Welcome to Mrs. Albers' Sixth Grade Class at Fairview Elementary School!  I'm sure as the year progresses, you and your child will get to know me better.  However, at this time, I'd like to take this opportunity to share some of my personal and professional accomplishments and interests.

I was born and raised in Laurel Run, am the oldest of four children and absolutely LOVED teaching at a very early age...since I was 5 years old!  Upon graduating high school, I attended and graduated from King's College, earning a B.A. degree in elementary education.  After substituting in Wilkes-Barre Area for 2 years, I accepted a permanent teaching position in Ithaca, New York, where I taught for 6 years.  During that time, I taught 2nd and 4th grade, as well as served on a variety of district committees (including writing, technology and interview).  With my personal interest being children's literacy, comprehension and fluency, I also earned an M.S. degree in literacy education at SUNY Cortland; I also earned my New York State's Reading Specialist Certificate at that time.

While I loved teaching and enjoyed living in the beautiful Ithaca/Finger Lakes region, I knew I wanted to find a teaching position closer to my home town.  During the summer of 2008, I moved back to Northeast PA and accepted a teaching position at Bear Creek Community Charter School where I taught for 6 years in various capacities.  I very briefly served as a Title I aide before teaching 5th grade Language Arts, then Middle School Business & Technology for 2 years, and finally 5th/6th grade Reading for 3 years.  During my time at the charter school, I earned my PA Reading Specialist Certificate and Instructional II Teaching Certificate.  I am excited to be teaching 6th science and look forward to a year full of hands-on activities, projects and presentations!

In the event I have free time, I really enjoy spending time with my husband, Maylee, Meadow and River (our 3 dogs) and other family members.  Some of my favorite pastimes include instructing cycling at a local gym, hiking, baking, four wheeling, running/exercising (my husband and I ran the Steamtown Marathon in 2009 and the Harrisburg Marathon in 2013), reading, watching movies or taking rides on our motorcycle.  While I have my motorcycle license, I do not yet have my own motorcycle; so, my husband and I enjoy taking scenic rides and trips together.

I'm truly excited about my continued teaching career in the Crestwood School District and especially look forward to teaching science!  I'm enthusiastic about working with you to help instill a love for learning and inquiry in all students.  I believe in our school's mission to inspire students through innovative programs and activities.  Please feel free to contact me at melissa.albers@csdcomets.org with any questions, comments, etc. regarding our policies, procedures or classroom assignments; I will respond at my earliest convenience.