Meet Our Teachers
Pleasant Grove School has nine 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!)
![Elizabeth_Sullivan_-_1st_&_2nd_grade Card Icon]()
Elizabeth Sullivan - 1st & 2nd gradeTop of Page
I am beyond excited to be teaching first grade at Pleasant Grove School. In first and second grade every day will bring new experiences and new learning. First and second graders are such adventurous sponges soaking up everything and I love being a part of the process. I received my Bachelors of Science from U.C. Davis in Agricultural Science and Management/Animal Science. My teaching credential is from San Jose State University. I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades as well as worked one on one with special education students at a variety of schools from inner city schools to big suburban schools to small rural schools such as this in Gilroy, California. I live in Roseville with my husband, four kids, two dogs, and two cats. In my spare time I like to read, scrapbook, hike, camp, garden, play floor hockey, and watch my children's athletic events. I really feel like I have found my home here at Pleasant Grove. It is such a supportive and nurturing place to teach and learn. We're off on another adventure…
COMING SOON! ![Johanna_Twidale_-_4th_grade Card Icon]()
Johanna Twidale - 4th gradeTop of Page
As a 3rd generation resident of Pleasant Grove, I am excited to return to Pleasant Grove Elementary as the 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, one of which is a student here at Pleasant Grove Elementary. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family, adventuring outdoors, scrapbooking, reading, gardening, and pretty much anything to do with sports.
![Jack_kraemer_-_5th_Grade Card Icon]()
Jack kraemer - 5th Grade Top of Page
I am pleased and ecstatic to be part of the Pleasant Grove School team in my return as a classroom teacher after concluding nine years in school site and district administration. Prior to my roles in administration, I taught nine years in elementary school which started with six years in 6th grade, a year in 3rd, and two years in 5th. The Superintendent/Principal, teachers, staff, students, and families have been terrific in my transition back to the classroom as our school's 5th grade teacher. Not only am I happy to be back in the classroom working again with students, I feel very fortunate to specifically be at Pleasant Grove School.
Outside of school, I have a daughter in her sophomore year at Arizona State University. I also have a son that is a high school junior in Roseville where we both reside. I enjoy hiking, being active, traveling, and experiencing wide varieties of new adventures.
I look forward to many years of providing world class education to our students and serving the families of Pleasant Grove School.
jackk@sutter.k12.ca.us![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.
Nathanb@sutter.k12.ca.us
Bio coming soon!!!![Dustin_Ballard_-_8th_grade Card Icon]()
Dustin Ballard - 8th gradeTop of Page
Honored to be joining the team at Pleasant Grove Elementary, 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!