Hello and Welcome to Mrs.Thelander’s classroom. There are a variety of things that take place in room 801. Not only do I teach 7th and 8th Grade Math 180, this room is the Hub for 7th and 8th Grade Student Support Services. My role at Norterra Canyon is to support our Middle School Special Education students by overseeing their IEPs and ensuring that they are receiving the appropriate accommodations. I take my job very seriously, and work hard to ensure that all students are supported. When I’m not in my classroom teaching Math 180 or working with individual students and small groups, you can find me in Middle School Math and ELA classrooms supporting student learning. I work very closely with the Middle School teachers to help cultivate the best possible learning environment for our students. It is my goal to empower all students to reach their full potential and accomplish their learning goals. I do not see the IEP as a limitation, but rather as the vehicle driving my students toward success!
A little about me: I have always known I was going to be a teacher; it is LITERALLY the only job I have ever wanted to do! I went to ASU for both my undergrad and Master’s Degree. I recently completed the DVUSD TPP program for my Special Education Certification and am now Dual Certified in both General Education and Special Education. I have been a Norterra Canyon Pirate for over 10 years now. I started out teaching 4th grade here at Norterra Canyon, which I absolutely loved! Due to lower enrollment, I got “bumped” out of 4th which gave me the opportunity to teach Intervention classes (Read 180 and Math 180) in Grades 5-8. I ended up loving that even more than teaching 4th grade, and that was what inspired me to transition into Special Education. I absolutely love our Pirate Community; both of my own children were Pirates as well. My son graduated from O’Connor High School in 2023, and my daughter will graduate from OC in 2026.
On the personal side: I grew up in the Chicago area and moved to AZ when I was in Middle School. I love AZ, despite our crazy desert heat! In my spare time, I enjoy running, hiking, lifting weights and training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I also love spending time with my family and reading. I am known for being a little loud and (in my opinion) hilarious; I love to have fun and seeing my students smile truly brings me joy. I approach everything I do with positivity and energy!
This year will be amazing and full of growth, learning and lots of fun!
