Name: Michelle Contreras

Grade You Teach: 3

Number of Years Teaching: 6

Alma Mater: Humboldt State, Credential at Hayward State

Favorite Book: Anna Karenina and The Lorax

Favorite Movie: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Pets? A cat, some frogs, a new reptile soon!

Favorite place to travel to, real or imagined: Costa Rica and Thailand

My idea of comfort food: Burritos

I find teaching most rewarding when: I get to work one on one with a child and get some insight into who they really are. Also, when I can get the whole group to laugh.

The hardest thing about teaching: I enjoy quiet…! Also, that there is only one of me and 20+ of those who need my undivided attention.

If I had a magic wand, I would: Make field trips easy, free, and a weekly event. Also, I’d ensure every child felt safe, loved, smart and capable. And I’d somehow fund all of our Green Schoolyard projects.