Q&A: Fort Smallwood Elementary Teacher Renee Heuser

Patch caught up with first-grade teacher Renee Heuser to ask her about teaching at Fort Smallwood Elementary.

Pasadena Patch: How long have you been teaching? And how many years have you been at Fort Smallwood?
Renee Heuser: I have been teaching for 30 years with a few years off to raise my own children.  I have taught in two states and four grade levels. I have been at Fort Smallwood nine years.

Pasadena Patch: What made you decide to become a teacher?
Heuser: I have always enjoyed encouraging a child’s natural love of learning.  My older sister is also a teacher and I had the opportunity to help in her class while I was in college, which reinforced my decision to teach. I've found it very rewarding.

Pasadena Patch: What is your favorite part about Fort Smallwood?
Heuser: The happy enthusiastic faces that come into my classroom each day. 

Pasadena Patch: What is one of your favorite lessons to teach?
Heuser: 'Read Across America,' you can't beat a day focusing on Dr. Seuss.  We read a dozen Dr. Seuss books; made and actually ate green eggs and ham. We wrote poems and designed 'Cat in the Hat' hats. The children remain focused and engaged all day. 

Pasadena Patch: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Heuser: I like spending time riding my road bike, hiking, boating and waterskiing with my family.  My husband, son and I hiked across England a few summers ago and plan to hike across Scotland next year.