Mrs. Gildersleeve
Support Staff
Lead Teacher

Welcome Pattengill Families, 

Getting to know me
I have lived in the Ann Arbor area for the past 12 years with my husband Cory. We have four children, who range in age from twenty-six to sixteen. We also have two “grand” dogs, Tito and Maui, who are both Goldendoodles. I have been teaching special education for twenty-five years, with this being my ninth year at Pattengill. My teaching adventures started out at the high school level, where I was a resource room teacher for nine years. I also spent three years as a special education teacher at the middle school level. My greatest amount of experience has been at the elementary level, where I have been a lead teacher, a teacher consultant and a resource room teacher for the past thirteen years. Although I have loved all of my teaching experiences, I have to say my heart is with the elementary students.

Why I became a teacher
I love children and I love teaching! I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. Children instinctively know when they are loved and a teacher plays a key role in their development. It is imperative that teachers feel a genuine love and joy for children and their chosen career.

My Role as a Special Education Teacher
Students with special needs require unique and individualized instruction by specially trained professionals to help them achieve their highest potential. As a special education teacher, I work with students who have a wide range of special needs and disabilities. I am dedicated to giving each individual student the tools and guidance needed to help them maximize their success.

Mission Statement
My mission as a teacher is to instill the belief in my students that they can achieve anything, by creating an environment where students are encouraged to grow and develop. I will strive to mold students into independent thinkers and assist them in developing the passion and skills for becoming lifelong, 21st century learners.