Kristen Ricord

I first came to Mauston in 2000.  Prior to that I only knew Mauston as an exit on the interstate.  I am originally a Wisconsin native.  I grew up in Eau Claire where I graduated from North High School.  I earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a Kindergarten endorsement from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1996.  I completed my Master's degree in General Education through Viterbo University in 2004.

I taught at risk students and tutored migrant worker students in Indiana for a year after I graduated. After that, I took a job in North Carolina teaching first grade.  Being so far from home taught me that there really is no place like home.  My husband Chan and I decided to move back to Wisconsin.  I taught third grade the first year I was in Mauston and have been in first grade ever since.  I truly love first graders.  They are excited about learning and make everything fun.  It is so exciting to see the enormous growth as learners they make in their year in first grade!  I especially love helping students discover the magic of reading.  I love sharing my favorite children's books and authors with students as well.  The quietest part of the day is read aloud time.  They eagerly lean forward as they listen to whatever chapter book we are reading.  I love getting kids "hooked" on an author or book and seeing them share their love of reading with others.

My husband Chan and I have two daughters, Ruby and Thea.  We are thankful for all the friends we have made here in Mauston and all the people who have adopted us into their families.