• Meet the Classroom Teacher

    Ms. Shah


    Hi Everyone!  I'm really excited about teaching fourth grade this year!  It's going to be a fantastic year full of laughter, learning, and support.  I am so excited about meeting my students this year and I look forward to working with them.


    This will be my 17th year teaching in the Ann Arbor Public Schools.  Prior to teaching, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Michigan State University.  I received my teaching certificate from Eastern Michigan University post-bachelor work.  I earned a master's degree in Social Foundations with a concentration in Eco-Justice Education from EMU in 2014. In addition, I enjoy helping our school as the BP School Garden Coordinator and work to make our BP website Penguin-tastic as our BP Webmaster.

      
     
    Sorry, Michigan Fans, but I am an MSU Spartan for life!  I grew up in East Lansing for the first part of my childhood and was thrilled to go back for my undergraduate degree.  But I also love Ann Arbor and love teaching in this great city!  I will tell you a secret, I do root for Michigan when they aren't playing MSU. Shhhhhh, don't tell my Spartan friends! :0)
     
      
      
     
    In addition to teaching, I have a passion for environmental education and advocacy, which I like to embed into my teaching practice.  I love to integrate the passion I have for the environment and health into our learning community.  My passions include school gardening, farm-to-school education, and ecojustice education.  Other things I love to do are spend time in my garden, travel, spend time outdoors swimming and kayaking, and volunteer my time in the community.  I also love to spend time with family and friends.
     

    Meet our University of Michigan Student Intern! 

    Ms. Dempsey

    Hi all! I am super excited to be a part of Ms. Shah’s learning community this year! I can’t wait to meet everyone and become a part of the Burns Park community! Go Penguins!



    I am a senior at the University of Michigan studying Elementary Education with a certificate in trauma-informed practice.  In addition to teaching, I care strongly about social justice, equity, and mental health.  I try to integrate these ideas into my teaching where I can.  When I am not in school, I like to listen to music, read, and drink tea. 


    I am originally from Willowick, Ohio, a small city on Lake Erie east of Cleveland. I have one younger sister who is a freshman at Ohio State.  Although I come from a house divided, I have always rooted for Michigan! I just recently got a kitten named Paprika. She is a four-month-old orange cat who loves to look out windows from her cat tree and burrow in my blankets! 


      
    It's going to be a great year!
     
    swimming penguins