It is my belief that in order to build a strong classroom community for students and families, it is important for everyone to get to know the teacher that will be working with your children. My name is JoAnna Gorkaya, and I will be your student's teacher this year in fifth grade! I grew up here in Parker, and am so happy that I get to raise my family here, too. I graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in English and Elementary Education. I have been at Prairie Crossing for 10 years and have taught both third and fourth grades as well. My passion is with reading, and I am so excited to be able to share that passion with the class this year as we explore a variety of genres and authors in our reading groups as well as in our read alouds!
Along with being a teacher, I am a wife and a mommy. My husband, Max, and I have a daughter named Mila and a son named Ryder. Being a parent has brought so much joy to my life. I love watching them grow, learn, and develop into themselves. Mila is a spitfire and is constantly making me laugh with her wise beyond her years phrases. She is an observer, and takes a lot of the world in through watching people and life happen around her. Ryder has been the perfect piece to complete our family. He is contagiously happy, and always has a smile on his face.