FOCUS: First-grade teachers bring years of experience

“I teach because it’s how I make a positive difference in the world,” she said.

She enjoys traveling, watching movies and being crafty. She loves to listen to Drive Time Sports.

First Grade

Allison Wilkins, firstgrade teacher, has been in education six years, all at Pea Ridge.

“I love to work with kiddos and always have. It is amazing to see a child’s light bulb come on when they have been workign so hard on something and it finally clicks, the look in their eyes

is priceless! I love the feeling that I was there to help them succeed,” she said.

She has one son who is 1 and another due in January. She enjoys crafting, painting door hangers, making wreaths and decorating her home.

Danelle Bounds, firstgrade teacher, has been in education three years, two at Pea Ridge.

“I worked for a large company for many years and that was not what I wanted to do when I grew up. Now, I get to work with children every day! I am blessed,” she said.

She has two children and enjoys spending time with her family, swimming and traveling. She said she is always singing something.

Alisha Johnson, firstgrade teacher, has been in education five years, all at Pea Ridge.

“I love being able to work with children and make a difference in their lives.”

She enjoys doing craft projects, running and being outdoors.

Donna Lillard, firstgrade teacher, information unavailable.

Dawnitta Henson, firstgrade teacher, has been in education 10 years, all at Pea Ridge.

“I was always meant to do this!”

She has two daughters and enjoys crafts, cheer and family time camping and fishing.

She graduated from Pea Ridge High School; her favorite teacher was her first-grade teacher. She is organized by natural ability and really doesn’t work at it very hard. She had major back surgery and has beat kidney cancer.

Courtney Woodward, first-grade teacher, information unavailable.