Welcome to 3rd grade!!! My name is Anna Witt.  I have taught in St. Paul Public Schools for 18 years.  I started teaching at Wellstone Elementary when it was downtown St. Paul, my classroom was on the 7th floor!   I have been teaching at Horace Mann for 14 years.  I taught Reading in 5th and 6th grade when it was departmentalized.  I was a 5th grade Homeroom teacher and I also taught Social Studies as a prep for 2 years.  For 7 years, I taught 2nd grade until moving to 3rd grade three years ago.  I am so excited about starting a new journey with your child!

I was born and raised in south Minneapolis, and I have two younger brothers. I went to the University of Minnesota for both my undergraduate and Master's degrees.  I also hold a K-12 Reading License. I live in Edina with my husband, my daughter Addie, who is 10½ and going into 5th grade. Ben, who is 8, will be in 3rd grade this year! We just got a new dog last year, his name is  Milo. It has been so much fun and we have enjoyed playing with him all summer, though we are happy to be out of the puppy stage.I’m sure you will hear a lot of stories about all 3 of them. They are characters!  They love to come and visit the classroom and meet my "other kids". I love to be outside and I especially love running.  You will probably see me leaving after school to run to the river :o) My favorite color is black, which the kids always find hilarious.  One of my favorite things in the world, after my children-of course, is cherry Bubbly water :o)

Third grade is a year of growth in many ways-socially, academically, and physically.  At this age, kids seek more independence, are beginning to see multiple perspectives, and are typically eager to take on more responsibility.  I strive to encourage students to be responsible, independent thinkers. It is my goal to facilitate learning in the classroom and gradually, as the students become more responsible for themselves, step back and allow the students to lead the way in their learning experiences. We work together, as a class, to create a safe, positive environment where it’s okay to make mistakes, and to try new things. I encourage students to work both independently and collaboratively. As independent learners, my students work to improve their own personal goals and they become more responsible for their own work, behaviors, and selves. Working collaboratively, students often find the confidence they need to explore, ask questions, analyze, and actively engage in their learning. Working both independently and collaboratively allows students to take learning to “another level” as they expand their thinking and become more inquisitive.

My hope is that every child makes growth both academically and personally this year.  I hope that your child will discover their strengths and what makes them special.

I am looking forward to working with your children this year!  Please don't ever hesitate to contact me via phone or email.  As we get to know one another, I am also very open to text communication too :o)

Anna Witt

anna.witt@spps.org

651-293-8965