Seattle Kraken March 2023 Teacher of the Month

Future GoalsTM Program

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Seattle Kraken March 2023 Teacher of the Month

Name:

Corrie Freiwaldt

School:

Maplewood Heights Elementary

Classroom Team:


Tell us about yourself!

I have been a teacher since 1996. First as a substitute, then 2 years as a 7th grade science teacher, then since 1999 I have taught 5th grade. From 2010-2015 I took a break from 5th grade and was the instructional coach of our elementary school and the District Science Facilitator for K-5. Since age 16, I taught swimming lessons at a local pool, one time (while attending college) a grandma told me I should be a teacher because her grandchildren learned more in the 2 weeks they had me than they did all summer from other instructors. That changed my career path. I’m a natural teacher and mentor. In my community, I support Kent assembly of Rainbow Girls as an advisory board member and the WA/ID Rainbow Girls as the Director of Grand Officers (girls age 16-20) empowering them lead the jurisdiction in serving the community, personal growth, and leadership.

What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?

I love all the different topics the Future Goals program offers. My students really benefitted from the Compassion module after coming back from COVID as well as now. The Math learning goes right along with what we are learning in 5th grade and are a great, fun way to review the content. Both the math and science help the students see, “when will we use this in real life” and it holds the interest of my boys for sure. The science modules are neat because there are too many standards and not enough time or resources to teach them all. I know that students will learn new content and solidify current content with the science lessons. Then entire Everfi site facilitates the students using hockey to see Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at work. The time and energy it took to create and maintain this site is phenomenal and a wonderful free resource that teachers everywhere should be utilizing.

Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?

I know this sounds cliche, but Wayne Gretzky is the player I remember and recognize the most. His skill and poise made him a leader in hockey. I am also fond of the announcers for the Seattle Kraken after watching him during a Webinar hosted by Future Goals. My students were very excited to go to a game after that so they could spot this celebrity. The Seattle Thunderbirds announcer is also a friend of mine and gave my son’s boy scout troop a backstage tour of the facility they play in. SOOO COOL!!

If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?

I would definitely NOT be a goalie. Too much pressure. I also would not be on offense because that requires a lot of exercise and movement. I would likely be a defenseman. I don’t have to move as far, but if I miss stopping the puck, hopefully the goalie will be there to stop it next.