Hello there. My name is Ms. Henderson and I am the First Grade teacher. This is my 2nd year teaching and I am so excited to be here at McDowell! I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.  I graduated from Monmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Human Services Concentration and a Minor in Psychology. I returned to Chicago after graduating and made the decision to pursue my love of working with kids by becoming a teacher. From National Louis University, I received a Master's in Early Childhood Education and an Education Specialist Degree in Advanced Curriculum and Instruction/Special Education.

 

As the chair of the Primary Department at the moment, I was highlighted on the CPS website for a series discussing objectives for the current academic year. My favorite aspect of teaching is getting to cultivate relationships with students and seeing them push themselves to reach their greatest potential. We use daily affirmations in my class, such as “I can try my best. I can do hard things. I can face new challenges. I can figure this out. I can accomplish anything.” 

 

When I'm not in class, I enjoy singing, spending time with my family and friends, and traveling. I look forward to a wonderful year together full of learning, fun, and adventures.