the softball team. I plan to move back to Florida after I graduate and teach 2nd grade. I grew up on the beach and love the outdoors. I am a huge pickleball fan and love to play.

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Hey everyone! I’m Caitlyn but most people call me Kiser just because Caitlyn is a common name. I am a sophomore majoring in elementary education with a minor in ASL (American Sign Language). I am hoping to teach kindergarten in the future, I interned with almost every grade while I was in high school and kindergarten stuck with me. I have one dog (for now) named Sprocket Alf. He is named after the dog from Fraggle Rock which was a show made in the 1980’s and the show ALF (Alien Life Form) from 1986. He is definitely a spoiled pup, he’s a cavapoo with bright red coloring a huge attitude. I also have a fiancé named Nathan and a baby on the way. I am a huge book nerd, so much so, that I have a mini personal library in my house with around 400 or so books and a huge lovesac for reading in. I am super excited for this semester as all of my classes seem like they will be pretty fun so far.

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Hi, my name is Kendall Lampkin and Im 22 years old. Im currently a senior here at RU, studying psychology and education in hopes to be a elementary school counselor. I chose elementary because of my love for kids. This might be because Im the oldest of 7 sibling and have been around kids my entire life.

This picture here is of my dog Dolly. I got her a little over two months ago and she was the best decision I ever made. She a miniature dachshund and weighs about 4 pounds. She's going to make a great study buddy throughout this semester.

Some things that I enjoy are coffee, coloring, and walks outside. Recently Ive been walking at least 3 miles outside a day and its been great for my mental health. I. love being outdoors especially during the fall season.

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Hello everyone, my name is Kiara I am originally from Houston, TX, but came from Fairfax, VA. I am a sophomore here at Radford and I am an Elementary Education major. I hope to one day teach kindergarten or 1st grade. I can't wait to become a teacher; I've always loved children and seeing them learn. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, coloring, and sightseeing.

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My name is Hannah and I am 21 years old and a senior at Radford this year. I am majoring in early childhood special education.

I am from northern virginia and plan to move back home after I graduate to teach in Loudoun County. I have an older sister who lives in west virginia.

In my spare time I love hanging out with my roommates and doing things with my sorority sisters. I also enjoy coloring and watching greys anatomy. I also love sitting on our porch and reading a book.

I am very excited for this semester and looking forward to learning what this class has to offer.

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I am currently 19 years old, and I am from Rocky Mount, Virginia. I am entering my second year here at Radford University. I am currently studying Elementary Education. I did not know I wanted to be a teacher until the second semester of my senior year of high school. I always thought I wanted to enter the medical field until I took a lot of science classes and realized I was unhappy. I have fallen in love with the education program. I now no longer see myself doing any other profession other than teaching.

I enjoy spending time and traveling with my boyfriend. One of our favorite things to do together is go to concerts. I enjoy reading in my downtime. I recently picked up playing pickleball. I also enjoy hiking. This summer I broke my knee while hiking, so I have not been able to enjoy it as much as I usually do, but I definitely will be getting back out there next year.

I am looking forward to learning new skills, and I hope to learn more about how to become the best educator I can be!

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Hi my name is Mitchell, I am from southern Maryland. I am a sophomore this year majoring in special education. I chose to study special education because of my involvement with the special Olympics in high school. I enjoy reading, sports, and collecting shoes. I am looking forward to the new year and learning new teaching skills.

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I am 21 years old I am going into my junior year here at Radford University. I am getting my degree in Elementary Education and hoping I teach second or third grade. I have always wanted to be a teacher and most of my summers are filled with teaching kids how to swim.

In my spare time I love to hang out with my friends and family. I have two golden retrievers named Koda and Blue. Once I graduate I hope to teach in my hometown!

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Hii My name is Emma Julander, I am a sophomore. My major is middle school Education. I Am from Washington state but move a lot because my step dads in the military, Right now I live in Norfolk VA. I love Baking and hanging with friends (thoses are my girlyy in the pic) Im super excited for this semester.

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Hi!!! My name is Kylie I am from Manassas Virginia, and I am a sophomore here at Radford. I am majoring in Special education. I won't be here next semester because I am doing a semester at sea and visiting ten different countries! I will be back to finish at Radford after that though.

Outside of school I love doing anything outdoors and active such as the gym or hikes. I played softball for 12 years so even though I don't play anymore I still love being active.

I have seen that so many of you have cats, I used to have two cats named Bandit and Lola. Although I do not have a cat anymore I have a 6 year old Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiff mix back at home!

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Hi everyone! Hope you all have been having a good start to your semester and classes going well so far. My name is Mia Betigheimer and I’m a senior this year! My major is Early Childhood Special Education and I’m looking forward to being a preschool teacher after college. I have loved my four years here at Radford, this program has been amazing with such great teachers and learning experiences.

The picture that I added is of me and my brother from when we took our high school graduation pictures. We didn’t really graduate the same year but because of Covid I waited awhile to take my photos. It ended up working out for the best since we both enjoyed taking the pictures together.

I hope everyone has a great semester and good luck pushing through this year. To the rest of the seniors out there: Y’all got this, we’re so close to graduating, keep it up!