Meet Our Kindergarten Team

Meet our amazing Kinder Team - Mr. Abdorrahimzadeh, Mrs. Jacobsen, and Ms. Collins

Mr: A : 

I have been proud to be part of the Carol Rae family since 2011, and I have had the joy of teaching kindergarten here since 2016. It has been such a rewarding experience to watch our students grow and to be part of this wonderful school community for so many years.  

I love watching students discover things for the first time, especially those magical “lightbulb moments” when a skill clicks and they feel so proud of themselves. It’s incredible to see them grow from nervous first-day learners into confident, independent students by May.

Our kindergarten team works closely together to ensure every student feels supported, loved, and valued. We collaborate daily, sharing ideas and strategies so our students receive the best learning experience possible.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go." - Dr. Seuss"

 

Mrs. Jacobsen: 

How long have you been at Carol Rae or in education?

Way back in 1990 is when I started teaching in Washington State, but I have been here at Carol Rae Ranch since 2006.

What do you love most about teaching kindergarten?

Teaching Kindergarten brings joy to me in many ways; the curiosity of kids, the eagerness to learn; the crazy things they say and how I can help them see how big and wonderful our world is. 

What makes your school's Kinder team unique or special?

A Kindergarten Team is only good if they work well together. We share, support and plan activities for all of the Kindergarten students not just our own room. We have Kindergarten field trips, Fall Festival, Holiday Craft Day, and an Egg Hunt to name a few ALL Kindergarten activities. 

Favorite Quote:  "Believe in yourself, you can do hard things!"

 

 

Ms. Collins:  

How long have you taught at the school or in education?

This is my 3rd year teaching at Gilbert Public Schools. I taught 1st grade for two years and waited patiently for a position to arrive at Carol Rae Ranch. I am loving the transition into Kindergarten and have learned I am truly a Kinder teacher at heart. I am so thankful to have found my dream grade at my dream school. 

What do you love most about teaching kindergarten?

My favorite thing about teaching kindergarten is helping the littles love learning as they start their adventure growing and blooming in the classroom. It’s so exciting to have the kinder students arrive the first day, some excited ,some nervous (parents and kids) and have the chance to help ease any worries and get them excited for all the new adventures they will be having in Kindergarten. It truly is such an honor to watch them grow into students that are able to love learning, know the importance of their voice, the power of having a growth mindset that always KEEPS TRYING, and helping students gain skills to conflict resolve and problem solve as they enter into their journey in education. My teaching philosophy is to always teach whole child helping each of my students grow not only academically, but socially, and emotionally as well. Helping them interact and engage with one another and the tasks being presented through the learning objectives. I value all moments in teaching because every interaction is a chance to help any child love learning, grow academically, grow emotionally, learn, and bloom with growth as the year progresses. 

What makes your school’s kindergarten team unique or special?

Our school’s Kinder team is unique and special because of the passion each of us have for teaching our students. Each of us loves teaching and helping our students grow. We are all able to communicate, collaborate, and learn from one another. I love having the ability to lean on my team and ask for advice utilizing their expertise and years of experience teaching Kinder. I am beyond grateful to be able to learn from such strong teachers who are always open to give their input, feedback, and advice.

Do you have a fun fact or quote?

I love hiking, going outdoors, backpacking, and camping out in nature. Going out in nature helps refill my cup after a long day of teaching and giving my all for my students. Whenever I go out into nature I always try to share my love for Arizona with my students by teaching about the desert plants and wildlife I was able to see or interact with. So beware, your child might just come home and asks for you to take them on a hike to see what all the fuss their kinder teacher is talking about. 

 

To learn more about Kindergarten at Carol Rae Ranch Elementary, visit CarolRaeRanch.GilbertSchools.net/About/Kindergarten.