My name is Courtany Bartels and I am currently the first grade teacher in Leola, SD. I have been happily married to the gym teacher for 3 years.
I am a new mom to my sweet and smart son Kenton with another baby on the way in August. I am privileged to be a Montana native that has been born and raised in a beautiful landscape of America. My setting would not have been as beautiful if it were not for the incredible family I was able to experience life with. Being the youngest of three daughters, I have been able to experience blessings and guidance from my entire family. My family has taught me the importance of building relationships with those around you to help create a great environment wherever you find yourself. I grew up in Polson, Montana on a Native American Reservation. I experienced the diversity of cultures as well as the merging. I experienced many different cultures while living on an Air Force Base as well; but my heart will always belong to the rural landscapes of Montana. Different cultures and traveling have always been a passion that has driven my life as I have traveled to two different countries to do missions work. The drive was always getting to know new people, but mostly the children. I have always had the desire to work with children but did not know at what capacity. After a talk with a mentor about pursuing my passions in a job, teaching was the only career that made sense. It was something I was always caught doing when I was alone in my room. I would line up my stuffed animals and I would teach them everything I had learned that day in school. I have loved continually learning about myself and teaching!. Empowering the youth of this world has the capacity of ensuring diversity but also helping them create a world where dreams are endless. |