Interview by Samantha Lane

Nick Griffin
High School Social Studies

I am currently reading…
the third book in the Hunger Games series, The Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins. The first one was given to me a few weeks ago and I just can’t seem to stop reading them.

Proudest moment in my teaching career…
I started teaching six years ago at Fitzsimmons Middle School in Bailey as the 8th grade history teacher. Last year I was able to watch those students graduate from high school. When I was talking with them after the ceremony I realized what amazing adults they had turned into and how honored I was to have been a part of their lives.

What keeps me up at night…
I am very lucky to be teaching such interesting subjects and I spend many nights reading about the topics that I teach as well as current events to discuss in class. I should say that it does usually tire me out by about 9 though. Sleeping isn’t a problem most nights.

Bike or Run?
I would have chose run before moving to Salida. We have such an amazing trail system that I seem to be on my bike nearly every day. I still manage to sneak out for a run every once in a while.

My favorite day of the week is…
I love Saturdays. The one day of the week where I’m on my own schedule and can enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning and go for a long bike ride in the afternoon.

I wish I had more time (and money!) for…
I want to travel to as many places as I can. Once I get there I want to be able to stay and be more than a tourist, but understand the culture of the people who live there.

In 8th grade, I was…
Really dedicated to basketball. I used to play every day after school with my dad. My middle school basketball team went undefeated that year and my dad and I took a trip to the Indianapolis 500 the next summer.

My educational philosophy one-liner…
Don’t Fail.

My hidden talent is…
Yet to be discovered.

My favorite thing about Salida schools…
I love the personalities of the people I work with. Everyone has their own unique qualities that they bring into the high school to create a wonderful working and learning environment. I know that I will have moments of frustration followed by laughter on a daily basis.

Interview by Samantha Lane

Who, exactly, are our Salida teachers?  Get to know the dedicated, passionate teachers of the Salida School District through these short, inspiring interviews.  If you think being one of these stellar teachers is easy, try walking through those classroom doors one morning.

Michelle Ludwig
4^th Grade Teacher
Longfellow Elementary School

I am currently reading…
Tinkers by Paul Harding, previewing Peak by Roland Smith in hopes of sharing with the students, and countless pages of amazing children’s literature and compositions.

Proudest moment in my teaching career…
There have truly been so many. It has taken many forms throughout the years, seeing the look in students’ eyes when they see the Royal Gorge for the first time, or the squeals shared when the science fair has been won, and hearing a quiet sigh of a fourth grader saying, “I understand now, thanks.” I am just so lucky!

What keeps me up at night…
My days are so full that I usually sleep like a baby but occasionally unfinished grading and assessments keep me up and sometimes it’s roller derby bruises!

Fall or Spring?
Spring all the way, though both are very special. I just love when the valley begins to turn green and the evening hours are filled with sunshine and glowing sunsets. It is just a beautiful time to be in the middle of Colorado.

My favorite day of the week is…
My favorite day is Sunday. The relaxed mornings lead to very productive afternoons. Sunday is usually when I play outside in the fresh air and plan for the coming week at school. A well planned and executed Sunday is priceless!

I wish I had more time (and money!) for…
Traveling with my trusty bike to all of my favorite places in the Southwest. I would include plans to see the world from the comfort of my bike seat and the singletrack trails that cross the globe so delicately.

In 8th grade, I was…
A complete band nerd through and through. Band camp, summer travel band, community band, I was there. I also tutored, babysat, and read every book I could get my hands on (to escape chores!) Wish there was a community band in Salida, I’d show up with my clarinet and a smile.

My educational philosophy one-liner…
Work hard, play hard!

My hidden talent is…
Playing tunes on a beautiful wooden clarinet and roller skating with the Ark Valley High Rollers.

My favorite thing about Salida schools…
I have never met a more dedicated, inspiring, and truly talented group of educators in all of my years as a teacher. It is also such an honor to be working with the youth and families in such a dynamic and amazing community.

Who, exactly, are our Salida teachers? Get to know the dedicated, passionate teachers of the Salida School District through these short, inspiring interviews. If you think being one of these stellar teachers is easy, try walking through those classroom doors one morning.

January Interview:

LaDonna Short
Salida Middle School
8th Grade Algebra/Math

I am currently reading . . .
What is the What, a novel by Dave Eggers.

Proudest moment in my teaching career . . .

I have been teaching for so long I couldn’t possibly single out one moment.

What keeps me up at night . . .
Everything.

Chocolate or Cheese . . .
Chocolate – any type on anything

My favorite day of the week is . . . .

Thursday. My classes are well into the objective for the week and we are rolling along.

I wish I had more time (and money) for . . . .

my family. I feel as if I don’t have enough time to spend with them and would love to say yes to all their wishes.

In the 8th grade . . . .

I was part of what our students call the “nerd herd”. I liked to read and spent most of my time with my family.

My educational philosophy one-liner – Don’t step on anyone on your way to the top.

My hidden talent . . . .

Guitar Hero.

My favorite thing about Salida schools . . . .

the students and their humor.

Interview by

Who, exactly, are our Salida teachers?  Get to know the dedicated, passionate teachers of the Salida School District through these short, inspiring interviews.  If you think being one of these stellar teachers is easy, try walking through those classroom doors one morning.

December Interview:
Deborah Bass
Salida High School 10th and 11th Grade English
Advisor, Tenderfoot Times
Horizons Academy English

I am currently reading…
On Writing by Stephen King, Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese, as well as listening to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith on CD.

Proudest moment in my teaching career…
Taking first in the 3A Colorado High School Press Association (CHSPA) Sweepstakes my first year, Advising the Tenderfoot Times.

What keeps me up at night…
I don’t usually have a problem sleeping but I often think about my class and students while I am running.

Chocolate or cheese?
Cheese. My favorite is sharp cheddar. I think I put cheese into almost every meal I cook. It’s probably not very good for me, but it makes everything taste so much better.

My favorite day of the week is…
Monday because of the Monday New York Times Crossword Puzzle plus, Sunday night is over which have always been stressful for me.

I wish I had more time (and money) for…
Travel. There are many places I have never been to that I would really like to visit. I have a long list.

In 8th grade, I was…
A lot like I am now. I enjoyed reading and playing sports. I began my career as a Fast Pitch Softball Catcher. After 8th grade, we moved from Seattle to Michigan. It was my first move ever and it was big.

My educational philosophy one-liner…
Get it done and then have fun.

My hidden talent…
Jamming for the Ark Valley High Rollers?

My favorite thing about Salida schools…
I love the smaller class sizes and the collaboration in my department and across departments. And of course, the students.