Cindy Rosser
Creekside Park Elementary
Anchorage, AK

"I believe that my job is to lead and guide the children to discover the exciting world we live in. On the first day of school the children are asked what things they would like to learn about this year. Their interests shape our units of study for the year. Children learn by being active participants. The room reflects my conviction that each child should be allowed an opportunity to use their imagination and creativity. Our class is full of child-oriented space and projects."

"As you enter Ms. Rosser's room you go under an arch of learning to join the K-1 family. The classroom is transformed to the theme of learning for the month where students are immersed in the world of early literacy and math. She creates an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance and curiosity that supports children as they explore, expand and become confident learners."

In Cindy's K-1 family, the arts remain an integral part of the curriculum. Children are given the opportunity for expression and growth participating in dance, art, theater and music. Cindy believes that the arts are innate and that children only need to be given direction. They will then take it from there and soar to great heights. Standard curriculum dictates what Cindy teaches but not how. Children excel as they absorb new information and develop fluency of skills through a thoughtful mixture of imaginative play, repetition of skills, laughter and fun.

Other Highlights:

• Presenter at Alaska Science and Technology Conference, 2000
• Recipient of ASD Technology Award for Integration, 2000
• PTA Treasurer, 2000-2001
• Authored, Produced and Directed a School-wide Musical, 2001
• Recipient of Phi Beta Kappa Golden Apple Award, 1999
• Co-wrote school Technology Plan, 1997
• Co-wrote a Science and Technology Grant on Alaska Animals, 1996
• Presenter at Alaska State Bilingual Conference, 1992-95
• Presenter at AAEYC - Using Music to teach Math Concepts, 1993
• Presenter at AAEYC - Using puppets in the classroom, 1994
• Served as a Missionary in Hong Kong, 1982-1984; speaks Cantonese
• Coach - Nunaka Valley Little League, 1996-present; Championship teams include: State Champions 2003, Alaska District One Champions 2001 ( 9-10 year old girls fast pitch), Alaska District One Champions 2002 ( 9-10 year old girls fast pitch), Alaska District One Champions 2003 (11-12 year old girls fast Pitch)
• Creekside Science Fair Coordinator, 2001-2004; Nuanka Science Fair Coordinator 1996-2000
• Wrote and produced yearly science based musicals for multiple classes.
• Organized class performances for the annual Spirit of Muldoon Parade 2002.2003
• Served on Cheney Lake Preservation Committee
• Bilingual Resource Teacher, 1988-1990
• Supervised Eight Bilingual Tutors, Recipient of 2 grants to write Multicultural plays; wrote, produced and directed a School-Wide Musical, 1988-1990
• National Award winner in Peace Contest (Student sang and wrote about peace in different languages, 1988-1990
• Hobbies include spending time with her family, gardening, sports, riding bikes, playing the guitar, bird watching, reading, writing plays and stories and reading