Ms. Swanson
BLE - Building Literacy Expert

Hello Pattengill Families- 

My name is Bernadette Swanson and I am the BLE, Building Literacy Expert, at Pattengill Elementary. This is my third year at Pattengill and my nineteenth year teaching in Ann Arbor Public Schools. Previously, I taught third and fifth grade so working with upper elementary students is what I love best. I am so excited and thankful to be working at Pattengill with wonderful families!

I live in Ann Arbor with my husband, 3 children, and 2 Springer Spaniels. My children attend Ann Arbor Public Schools and keep us busy with lots of sports, dance, and other activities. As a child, I also attended Ann Arbor Public Schools and then headed to East Lansing to earn my B.A. in Psychology. After teaching for a few years, I went on to earn a M.A. in Reading from Eastern Michigan University. In my free time, I love to read, travel, spend time with friends and family and go up north to the lake. 

One aspect of my job is to work with teachers, as a shoulder partner, to think through our literacy work. Talking and thinking with teachers is such rewarding work. Additionally, I love being able to share my passion for reading and writing with students. It is a pleasure working with children in small groups while we read and think together. Getting books student’s love, into their hands, is one of my favorite things to do. At the end of the year, I want every child to say they love reading and writing!

I look forward to another exciting year learning together. Learning is fun and I can’t wait to have fun learning together!

Sincerely, 
Mrs. Bernadette Swanson