Why do you love teaching at AHS? — The Spirit is so strong here. You can feel it as soon as you walk through the doors. Every teacher knows that real teaching can only happen through the help of the Holy Ghost. It is great to work at a school where the Spirit is so strong. That helps us be the best teachers we can be.
What do you love about Teaching Elementary? — The students can get so excited to learn new things. The light-bulb moments are spectacular. I also love teaching multiple subjects because it requires me to keep learning. Reading and studying are part of every day, and that makes life interesting.
Education — Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, Utah Valley University
Family — I am married to a computer engineer who has worked in several states in the United States and abroad. We lived in Belgium for six years. I taught at an international school in Belgium where I enjoyed getting to know students from many nationalities. I have six children, four boys and two girls. I have ten grandchildren, eight boys and two girls! I have moved fifteen times during my married life. My children and grandchildren truly are one of my greatest joys.
Why Teaching? –As I began searching for what I wanted to do in life, I studied the life of the Savior looking for answers. I had a professor ask me what I could do that would bring me closest to the Savior. My desire to become like the Savior, and do as He did, became overwhelming. He was the Master teacher. Because I wanted to walk in His footsteps, I felt like that was what Heavenly Father wanted me to do. Since then, I have never considered any other course for my life.
Hobbies — I love to tell others about my children. Each of my children has chosen a profession that blesses the lives of others and provides some kind of extra service. They continue to increase their knowledge through education. I love to read and quilt. My passion right now is family history. My children keep asking for family stories and I am on a quest to supply them with their desires. I love to go to the mountains, especially in the autumn. My oldest son and I spend hours talking about politics and world news. I love to travel and get to know people from other countries. I love the special friends I have made all around the world.
“I want each child I come in contact with to know that I love them and that Heavenly Father loves them. I want them to know that I will always see them as a very special part of my life and they are always welcome to come to my room and understand what a blessing they are to me..”
– Mrs. Bingham
Curriculum Highlight
This year, I needed to teach my class about the events that led up to the Revolutionary War. The students had all done the activity involving a “king,” the tax collectors, and some jelly beans. I needed something new to help them understand how the colonists felt about all the taxation. I came to school on Monday morning–the week I was going to talk about the taxes. I told my class that we were out of money to buy colored paper, pencils, and some of our class staples.
In order to make up the shortage, I told them they would have to pay $.05 for each piece of paper they used. I added a fee for treats brought in their lunches, and any drinks they brought. I stamped each piece of paper with a bright pink heart. We kept a running tally on the board of how much each student owed the class. (I had e-mailed all the parents so they understood what was really happening.) Some of my students got very upset and went to the principal’s office to report me. One student called a meeting at recess out by the web net, and many of my students signed a petition calling for an end to the unfair behavior. (I saved the letter!)
As Tuesday came to a close, some of the students began making the connection as we listed all the taxes and grievances of the early colonists. By Wednesday, most of them had figured out what was happening, and we had a good discussion about why the colonists felt the way they did and how that could lead to war.
My class still makes jokes and comments about our class “taxation.” They felt a connection to the early colonists as they shared their feelings. It was a lesson they will not soon forget. My husband is my first hobby. I love being with him! What we do doesn’t matter, just doing it together makes it worthwhile. We enjoy traveling and experiencing new adventures, whether it be places we go, food we eat, or sites we see.
I have hundreds of stories about our adventures which I share with my students. Maybe it is the story about my Mother on a camel ride in Egypt that did not take her back to the tour bus, or it might be the story of the alligator that chased me up a hill snapping and hissing at my heels, or it might be the story about poor children in Paraguay who beg for food on street corners rather than go to school. Stories teach lessons, and my students sit spellbound when I begin telling one of my stories!
