Let me begin by saying how thrilled I am to begin my tenth year at the Center for Inquiry and sixtee

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A Little Bit About Me
Let me begin by saying how thrilled I am to
begin my tenth year at the Center for Inquiry and
sixteenth year as an educator. Beginning a new
loop is always an exciting adventure and I know
this group is going to be spectacular. The
occasions I have had to interact with these
children on the playground and in the classroom
has shown me that they are an inquisitive and
enthusiastic bunch of learners. I thought
you might like to know little about me before we
begin the year together. First I grew up in a
suburb of Chicago where I attended Illinois State
University and received a B.S. in Education.
After teaching a year or two in the place my
southern bred husband calls Yankeeland I
decided to try something new. The South has
always seemed so rich of history and tradition to
me and since two friends were starting graduate
school at USC I thought I would give Columbia a
try. Well its been twelve years and since
I have married a true southern gentleman and
found my ideal teaching situation I think I am
here to stay. Along the way I have also received
a Master in Education from USC as well as been
Nationally Board Certified. Preston and I
live in Irmo and love being the parents of
Patton Jenna and Aidan. Patton and Jenna are 5
and have just started their Kindergarten year
with Mrs. Gilbert. I know you understand how
special that is in our familys life. Aidan goes
to preschool twice a week and spends time with
his grandparents. My parents wanted to be a large
part of the grandkids lives so they bought a
house in Lexington and now travel between South
Carolina and Chicago throughout the year. I have
been very blessed with a loving and supportive
family. While most of my life is focused on
my family and teaching I also am involved in my
church and sing in the choir. Music is a large
part of my life and I love to bring it into the
classroom and share it with the children. I also
enjoy camping exploring nature and doing
projects around on our house when time permits.  
Among all of the blessings in my life I am
honored to have the opportunity to work with such
amazing colleagues children and families at the
CFI.  The close community and genuine learning
which occur here are why I call this my home.  I
believe in my heart that each classroom is filled
with 23 teachers and learners and that each day
provides new opportunities to live learn and
grow together. Lets begin our journey together.
Respectfully
Susanne Pender