Vanessa Wheeler

      I started teaching 4th grade at Betz Elementary in 1990.  While at Betz, I taught 4th grade, a 4/5 combination, and a 5/6 combination.  I transferred to Two Springs Elementary when it first opened in 1995.  How exciting to help get a brand-new school started!  I spent four years at Two Springs teaching 5th grade and a 4/5 combination.    I was then given an opportunity to be a member of a staff development literacy team that traveled to all the District's elementary schools.  After two years of staff development, I went to Mission Middle School to teach 8th grade English and drama (two of my "loves"!).  I missed the elementary level so I came to Twin Ridge Elementary in 2002 to teach 5th grade, my current position. I have a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane College. 

    I am married.  My husband, Dan, and I have two daughters.  Joey is married to Paul; they live on a small island that is part of the Azores.  They have three darling little boys (I just love being a grandma!).  Chase is 7. Gage is 5, and Cole is 1.  I wish they were closer so I could spoil them more!  Our younger daughter, Kelly, teaches psychology and sociology at Bellevue West.  This is her 5th year teaching.  I'm so proud of my family!

        Walk into my classroom and you will soon discover I absolutely love cats!  I love all animals but cats have a special spot in my heart.  I have 2 cats at home - Booger, a fat, fluffy orange tabby and Chuck, a little black "fraidy" cat.  I also have 2 English Springer Spaniels.  An 12 year old named Molly and a 3 year old named DD.  I like football - GO HUSKERS - and volleyball.  In my spare time, I enjoy reading, antique shopping (ok, ok, ALL types of shopping!), putting together puzzles, working in my yard, and exercising.