# data[].attributes.body
My name is Caitlin Ford. This Fall will be my first year of teaching. I will be teaching in the Lansing School District. Grade level and building are TBD. Eek!

I was recently made a long term sub in the school and grade of my internship. I am so glad that I have this opportunity before I get my own classroom, and I get to spend more time with my previous students who are now right across the hall!

# data[].attributes.body
I am a proud MSU Alumna. I graduated in May 2018 with a degree in Elementary Education and a teaching major in Language Arts. I am grateful to MSU for all the experiences they have given me for the past three years.
This is my first class towards my master's degree outside of the internship.

# data[].attributes.body
I have lived in Lansing, Michigan for most of life. I was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but I consider myself a Michigander. I take pride in my community, and I am glad to be teaching here next year!

# data[].attributes.body
My mom is my absolute best friend. Growing up I just had her, so we have a very strong, sometimes annoying, bond.

# data[].attributes.body
In my free time, I love to garden and work outdoors. It is one of the most relaxing hobbies, except when a bug enters my personal bubble. (This peony plant was transplanted from my great grandmother's house in Illinois. It already has ten buds on it this year!)

# data[].attributes.body
I love animals. There has always been at least one cat and one dog in my household since I was born.
This is Boo. She has been in the family since I was in first grade (16 years)! I also have a crazy dog named Libby and a sometimes demonic cat named Mia.

# data[].attributes.body
Good teaching is building trusting relationships with students. There are children that come to school to get away from a tough home life.  It is hard to teach a child if there is no mutual respect, and they are unwilling to listen. The classroom needs to be a safe place for children to learn, relax, and have fun.

One of my favorite quotes says:
"And if those children are unresponsive, maybe you can't teach them yet, but you can love them. And if you love them today, maybe you can teach them tomorrow."
- Jeffery R. Holland

By going back to school and getting my master's degree, I hope to strengthen my abilities in reaching those children that are reluctant to learn and participate and need to someone to help guide them.

# data[].attributes.body
After receiving my master's degree, I plan to continue teaching. I have no current interest in entering administration. The classroom is where I belong, at least for the next twenty years or so. I plan to use my knowledge taken from my ongoing education and implementing it into a school district that is less fortunate in funding and opportunities. I look forward to taking a teacher leadership role in my school in the future.