Preston, Where We All Belong

BE PRESENT | BE SAFE | BE KIND

Stephanie Burke-Liggett

English Language Arts Educator
READ Act Coordinator
Phone Number

 

Biographical Sketch: 

I grew up in Castle Rock, CO, but have lived in Iowa, Arizona, Oregon, and Minnesota, too. I met my husband, Morgan, here in Fort Collins in 1998; we’ve been married for 12 years and our life together completely revolves around our sweet miniature Aussie, Fitz.

 

Education Background:

I graduated from CSU with a B.A. in journalism and obtained a M.Ed in administrative leadership through Regis University. I also attended the Art Institute of Phoenix for a baking & pastry certification. 

 

Why I Became a Teacher:

Teaching is my “family business” - my parents were both teachers and my sister is a college professor. That said, I didn’t plan to be a teacher from the start, and even stepped away from education in 2006 to make wedding cakes in a little bakery in Oregon. However, it was at that time when I realized how much I missed working with students and knew I belonged in the classroom. Since then, I’ve been happily locked in to my true calling and this will be my 21st year in education.

 

Favorite Books:

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, Wild by Cheryl Strayed, and I faithfully reread the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder every single year. I love how books can transport us across time and space, and connect us to our memories and emotions.  

 

Interests & Hobbies: 

I love testing new recipes, reading, dining out, traveling, baking cakes for my nephews, yoga, bullet journaling, concert-going, mountain road trips, visiting farmers markets, foodie adventures, and long walks with my dog. I’m also a huge fan of college football, women’s college basketball, and the WNBA.

 

Courses Taught:

I will be teaching 7th/8th English Language Arts this year. In my past experience, I’ve taught culinary arts, journalism/yearbook/newspaper, reading, mythology, and poetry at other schools, across grades 6-12. 

 

About My Classroom: 

I believe that all students can become lovers of reading, writing, and even poetry - it just comes down to tapping into a passion, exploring a creative outlet, or finding that first great book to read. My classroom space promotes creativity and growth within a calm, peaceful, safe environment. I feel that middle school students need support with organization, time management, resilience, and communication, in addition to all things language arts; we work to fuse these skills together whenever possible. 

 

I am so excited for the new school year and can’t wait to get to know every student, family, and contributor to this amazing school community!

 

PSD does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, age or disability in access or admission to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. A lack of English speaking skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation.