Elementary Creative Writing & Grammar

Courtney is a Chattanooga native and a proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Go Vols!), where she earned both her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and her Master's degree in Teacher Education.  After marrying her husband in 2008, Courtney spent four years teaching fourth grade at Wallace A. Smith Elementary before stepping away from the classroom to raise their family. During that time, she and her husband chose to homeschool their three boys for six years, giving her valuable firsthand experience with home education. Last year, Courtney returned to the classroom as a fourth-grade teacher at Grace Academy.  Courtney and her family attend Bayside Baptist Church, where she serves in the Student Ministry by co-leading a seventh-grade girls' small group on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.  Courtney believes that strong writing skills are one of the most valuable tools a student can develop. She is passionate about helping students become confident, effective communicators while also discovering the creativity and joy that writing can bring through great literature and engaging assignments.  With a deep love for Jesus, children, and education, Courtney is excited to partner with families to help each student grow in both skill and confidence as a writer.