Meet Our Teachers
Pleasant Grove School has eight fully credentialed classroom teachers. Their years of experience range from four years to 30 years. Our teachers have, on average, 13 years of experience.
Our teachers are committed to refining their teaching skills and routinely attend classes and workshops on weekends and during the summer. Many teachers have attended Saturday and summer writing classes sponsored by the Area 3 Writing Project, math classes sponsored by CSUS, and classes sponsored by Sutter County Office of Education.
We offer ongoing, on-site training throughout the year to our teachers. Each Monday is a minimum day for students allowing staff to meet to discuss school goals and other professional development topics. Recent goals include improving student achievement in reading fluency and mathematics. Our staff development time is also spent working in grade level teams to analyze student data and instructional programs to improve student learning. We provide opportunities for teachers to observe in other classes. These observations, along with in-class coaching, provide additional means of professional development.
Our beginning teachers receive support through Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA). They are assigned a support provider who meets with them weekly. In addition, the beginning teacher and support provider attends monthly meetings provided by the Tri-County BTSA office.
Our teachers are committed to refining their teaching skills and routinely attend classes and workshops on weekends and during the summer. Many teachers have attended Saturday and summer writing classes sponsored by the Area 3 Writing Project, math classes sponsored by CSUS, and classes sponsored by Sutter County Office of Education.
We offer ongoing, on-site training throughout the year to our teachers. Each Monday is a minimum day for students allowing staff to meet to discuss school goals and other professional development topics. Recent goals include improving student achievement in reading fluency and mathematics. Our staff development time is also spent working in grade level teams to analyze student data and instructional programs to improve student learning. We provide opportunities for teachers to observe in other classes. These observations, along with in-class coaching, provide additional means of professional development.
Our beginning teachers receive support through Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA). They are assigned a support provider who meets with them weekly. In addition, the beginning teacher and support provider attends monthly meetings provided by the Tri-County BTSA office.
![Andrea_Tudor_-_TK/K_teacher Card Icon]()
Andrea Tudor - TK/K teacherTop of Page
I am Andrea Tudor, Pleasant Grove School's Kindergarten teacher. I am proud to be a 5th generation Pleasant Grove resident, honored to teach here at the same elementary school that I attended, and so fortunate that my own children were able to go to school here too!
My degree is a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from UC Davis, and I hold a teaching credential from Cal State TEACH. I have been teaching at Pleasant Grove School since 2003 (for two years in 4th grade, the rest in Kindergarten). Because so much of my undergraduate education focused on the development of young children, I am truly excited to put that knowledge to work, integrating sound developmentally appropriate practices with the California academic standards. I LOVE teaching kindergarten because every day is a new adventure … plus, I get the joy of watching children learn to read!! Every single year I am amazed by how much they learn (and how much they teach me!)
My degree is a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from UC Davis, and I hold a teaching credential from Cal State TEACH. I have been teaching at Pleasant Grove School since 2003 (for two years in 4th grade, the rest in Kindergarten). Because so much of my undergraduate education focused on the development of young children, I am truly excited to put that knowledge to work, integrating sound developmentally appropriate practices with the California academic standards. I LOVE teaching kindergarten because every day is a new adventure … plus, I get the joy of watching children learn to read!! Every single year I am amazed by how much they learn (and how much they teach me!)
![lindsey_hovey_-_k_/_1st_GRADE Card Icon]()
lindsey hovey - k / 1st GRADETop of Page
I am Lindsey Hovey, and I am honored to be Pleasant Grove's K-1 Teacher.
I graduated from Chico State (go Wildcats!) and have taught both kindergarten and first grade—which means I get the joy of working with some of the most curious, creative, and kind-hearted kids around. There’s truly nothing better than watching those lightbulb moments happen and seeing kids believe in themselves.
Our classroom is a safe, happy place where everyone belongs. We cheer each other on, try new things, make mistakes (because that’s how we learn!), and work together like one big team. I love turning lessons into adventures and making each day feel a little magical—whether it’s through singing, hands-on projects, partner work, or a surprise dance break!
When I’m not in the classroom, you can usually find me out on the pickleball court or spending time with my amazing friends and family. I believe life is better with a good laugh, a little movement, and a lot of kindness—and that’s exactly the energy I bring into our classroom.
![TAYLOR_STAAS_-_2nd_Grade Card Icon]()
TAYLOR STAAS - 2nd Grade Top of Page
Hello! My name is Taylor Staas I am the second grade teacher at Pleasant Grove School. Although I was born and raised in the small town of Wheatland, I spent a good amount of my childhood in Nicolaus because my father was a farmer in the area. I grew up attending the Nicolaus Labor Day Parade and it has become a family tradition. I received my Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies at CSU Chico as well as my multiple subject credential. This will be my seventh year teaching with a variety of experience teaching students as young as 1st grade all the way up to 8th grade. I'm excited to be a part of the team and looking forward to being a Panther.
![Johanna_Twidale_-_3RD_&_4th_grade Card Icon]()
Johanna Twidale - 3RD & 4th gradeTop of Page
As a 3rd generation resident of Pleasant Grove, I am excited to return to Pleasant Grove School as the 3rd/4th grade teacher. This school holds a special place in my heart as it was the teachers I had here that inspired me to become an educator. Previously, I taught 7th and 8th grade at a small rural school. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Environmental Education as well as my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Sonoma State University. I am married and the proud mother of 2 daughters and one son, two of which are students here at Pleasant Grove School. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family, adventuring outdoors, scrapbooking, reading, gardening, and pretty much anything to do with sports.
![Dustin_Ballard_-_5th_grade Card Icon]()
Dustin Ballard - 5th gradeTop of Page
I am honored to be joining the team at Pleasant Grove School, I aspire to continue growing as a quality educator and a supportive colleague. Born and raised in the Sierra Foothills, I began tutoring and assisting my peers from an early age. Having had the privilege to learn from many great educators, it is my goal to pay it forward and help create lifelong learners. I am one of many family members to graduate from Del Oro High School, where I went on to complete my undergraduate studies at Arizona State University and receive a graduate degree from Western Governors University. Throughout my educational career I have been involved in leadership roles, sports, and work in the community. I enjoy coaching, playing games, and the occasional road trip. I like many kinds of music, my favorite genre to read is historical fiction, and my favorite sport is rugby. I hope my experiences and love for learning will inspire the wonderful students of Pleasant Grove to become influential leaders and citizens of the world. Go Panthers!
![Nathan_Beilby_-_6th_grade Card Icon]()
Nathan Beilby - 6th gradeTop of Page
I am extremely excited to begin my career in education at Pleasant Grove School teaching 6th grade. I received my Bachelors in Engineering at Humboldt State and recently received my Master's in Education. I grew up in Greenwood, CA and attended a K-8 school allowing me to experience the unique and nurturing atmosphere and appreciate the opportunity to educate others in the same environment. Teaching runs in my family with my Mom, Uncle and Grandmother and my extensive background in math makes 6th grade the perfect place for me.
I live in Roseville, CA with my wife and 4 year old son. I also have a 19 year old stepdaughter who also lives in Roseville. In my free time I like to take ride bikes with my family, golf, go to the beach and watch 49ers and the Giants games. I look forward to an amazing year and look forward to building relationships with the students, staff and the community.
![josh_eck_-_8TH_Grade Card Icon]()
josh eck - 8TH Grade Top of Page
I am excited to be teaching 8th grade at Pleasant Grove School. I attended Pleasant Grove as a first grader in 1984 and I am honored to now return as an educator. I earned my degree from Chapman University and have worked in education for over 15 years. My goal is to create a classroom environment that supports the development of global citizens, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners.
I live here in Pleasant Grove with my wife and two children. In my free time, I enjoy rug tufting, music production, and gelli printing. I’m passionate about creativity and love finding ways to bring that energy into the classroom. I’m looking forward to a great year and am excited to build strong relationships with students, staff, and the community.