Hello! My name is Sydney Slinkman, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to teach online with Outschool! I graduated in 2015 with my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education (K-6) and minor in Spanish. I also am endorsed in Reading (K-8) and Spanish (K-8). After graduating college, I spent four years teaching 1st grade at an elementary school in Iowa. For the four years, I have been teaching ESL online while filling the role of "stay at home momma" to my four incredible children. Although I am away from the "traditional" classroom for the time being, I just cannot stop teaching! I have a passion for educating young learners, and I find so much joy in helping students grow in both their skills and confidence. I believe that every child deserves a chance to succeed, and I am honored to have the opportunity to play a small role in encouraging your child to reach his or her potential. 

After teaching first grade for 4 years, I have developed a strong passion for teaching reading. I have seen first-hand that the early elementary years are crucial in developing the skills and tools necessary for students to become confident, successful readers. Too often, students learn "how" to read without actually developing a love for reading. As an avid reader myself, this breaks my heart! It is my desire that every child who enters my classroom leaves with a greater appreciation and love for reading. Through my Outschool classes, students will engage in fun, creative ways to expand their reading skills as we cultivate a passion for reading. We will explore fun, silly texts and poems as we practice fluency, expression, and comprehension skills. 

Besides being an educator, I also am a wife, mom, and avid ice-cream lover (cookie dough is my weakness)! In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my husband and our four children, spending time outdoors, and experimenting with new Pinterest recipes. I am so excited to have the opportunity to learn together, and I can't wait to meet you soon!